FaultScore

Honda FIT engine problems

231 of the 2,742 complaints filed about the Honda FIT are about the engine — 8% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

231

Complaints

8%

Share of all complaints

9

Crashes

4

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2007 FIT 29 12.6%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2008 FIT 28 12.1%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

2009 FIT 20 8.7%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2010 FIT 8 3.5%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2011 FIT 10 4.3%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2012 FIT 13 5.6%

Median failure at 51,000 miles

2013 FIT 15 6.5%

Median failure at 28,900 miles

2015 FIT 41 17.7%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2016 FIT 11 4.8%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2017 FIT 11 4.8%

Median failure at 64,250 miles

2018 FIT 23 10.0%

Median failure at 62,500 miles

2019 FIT 16 6.9%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2020 FIT 6 2.6%

Median failure at 9,623 miles

What owners said

2015 Honda FIT at 42,000 miles Bronx, NY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Charging System" warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine start button intermittently failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was initially diagnosed with battery failure. However, the failure persisted after the battery was replaced. A diagnostic scan retrieved 6 Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the computer. Upon further diagnostic test, the independent mechanic identified Technical Service Bulletin: 20-098 (Warranty Extension: 2015–17 Fit Keyless Start System Error with DTC B12C5). The vehicle could not be repaired under the TSB because the vehicle was outside of the warranty period. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda FIT Cincinnati, OH

ENGINE

Purchased great condition used 2019 Fit EX on XXX from local non-Honda dealership. Nearly 10 months later, on XXX the following errors appeared on the dash: tire pressure monitor system, emissions, hill start assist, lane deviation warning, power steering, and vehicle stability assist errors on the screen, and the check engine, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability assist system, and electric power steering lights were also on. I took it to a local Honda service shop (Performance Kings Honda at [XXX]), and it was diagnosed as needing fuel injectors replaced (running too rich). I approved the repair for a total cost of $1,629.32, including the diagnostic fee, parts, labor, and taxes, on XXX. This was an identical issue to a used 2018 Honda Fit EX that I had purchased on XXX which had the same symptoms and was diagnosed as the same problem (fuel injectors) in XXX, and for which I submitted a separate NHTSA complaint. This is an issue for the NHTSA because it is a known issue on this make and model of car by owners and Honda. See the following: Honda Service Bulletins 21-007, 22-002, 23-042. Additionally, it's an issue I have had to deal with twice, on two separate vehicles, both of the same make and model, meaning it is likely an extremely prevalent issue for owners. Fuel injectors are an expensive repair, and they're known to be faulty on these vehicles by the manufacturer. Without correction, other major systems in the vehicle will fail, with issues such as engine misfire, overheating, catalytic converter failure, and catastrophic damage to the engine. Honda already knows this is an issue on the 2016 and 2017 models. The warranty extension they already issued for these years must be expanded or replicated to cover this issue, which has persisted in the 2018-2020 models. This should be expanded to cover additional years as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda FIT Cincinnati, OH

ENGINE

Purchased great condition used 2018 Fit EX on [XXX] from local non-Honda dealership. The next day, on [XXX], the following errors appeared on the dash: tire pressure monitor system, emissions, hill start assist, lane deviation warning, power steering, and vehicle stability assist errors on the screen, and the check engine, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability assist system, and electric power steering lights were also on. Returned to the used dealership that same day. They replaced the spark plugs and battery, still not solved. Took it to local Honda service shop (Performance Kings Honda at 9131 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249), diagnosed as needing fuel injectors replaced (running too rich), and got the fuel injector repair. Got the car back within a week, problem now solved. This is an issue for the NHTSA because it is a known issue on this make and model of car by owners and Honda. See the following: Honda Service Bulletins 21-007, 22-002, 23-042. Fuel injectors are an expensive repair, and they're known to be faulty on these vehicles by the manufacturer. Without correction, other major systems in the vehicle will fail, with issues such as engine misfire, overheating, catalytic converter failure, and catastrophic damage to the engine. Honda already knows this is an issue on the 2016 and 2017 models. The warranty extension they already issued for these years must be expanded or replicated to cover this issue which has persisted in the 2018-2020 models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda FIT Glen Allen, VA

ENGINE

On June 10th 2026, my 2020 Honda Fit EX-L with approximately 20,000 miles began misfiring while idle at a light. Error codes started appearing on my dash, no check engine light. Honda of Short Pump diagnosed a cylinder 2 misfire (DTC P0302) caused by a carbon buildup on the intake valves and quoted ~$1200 for valve cleaning. This is the identical failure mode described in Honda Service Bulletin 21-007, whose affected vehicles list includes 2015-2020 Honda Fits, and which Honda covers under warranty extension bulletin 23-042 for 10 years/150,000 miles - but only for 2018-2019 model years. My 2020 vehicle is excluded by VIN range despite an identical defect at far lower mileage. An engine that misfires and loses power in traffic is a safety hazard. American Honda case #16419709 is open. See related complaints 11462041, 11490506, 11549767, and 11593466 from other owners outside the covered VIN range.

NHTSA complaint #11743275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda FIT Wheaton, MD

ENGINE

Multiple warning lights lit up after starting car and driving for a short distance (less than 5 feet). Honda mechanic diagnosed it as a misfire in cylinder likely due to carbon buildup or other unknown reason. Similar incidents have happened with other 2019 Honda Fit and an extension of warranty was issued for some vehicles but not all (SB 23-042). Unfortunately, mine was apparently not covered despite the same exact issue as other reported incidents.

NHTSA complaint #11737815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda FIT Tallahassee, FL

ENGINE

The coil component for the spark plug melted completely which caused the vehicle to stop working leaving me stranded on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11734977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda FIT at 55,666 miles San Jose, CA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer retrieved DTC: P0304 (ECM Detected Repeated Misfire in Cylinder #4). The dealer linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-007; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and confirmed the information from the dealer, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 55,666.

NHTSA complaint #11733003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Honda FIT at 100,000 miles Laurel Park, NC

ENGINE

The contact owns 2017 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that cylinders #1, #2, and #4 had failed and cylinder #3 was currently operating. The mechanic performed a pressure test on all cylinders and that the cylinders needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda FIT Beaverton, OR

ENGINE

This is after the recall on 2018-19 Fit Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs under codes P0300-P0304) and after fuel injectors are replaced. Current problem is with combination of carbon deposits on intake valves. Failing fuel injector/s causing an incorrect air/fuel ratio with code under P0172.

NHTSA complaint #11689752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Honda FIT Springfield, OR

ENGINE

Rattling noise coming from engine when starting engine cold

NHTSA complaint #11686890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda FIT at 55,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11669310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda FIT Philadelphia, PA

ENGINE

Earlier today I paid $2,605 to have 4 fuel injectors replaced on a 2018 (75,000 miles) Honda Fit at Davis Honda in Burlington New Jersey. I see that earlier Honda Fits have a service bulletin/extended warranty on the fuel injectors that would have covered me [XXX] ). I also see that many of their other 2018 cars have service bulletins for similar fuel injector issues [XXX] ). It appears that this is a widespread issue that Honda should be addressing. Is there someone I could speak to about this? This is not Honda quality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11666308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Honda FIT Bronx, NY

ENGINE

I am the owner of a Honda Fit, and I am reporting a persistent and worsening issue that began during the winter of 2024. The vehicle produces a rattling noise during cold start-ups, which has become increasingly loud and frequent over time. This vehicle has only 89,646 miles, which is considered relatively low mileage for a modern engine to begin exhibiting such symptoms. This suggests that the issue is not due to normal wear and tear, but rather a premature mechanical defect. Based on my research and discussions with other Honda owners, this issue appears to be linked to a defective Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) actuator, a problem that has been documented in other Honda models and addressed through Technical Service Bulletin 16-088. I am concerned that this is not merely a cosmetic or nuisance issue. The noise suggests a mechanical defect that could lead to premature engine wear or even total engine failure if left unaddressed. Given the number of similar complaints across various Honda models, I believe this may be a manufacturing defect that warrants further investigation. I respectfully request that Honda acknowledge this issue in the Honda Fit and take appropriate action, whether through a recall, extended warranty, or goodwill repair program. I am also submitting this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for further review.

NHTSA complaint #11666085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Honda FIT at 138,500 miles Fargo, ND

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 55 MPH or faster, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a misfire coming from all 4-cylinders. The mechanic test-drove the vehicle and the passenger’s side front axle shaft detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the dealer was unable to further diagnose the vehicle to determine what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with the mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11662732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Honda FIT at 86,691 miles Richmond, VA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and fuel. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle fully, the fuel gauge displayed a half tank. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, the dealer, and a second dealer, The Auto Connection (10910 Midlothian Tpke, Richmond, VA 23235), where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,691.

NHTSA complaint #11656324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda FIT at 120,000 miles Charlestown, MA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced twice, and the catalytic converter was replaced at the contact's expense before the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown local dealer, where it remained for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Honda TSB Number: 22-002; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11654088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda FIT Monrovia, CA

ENGINE

Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs. Honda published a service bulletin but is refusing to cover the necessary repair. We are paying out of pocket for the known issue that they have extended warranty coverage on for some other VINs but refuse to cover this one.

NHTSA complaint #11653276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Honda FIT Salina, KS

ENGINE

Vtc actuator failure. Engine rattle on cold startup.

NHTSA complaint #11651846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda FIT St. Louis, MO

ENGINE

The check engine light came on. The vehicle was shaking/sputtering when idling. We took it into the dealership and they said we needed to replace the fuel injectors, despite the vehicle not even having 60,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11647807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda FIT Seattle, WA

ENGINE

All warning lights cycle through on vehicle dashboard after turning on vehicle. Vehicle was taken to Honda Auto Service Center, where issue is diagnosed as Carbon Buildup, causing misfires. Error Diagnostic Code is one of P0300 - P0304. After maintenance, error clears out. However, there is a Honda Service Bulletin 23-042 which provides a warranty extension for Honda Fits of the same year, make, and model with the same issue, which my vehicle's VIN was not included as eligible. Issue of carbon buildup causing misfires may apply to other VIN ranges than in that bulletin, as accounted by NHTSA ID #11462041, #11490506, #11549767, and #11593466

NHTSA complaint #11643451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda FIT problems