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Buying guide

Honda Fit GK (2013 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Honda Fit GK was built from 2013 to 2020 as a hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or hybrid power. Chassis codes: GK3, GK5 and GP5. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2013 to 2020
Chassis codes
GK3, GK5, GP5
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Honda Fit and Jazz GK (2013 to 2020). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. VTC actuator rattle

    A faulty VTC actuator on the camshaft makes a rattle of about 2 seconds on a cold start, and Honda issued a service bulletin to replace it.

    Where to look
    The VTC actuator on the end of the camshaft at the timing chain end of the engine
    How to test
    Start the engine from cold and listen for a short rattle. Ask whether the actuator has been replaced.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost several hundred for the actuator

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Misfires and intake valve carbon

    Misfires, often with several warning lights, can trace to plugs, coils, injectors or carbon on the intake valves, and Honda has a bulletin for cleaning the intake ports.

    Where to look
    The coil packs and injectors, and the engine warning light
    How to test
    Feel for misfires on the drive and ask for a fault code scan.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost plugs, coils or an intake clean

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. CVT noise (early cars)

    Owners reported CVT problems on early cars, so listen for whine or hum.

    Where to look
    The CVT, heard and felt from the driver seat
    How to test
    Accelerate gently and firmly and listen for whine or humming; it should be smooth and quiet.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost CVT repair

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Start stop switch and starter motor

    Failure to start can come from the start stop switch or the starter motor.

    Where to look
    The push start button and the starter motor
    How to test
    Start the car several times and check it cranks promptly each time.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a switch or starter

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Instrument cluster display

    Intermittent faults with the right side of the instrument cluster display are reported.

    Where to look
    The right side of the instrument cluster
    How to test
    Check every part of the cluster display lights up and stays on during the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a cluster repair

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. 12 volt battery

    The small 12 volt battery can fail early and cause electrical faults.

    Where to look
    The 12 volt battery under the bonnet
    How to test
    Ask when the battery was replaced and check the car starts cleanly.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a new battery

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  7. Security on base models

    The base model has only an immobiliser and no alarm.

    Where to look
    The trim level and alarm
    How to test
    Check which trim it is and whether an alarm is fitted, and get an insurance quote.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost an aftermarket alarm if needed

    Sources: autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 1.3 or 1.5, and CVT or manual?
  • Does it rattle briefly on a cold start?
  • Has the VTC actuator been replaced?
  • Has the 12 volt battery been replaced?

New Zealand notes

  • Many NZ GK Fits are Japanese imports. The Fit Hybrid with its 7 speed dual clutch is not covered here.

A GK Fit suits a buyer who wants a small, very practical hatch and checks the cold start and CVT.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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