Over the weekend there was a constant rattle coming from the cargo area of the Fit. I couldn't tell if it was coming from the hatch door or cargo floor panel (which you can lift to access the spare). Either way it was annoying to hear it's constant chattering.
But then on Sunday I noticed the "open door" warning light had come on. I opened and slammed every door, including the hatch, more than once to see if that fixed it. The light stayed on. My suspicion is that the hatch door has a bad latch. I could be wrong, but to have both the noise and the warning light points me in that direction.
To add insult to injury, the lock button on the key fob doesn't function. Unlock works just fine, but to lock it you have to do it the old fashioned way: twisting the key in the door.
Looks like we'll be bringing it in a little early for service, we'll let you know what we find out.
Scott Jacobs, Senior Photographer @ 8,943 miles
cobryson says:
10:47 AM, 07/14/09
Just a heads up...my Pilot won't lock with the remote when a door is ajar-basically it won't let you walk thinking you've locked the car when a door isn't shut. So, the problems are related.
fuhteng says:
10:51 AM, 07/14/09
And this should put the nail in the coffin of the irritating "American cars are crap!" rant. The 1 starts when it wants to, the Audis have problems with steering and a window, the 370Z is a rock right now, the GT-R has been a fiasco, the CTS rattled and squeaked, the G8s compass got stuck, and the ever reliable Honda Fit has problems too.
So, on to discussing something else. Like how cool the little Fit is! I think my Mom would have loved it, but for how low it is (bad knees at 60, so she got a minivan).
eidolways says:
10:51 AM, 07/14/09
cobryson: Does the car show some sort of outward warning sign when that's the case? For instance, my Mazda6 would audibly lock (the locking mechanisms actuated), but it wouldn't honk or blink the lights to confirm the car was locked until the door was shut. It did this even for the trunk. My G8 honks the horn multiple times to let me know a door is still open, though it doesn't do it if the trunk is open...
dougtheeng says:
10:57 AM, 07/14/09
Unacceptable.
rlg86 says:
11:01 AM, 07/14/09
@fuhteng
I agree. But then half the IL staff (Riswick & Oldham mostly, sometimes McGrath) wouldn't have anything to write about, other than another useless BMW post.
The Fit is kinda cool, in an oddball way. Much better than an xB, Cube, Soul, etc., IMHO.
1487 says:
11:07 AM, 07/14/09
Agreed.
bodyblue says:
11:08 AM, 07/14/09
Follows in the tradition of the last IL Fit....when the tranny crapped out......what quality.
dougtheeng says:
11:35 AM, 07/14/09
"The Fit is kinda cool, in an oddball way. Much better than an xB, Cube, Soul, etc., IMHO."
I'll only comment on this since I am the new owner of a Soul. The Soul is a larger vehicle with a better warranty. It has a great list of standard features that make its starting price seem quite reasonable. The Fit starts cheap but to get some of the standard features on my Kia Soul model, you're adding a lot of cost - USB, Aux, Bluetooth, 16" alloys, etc.
When I price out a similarly optioned Fit, it costs quite a bit more then my Soul. Other then fuel efficiency, I don't think the Fit is a better vehicle in any way.
dougtheeng says:
11:35 AM, 07/14/09
Plus, the Fit has a hideous interior. The Soul has a hard plastic interior, but it is tasteful and well put together.
cobryson says:
11:38 AM, 07/14/09
eidolways: I'm not 100% sure...it's not here for me to test it at the moment, but I believe it might cycle the locks once. Though, I'm pretty sure it just does nothing (no blinkink lights like when it normally locks), so you know something is wrong and walk back to the car. Not a big deal I guess.
crystalfivemt says:
11:51 AM, 07/14/09
"The Soul is a larger vehicle with a better warranty."...larger on the outside, but smaller in the inside than the Fit.
dougtheeng says:
11:57 AM, 07/14/09
"...larger on the outside, but smaller in the inside than the Fit."
Depends what you're putting in it I guess. I know from reading dimensions that the vehicles are similar in size and I'm guessing the cargo capacity between the two is very very similar.
It doesn't have the versatile second row seats like the fit, but its still a 60/40 split. I can fit 5 full sized adults in my car, and I can sit behind myself - I'm 6'2". I cannot do that in the Fit.
dougtheeng says:
12:00 PM, 07/14/09
From more closely examining the numbers, the fit has a longer trunk space but doesn't have as much space for passengers. When you fold the Soul's seats down, its likely more versatile for big cargo.
2010 Kia Soul
headroom front (in) 40.2
headroom rear (in) 39.6
hip room front (in) 53.3
hip room rear (in) 52.7
leg room front (in) 42.1
leg room rear (in) 39.0
shoulder room front (in)55.2
shoulder room rear (in) 55.1
2009 Honda Fit
headroom front (in) 40.4
headroom rear (in) 39.0
hip room front (in) 51.5
hip room rear (in) 51.3
leg room front (in) 41.3
leg room rear (in) 35.0
shoulder room front (in)52.7
shoulder room rear (in) 51.3
indy_mistert says:
12:10 PM, 07/14/09
that sucks, I'm sorry to hear it - will be curious to see what they find.
re: the locks, doesnt sound quite like what happened with my 03 Civic Si... but my drivers side door lock actuator went out after 6.5yrs/60k miles.
For fear of rattles more than the $200ish bucks, I dont think I'm going to have the door taken apart to replace it.
stovt001 says:
12:42 PM, 07/14/09
"The Fit is kinda cool, in an oddball way. Much better than an xB, Cube, Soul, etc., IMHO." Despite the problems IL has had with both their Fits, I still like them. I also am starting to like the Soul. The interior wasn't impressive, but the styling is pretty good and the car as a whole seems pretty good.
huisj says:
01:21 PM, 07/14/09
The way the Fit's seat folds down is exactly what makes it so versatile for big cargo. It's tremendously large for such a small vehicle. The Soul is larger, and while the seats did fold down pretty nicely, it didn't seem as cavernous for some reason. With the seats up, the Fit trunk seemed a little wider too because of how it is carved out around the wheel wells more. With the better mileage and more fun to drive personality, the Fit can compare quite favorably with the Soul.
As for the "USB, Aux, Bluetooth, 16" alloys", all of those except Bluetooth are standard on the Fit Sport, which is what most of the ones people get are anyway.
I'm 6'3". I can sit behind myself just fine in a Fit.
I'm not trying to rip on the Soul (reading over what I wrote I kind of realize it sounds like I am). I think it's a tremendously cool car and I'm surprised by it. I do think saying that it's all around better than the Fit in so many different ways is a complete stretch.
As for the Fit fob lock problem, yes, if a door isn't shut, the key fob won't lock them. The lock button on the drivers door still should though. That's not exactly the same as the "dreaded" turn-the-key-in-the-hole description.
stephen987 says:
02:18 PM, 07/14/09
Dougtheeng, have you had a chance to take the Soul out on the road for an extended trip yet? I'm deciding between Soul and Fit right now myself, so I'd be very interested to know more about your experience with the Soul.
joefrompa says:
02:44 PM, 07/14/09
Sounds like a faulty sensor on the trunk locking mechanism, or similar. Since obviously the trunk is shut.
Sounds to me like it's one problem that's created 3 symptoms: rattle, idiot light, non-working remote key lock.
Not exactly a huge deal IMHO, but not something that you just wait till the next oil change either.
zoomzoom22 says:
03:16 PM, 07/14/09
I'm pretty sure the lock function on the key fob isn't broken; it just won't lock because there is a 'door open'. My Mazda does the same thing....if there is a door open, the lights won't flash when I lock it, and the doors don't lock. It is a nice feature.
billt9 says:
04:37 PM, 07/14/09
Japanese cars are the worst. That's why I like the Kia Amanti. Reliable Korean engineering.
1487 says:
07:02 AM, 07/15/09
"Plus, the Fit has a hideous interior. The Soul has a hard plastic interior, but it is tasteful and well put together. "
Agreed. Fits interior is terrible but the media is afraid to say so. If the same interior was in a Chevy they would have a field day.
dougtheeng says:
07:20 AM, 07/15/09
huisj: fair enough, I didn't feel like you were ripping. I just wanted to clarify some of the benefits of the Soul. I don't know about the US pricing, but the Fit Sport in Canada starts a couple thousand more then my Soul did, so I didn't see the cost-benefits of the Fit.
stephen987: I've done an hour hour trip from my place, across the US border and into Buffalo. This is the longest I've been in it at one time. My impressions are generally good.
-I have the 2.0L engine, which gave me 28mpg on my last tank (70% highway)- however, I've notice that each tank has been steadily improving since I got the vehicle.
-The engine feels like its working a little hard at highway speeds (120-130 km/h)- this is likely a combination of the size of the vehicle and the lack of a 6th gear (I have the 5MT). Its not a rocket ship of a vehicle, but then again I'm not looking for a car to do burnouts and peel out.
-I think for its size, it handles well. I'm coming from a MINI so maybe I'm not good to judge vehicles of this size. I feel confidence for quick turns, lane changes, etc. It does not drive large, even though the internal room is massive. The suspension seems fairly stiff. I drive over a construction site every day and its fairly rough, but I think this helps its 'road character' when on asphalt.
- The rear cargo area is great. I can fit all my misc. stuff below the floor (ie my snow brush, car care products, first aid kit, etc) leaving the hatch area free most of the time. I have to put a seat down to fit in my clubs, as they will not fit in width wise.
- No rattles, scratches, etc so far. I have a titanium Soul and it does a great job hiding dirt.
- I've had one person ask me about the car at a gas station. He had a generally positive view on the vehicle even before I told him about it.
- I've had a number of people say to me "YOU TRADED YOUR MINI FOR A ....KIA?". When I explain my logic to them (cheaper monthly costs, cheaper insurance, not dealing with BMW prices for services, etc) they seem to agree but aren't all able to get past the KIA badge. Most people who sit in it are extremely surprised by how big it is on the inside, especially for passengers.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have some specific things I can comment on.
dougtheeng says:
07:22 AM, 07/15/09
stephen987: one more thing. As you read above no doubt, a big draw for the Soul (imo) was the standard options at a cheaper price then something like the Fit or Versa. I also love how unique the Soul is, compared to the strange/ugly but ubiquitous Fit. I'm a big fan of the Soul's interior layout, but I am really not sure I could look at the inside of a Fit and feel happy with my purchase.
bennetpullen says:
11:10 AM, 07/15/09
I am a huge Fit fan but I have to agree with the comments about the interior. I had an 07 fit till some idiot totaled it. I got another car but decided to take a look at the 09s when they came out. I couldn't handle the interior. It felt so cheep and gaudy and ugly compared to my 07s I couldn't believe it.
hondafit07 says:
03:22 PM, 07/29/09
Has anyone had problems with locks or locking systems in their Honda Fits? Especially on the 2007 base models? I have a 2007 base Honda Fit and have had trouble with the driver's side lock for about a year. My key became STUCK in the driver's side lock in the locked position. I drove the car to Honda where they were able to get the key out of the door, but the lock is broken. A new lock is $600. The passenger side lock is now starting to act funny. I called Honda Corporation and they were unwilling to help me with this problem. They said that since the base model does not come with an unlocking device, only a key, that the lock wears out faster. I really do expect that a lock and key would last longer than this!!! Also, a replacement key for a Fit is $107!
k_and_t says:
12:34 PM, 08/21/09
WE have been incredibly happy with our 2007 base model Fit. We've put almost 50,000 miles on it, mostly city driving and some long trips. It's been great. BUT, just yesterday I left work and went to unlock the car and sure enough, my driver's side front door lock doesn't work. When the key will go in at all, it won't turn, and sometimes now it grabs it halfway in and won't seem to let go! I took it to a local lock shop and they said that the lock is wearing out so the key is not catching right on the grooves and it will need to be replaced. On a car that's not even 4 years old (bought it in summer of 2006)yet?? I'm not happy with that at all.
ramo says:
08:49 AM, 09/27/09
I have the same driver's door lock problem. The service around that problem has been problematic also. In 3 times for repairs, still not fixed, and I have been charged several hundred dollars for the privilege of inconvenience. I am now waiting for the lock cylinder to arrive and a fourth go round. I am thinking of trading my 2007 Fit LX for a Nissan Versa, something with a nicer interior and hopefully, better durability.
tabo01 says:
05:55 PM, 09/ 3/10
mine just went in the shop. The car alarm kept going off, so I took it to the dealer. warranty
ran out in april... almost 36000 miles. the inside door lock does not work. and as I drive,
the locks keep making sounds. Not happy. great car to this point, but problems at 3 years, I expect better from a honda. I mean, I could not leave it in the driveway with the car alarm going off
every 2 minutes. stops when I lock and unlock the doors. Of course, drag it to the dealer, and it remains silent,.
lb7 says:
04:21 AM, 06/ 1/11
My 2007 Honda Fit, base model also has a problem with the drivers side door lock. First it started jamming the key and I thought that it just needed lubrication but the problem has persisted and yesterday the key stuck in the lock and was very difficult to remove. The lock is now useless and I assume that this must be a known defect since so many other owners have had the same problem.
lb7 says:
04:22 AM, 06/ 1/11
My 2007 Honda Fit, base model also has a problem with the drivers side door lock. First it started jamming the key and I thought that it just needed lubrication but the problem has persisted and yesterday the key stuck in the lock and was very difficult to remove. The lock is now useless and I assume that this must be a known defect since so many other owners have had the same problem.