How long can a Honda Fit run on empty?

On a typical Honda Fit, when the low-fuel warning activates you generally have about 2 gallons of fuel left, which translates to roughly 60–100 miles depending on driving conditions. A full tank is usually around 11.3–11.9 gallons, giving an approximate overall range of 400–470 miles with EPA-style fuel economy. Note that exact figures vary by model year, market and driving style.

The Honda Fit’s fuel system and performance vary slightly by year and market, and the car was discontinued in the United States after the 2019 model year (continuing in some other markets as the Jazz). This article explains tank size, typical range, what to expect after the warning light, and practical tips to maximize mileage.

Fuel tank size and potential range

Understanding the tank size and the car’s efficiency helps estimate how far you can travel on a full tank or after the low-fuel warning. Honda Fit models typically carry a fuel tank capacity around 11.3–11.9 gallons, depending on year and market. Fuel economy for the Fit varies by year and trim, but CVT-equipped models commonly achieve about 34–40 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving, with highway mpg near 40 and city mpg in the low- to mid-30s.

Estimated range on a full tank

Note: the numbers below are approximate and depend on the engine, transmission, tires and driving style.

• Tank capacity: about 11.3–11.9 gallons depending on year and market.


• Typical combined fuel economy: roughly 34–36 mpg, with highway around 40 mpg and city in the low-to-mid 30s.


• Estimated range on a full tank: roughly 380–470 miles depending on conditions (e.g., 11.3 gal × 34 mpg ≈ 384 miles; 11.9 gal × 40 mpg ≈ 476 miles).

In practical terms, if you drive mostly highway on a given day and your Fit gets 40 mpg, you might approach about 476 miles on a full tank; in urban driving with mpg closer to 32–34, the range could drop to around 380–408 miles. The exact number varies with year, trim, and load.

Now a brief note on the "empty" indication: the gauge typically triggers the light before the tank is truly empty, leaving a buffer of remaining fuel. The engine can continue to run as long as fuel remains in the tank, but range can vary widely with conditions such as speed, acceleration and terrain.

What to expect after the low-fuel warning

Most Honda Fits display a low-fuel warning with roughly 2 gallons left, though this can vary. The following ranges illustrate what you might expect once the light comes on, based on typical efficiency.

• With about 2 gallons left and 36 mpg combined: roughly 72 miles of remaining range.


• With about 2.5 gallons left and 36–40 mpg: roughly 90–100 miles.


• With 3 gallons left: roughly 108–120 miles if conditions are favorable.

Keep in mind that heavy acceleration, hills, air conditioning use, and high speeds, as well as luggage and roof racks, can lower real-world range. It’s wise to refuel before you’re truly stranded, especially in unfamiliar areas or where fuel options are sparse.

Safety, maintenance, and best practices

Avoid letting the tank run completely dry on a regular basis. Debris at the bottom of the fuel tank can be drawn into the fuel system, and the fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling. Consistently filling up around the same level, or refueling before the tank is near empty, helps maintain engine reliability. If you drive long distances frequently, plan fuel stops and keep a small fuel budget in mind.

In addition, ensuring you’re using the correct octane recommended in your owner’s manual helps with performance and efficiency; newer Fits typically require regular unleaded gasoline. Engine management and fuel-injection systems will adapt to a wide range of driving conditions, but staying above empty reduces the risk of fuel starvation and potential long-term damage.

Practical tips for maximizing range

Before the list: Here are several practical steps to squeeze more miles out of a tank and avoid getting stranded.

• Drive at steady speeds and avoid aggressive acceleration; use cruise control on highways when safe.


• Keep tires properly inflated; underinflated tires lower fuel efficiency.


• Limit use of air conditioning and other power-hungry accessories on long trips.


• Plan trips to minimize stop-and-go driving when possible.


• Know where fuel stations are along your route in case you need to refuel sooner than expected.

These practices can help maximize range, improve fuel economy, and reduce the chance of running out of gas in inconvenient places.

Summary

The Honda Fit typically carries about an 11.3–11.9 gallon fuel tank, with a combined fuel economy that generally yields a full-tank range of roughly 380–470 miles, depending on year, market and driving conditions. The low-fuel warning usually engages with about 2 gallons left, offering approximately 60–100 miles of additional driving under normal conditions. While it’s technically possible to push toward empty in a pinch, regular fuel-saving and refueling before you’re truly low helps protect the fuel system and avoids getting stranded. For long trips or uncertain routes, plan fuel stops in advance and drive with a mindset toward efficient, steady cruising.

Note: If you’re using a Honda Fit in markets where the car is marketed as the Jazz, exact tank size and MPG figures may vary slightly, but the overall guidance remains similar. The essential takeaway is to treat the low-fuel indicator as a buffer, not a challenge to see how far you can go.

What is the weakness of Honda Fit?

Some Honda Fit vehicles tend to develop driveability issues as early as 50,000 miles due to ignition coil failure. This is a widely reported problem for the 2007 to 2016 model years. Ignition coil failure typically causes issues like loss of power, engine stalling, and stuttering at high speeds.

How many miles are left when the fuel light comes on a Honda Fit?

When the gas light comes on in a Honda Fit, you have approximately 30-50 miles of range left, though this can vary by model, driving conditions, and how much fuel was left when the light initially triggered. A common estimate is that the light comes on when you have 10-15% of the tank (around 1.8 gallons) remaining. To get a more personalized estimate, multiply your average miles per gallon (MPG) by the remaining gallons. 
Calculating your remaining miles

• Use your MPG: A good way to estimate is to multiply your typical MPG by the remaining fuel. For example, if your MPG is 353535 and you have about 1.81.81.8 gallons left, you have roughly 636363 miles before empty (35×1.8=6335 cross 1.8 equals 6335×1.8=63). 
• Use your trip meter: Some owners track the distance driven from a full tank until the light comes on and use that as a rough guide for future empty tanks, says a Reddit post. 
• Use the digital fuel gauge: Some newer models have a digital gauge that can show the exact range remaining, according to Reddit users. 

Important considerations

• Don't wait too long: Regularly driving with the low fuel light on can damage your fuel pump, as it may start to suck in air and debris from the bottom of the tank.
• Refuel at a quarter tank: To avoid the risk of damage and running out of gas, it's best to refuel when your tank is about a quarter full. 

How many miles can you go on 0 miles to empty?

You can typically drive 30 to 50 miles after the "0 miles to empty" warning, but this can vary significantly by vehicle and driving conditions. While some cars might go further, it is best to assume the lower end of the estimate and refuel as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your fuel pump and being stranded. 
Factors that influence how far you can go

• Vehicle model: The actual reserve fuel varies by make and model. Larger vehicles may have a larger reserve, potentially allowing for up to 75 miles or more. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and braking will deplete the remaining fuel faster than smooth, consistent driving. 
• Driving conditions: City driving uses more fuel than highway driving. However, if you are running on reserve, it is generally recommended to use your most fuel-efficient driving style to maximize the distance. 
• Vehicle maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will be more fuel-efficient and the fuel pump will operate more effectively.

Risks of driving on empty

• Fuel pump damage: The fuel pump can overheat and become damaged if it is not submerged in fuel, which can force it to suck air and debris from the bottom of the tank. 
• Inconvenience: You could be stranded in a dangerous or inconvenient location, such as the side of a highway. 
• Cost: Replacing a damaged fuel pump can be expensive, and being inconvenienced by running out of gas can lead to other costs like towing or late fees. 

What to do when you see "0 miles to empty"

1. Find the nearest gas station immediately. Use your GPS or look for signs. 
2. Drive calmly. Avoid hard acceleration and braking to conserve as much fuel as possible. 
3. Avoid non-essential accessories. Turn off the radio, air conditioning, and other accessories to reduce the load on the engine. 
4. Don't wait. Do not put off refueling. It's never a good idea to test the limits of your fuel tank, as you could damage your car or be stranded. 

How long can a Honda drive on empty?

It's always good to err on the side of caution and stop as soon as you are concerned. For instance, if the mileage is showing 50 miles until empty, you should plan to stop within 25 miles. If you see it is showing 30 miles until empty, stop within five miles.