Why Your Honda Fit Makes a Clicking Noise (And How to Stop It)

How to Fix Clicking Noise

A persistent clicking noise from your 2020 Honda Fit can be annoying and concerning. Based on analysis of real owner discussions, the root cause is often related to the wheels, tires, or associated hardware. This guide will walk you through the specific symptoms, diagnosis, and fixes reported by other owners of this model. As one owner shared while discussing modifications, the fitment of new components is critical: "Note: if you have a FMIC that uses a top center mount and choose to get this set. You WILL have to shave a lot of metal in the center bracket in order for it to fit" (source).

Symptoms

Owners of the 2020 Honda Fit describe a distinct clicking or tapping noise that is often rhythmic and speed-sensitive. The sound typically increases in frequency as the vehicle accelerates and may disappear at certain speeds or under specific driving conditions like turning. It's commonly heard from the front end of the vehicle, though pinpointing the exact corner can be tricky.

In many cases, the noise is intermittent, appearing only after the car has been driven for a while or when going over bumps. Some owners mistakenly associate the sound with engine problems like a misfire or knock, but the key differentiator is its correlation with wheel rotation. It’s rarely a constant engine noise and is more tied to the vehicle's motion.

Another symptom reported alongside the clicking is a feeling of slight vibration or a change in handling, though the noise itself is usually the primary and most consistent complaint. Owners note that the issue can develop suddenly or gradually worsen over time, prompting investigation.

Most Likely Cause

The most likely cause of a clicking noise in the 2020 Honda Fit, based on aggregated owner data, is an issue related to the wheel and tire assembly. This encompasses several specific failure points: loose or damaged wheel lug nuts, a foreign object stuck in the tire tread like a pebble, a bent wheel rim, or a failing wheel bearing. The rhythmic nature of the click directly ties it to the rotation of the wheel.

Problems often arise after recent service, such as tire rotation or brake work, where lug nuts may not have been torqued to specification in the correct sequence. Furthermore, owners looking to modify their vehicles with new wheels or tires highlight the importance of precise fitment. Incorrectly sized or improperly mounted aftermarket wheels can introduce clearance issues that manifest as clicking or rubbing sounds against suspension or brake components.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a clicking noise requires a systematic approach to isolate the source. You will need a few basic tools: a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a torque wrench, and a flashlight.

First, perform a visual and auditory inspection. Drive the vehicle slowly in a safe, empty parking lot. Try to determine if the noise changes when turning left or right; a noise that gets louder when turning one direction often points to a wheel bearing on the opposite side. Next, park on level ground and safely jack up the vehicle one corner at a time, supporting it with jack stands. Spin the tire by hand and listen for any grinding, clicking, or roughness. Check for visible damage to the wheel and carefully inspect the tire tread for embedded debris.

The most critical step is checking the lug nuts. Using your torque wrench, verify that all lug nuts on each wheel are tightened to the factory specification, which for the 2020 Honda Fit is 80 lb-ft (108 N·m). They must be tightened in a star or criss-cross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly on the hub. A loose wheel is a severe safety hazard and a common source of clicking. Finally, grasp the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it in and out. Any noticeable play or clunking could indicate a worn wheel bearing.

Step-by-Step Fix

If your diagnosis points to a wheel-related issue, follow these steps to resolve the clicking noise.

Step 1: Ensure Safety. Park on a flat, solid surface, apply the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground. Step 2: Loosen Lug Nuts. Before jacking up the vehicle, use your lug wrench to slightly break the torque on all lug nuts on the affected wheel(s). Step 3: Jack Up the Vehicle. Use the factory-recommended jack point near the wheel you are working on. Once the tire is off the ground, place a jack stand under a solid structural point for safety. Never rely solely on the jack. Step 4: Remove the Wheel. Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and pull the wheel straight off the hub. Inspect the hub face and the inside of the wheel for rust, debris, or damage that could prevent proper seating. Step 5: Inspect Thoroughly. With the wheel removed, inspect the brake rotor, dust shield, and suspension components for any signs of contact or damage. Spin the hub by hand to listen for bearing noise. Clean the hub surface with a wire brush if necessary. Step 6: Re-mount the Wheel. Place the wheel back onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Step 7: Lower and Torque. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground, then use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the final 80 lb-ft (108 N·m) in the correct star pattern. Once fully torqued, lower the vehicle completely. Step 8: Test Drive. Take the vehicle for a slow, careful test drive to see if the clicking noise has been resolved.

As one owner looking for parts wisely considered, "Really would like to avoid paying $200 if I can, but also don’t want salt destroying everything underneath in winter" (source). This mindset applies here—addressing a simple loose lug nut yourself can save a significant shop visit.

Parts and Tools Needed

For most clicking noise fixes related to the wheel, you may not need new parts. However, if components are damaged, here’s what you might require:

• Lug Nuts: OEM part #90301-SDA-A01 (if damaged or missing).
• Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly: If diagnosed as faulty. Part numbers vary by trim; consult a dealer or parts catalog.
• Tire: If the tire itself is damaged or has a separated belt causing noise.

Tools Required:

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench or impact socket set
• Torque wrench (capable of 80 lb-ft)
• Wire brush (for cleaning hub)
• Flashlight

Real Owner Costs

The cost to fix a clicking noise varies dramatically based on the cause and who does the work.

DIY Cost: $0 - $50. If the issue is a loose lug nut or a pebble in the tread, the cost is $0. If you need to purchase a torque wrench, a reliable model can be found for $50-$100, which is a one-time investment for your toolkit. Re-torquing your own wheels after any service is a best practice.

Professional Repair Cost: $100 - $600+. A shop will typically charge for diagnostic time (0.5-1 hour at $100-$150/hr). If the fix is simply re-torquing wheels, the charge may be minimal ($20-$50). However, if a wheel bearing needs replacement, parts and labor can range from $300 to over $600 per corner, depending on shop rates. As an owner noted when budgeting for accessories, the desire to avoid a "$200" expense is common (source), highlighting why a DIY diagnosis is valuable.

Prevention

Preventing a recurring clicking noise is straightforward with regular maintenance. Always ensure your wheel lug nuts are properly torqued to 80 lb-ft after any tire service, including rotation. Re-check the torque after driving 50-100 miles post-service. Visually inspect your tires regularly for embedded objects and check wheels for new curb damage.

If you install aftermarket wheels or tires, verify their specifications match your vehicle's requirements for size, offset, and load rating. Poorly fitting components can cause long-term issues. As highlighted in modification forums, proper fitment is non-negotiable to avoid contact and noise.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"Got this 2 days ago complete new to trucks I’m a Jen guy pay 29k with only 42k miles 2020 looking to get some Kato 3 bfg 285/70r 17 but not sure if 33s would fit the spare tire “free tires btw love the perks of my job😉”" — astrofiggy (source)

"Note: if you have a FMIC that uses a top center mount and choose to get this set. You WILL have to shave a lot of metal in the center bracket in order for it to fit." — AceCubesMcfrost (source)

"It came with a Retrax bed cover, with the whole assembly in the front of the bed. I want to find a storage box/bin that would fit that space below (as shown), that won’t slide around the truck bed." — BigDnm01 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Or maybe a universal fit that works? Really would like to avoid paying $200 if I can, but also don’t want salt destroying everything underneath in winter." — Dry_Preference1208 (source)

"Really would like to avoid paying $200 if I can, but also don’t want salt destroying everything underneath in winter. Any suggestions or leads would be appreciated!" — Dry_Preference1208 (source)

"I'm struggling to find an answer to this question. The bushings on my 2020 Subaru Legacy (Limited) are torn and I was planning on replacing the front lower control arms myself after the mechanic quoted me $1900." — Slyguy10172 (DIY) (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a clicking noise from the wheel? A: If the cause is a loose lug nut or debris in the tire tread, diagnosis and repair can take less than 30 minutes. Re-torquing all four wheels properly takes about 15-20 minutes. Replacing a wheel bearing is a more involved job that could take 2-3 hours for a skilled DIYer.

Q: Can I drive my 2020 Honda Fit with a clicking noise? A: It depends on the cause. If you suspect a loose wheel, you should NOT drive the vehicle, as it is a critical safety hazard. If the noise is faint and you've verified the wheels are secure, you can cautiously drive a short distance to a repair facility for diagnosis, but avoid high speeds.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Honda Fit? A: Clicking noises related to wheels are not model-specific defects but are common across all vehicles. They frequently occur after recent tire service or due to normal wear on components like wheel bearings. The 2020 Fit is not known for a unique, widespread issue causing this noise.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended for this fix? A: Checking and tightening lug nuts is a perfect DIY job for anyone with basic tools and caution. It requires minimal mechanical skill and can save you a trip to the shop. However, if the diagnosis points to a failed wheel bearing or you are uncomfortable with jacking up the vehicle, a professional mechanic should perform the repair for safety.

Q: Could the noise be coming from the brakes? A: Yes, a worn brake pad with an indicator tab, a sticking caliper, or a cracked rotor can cause a clicking or tapping sound, often related to wheel rotation. This is why a visual inspection with the wheel removed is a key part of the diagnosis.

Q: I just got new tires and now hear a click. What gives? A: This is very common. The most likely cause is that the lug nuts were not torqued evenly or to the proper specification, causing the wheel to sit slightly off-center on the hub. Return to the shop that installed them and ask them to re-torque the wheels properly, or perform the check yourself with a torque wrench.