The Honda METROPOLITAN spans 2002–2026 with 10 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 33 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda METROPOLITAN is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2002 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda METROPOLITAN VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda METROPOLITAN carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this METROPOLITAN.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your METROPOLITAN, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda METROPOLITAN have?
The Honda METROPOLITAN has 10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2024 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2023 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2022 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2021 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2020 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2019 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2018 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2017 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
2016 Honda METROPOLITAN recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.
Risk. A transmission fluid leak can cause the driveshaft bearings to fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR0.
Best and worst years for the Honda METROPOLITAN
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Honda METROPOLITAN — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Honda METROPOLITAN problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Honda METROPOLITAN — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda METROPOLITAN specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Honda METROPOLITAN. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda METROPOLITAN window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda METROPOLITAN cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the METROPOLITAN holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda METROPOLITAN tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda METROPOLITAN get?
The Honda METROPOLITAN returns up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,900/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2017 Honda METROPOLITAN (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 350 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 9/10) — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 METROPOLITAN | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 METROPOLITAN | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 METROPOLITAN | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 METROPOLITAN | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2013 METROPOLITAN | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 353 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 METROPOLITAN | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 METROPOLITAN | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 METROPOLITAN | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 METROPOLITAN | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 METROPOLITAN | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 METROPOLITAN | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 METROPOLITAN | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 METROPOLITAN | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl |
The 2026 Honda METROPOLITAN (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 32 mpg combined and costs about $1,950/yr to fuel, emitting 276 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $1,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 METROPOLITAN | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 276 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 METROPOLITAN | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 6/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 METROPOLITAN | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 METROPOLITAN | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 METROPOLITAN | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 METROPOLITAN | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 METROPOLITAN | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 METROPOLITAN | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 METROPOLITAN | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 METROPOLITAN | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 METROPOLITAN | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 METROPOLITAN | 27 | 35 | $2,100 | 296 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 METROPOLITAN | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 METROPOLITAN | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 METROPOLITAN | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 METROPOLITAN | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 METROPOLITAN | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2006 METROPOLITAN | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2005 METROPOLITAN | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 METROPOLITAN | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2003 METROPOLITAN | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2002 METROPOLITAN | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the METROPOLITAN stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this METROPOLITAN's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda METROPOLITAN have? Power & range
The Honda METROPOLITAN is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda METROPOLITAN cost to own?
A Honda METROPOLITAN holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used METROPOLITAN is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this METROPOLITAN loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the METROPOLITAN ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Honda METROPOLITAN safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the METROPOLITAN yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda METROPOLITAN last?
A well-maintained Honda METROPOLITAN typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Honda METROPOLITAN’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this METROPOLITAN’s VIN free →All Honda METROPOLITAN model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda METROPOLITAN — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2025 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2024 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2023 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2022 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2021 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2020 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2018 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2017 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2016 METROPOLITAN | 1 recall | — | |
| 2015 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2014 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2013 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2009 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2008 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2007 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2006 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2005 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2004 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2003 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — | |
| 2002 METROPOLITAN | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the METROPOLITAN?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Honda METROPOLITAN.
How many recalls does the METROPOLITAN have?
10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the METROPOLITAN get?
Up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a METROPOLITAN last?
A well-maintained METROPOLITAN typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the METROPOLITAN reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the METROPOLITAN is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda METROPOLITAN warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda METROPOLITAN made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your METROPOLITAN's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the METROPOLITAN have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.