193 of the
2,742 complaints filed about the Honda FIT
are about the transmission —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
193
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
10
Crashes
1
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I was driving and came to a four-way stop. When I accelerated from the stop, I heard a loud snapping noise and immediately lost the ability to drive the vehicle, although the engine continued to run normally. After inspecting the vehicle, it appears that the CV axle failed due to extensive rust and deterioration. While researching repair options, I discovered that a recall was issued for certain vehicles in specific states related to CV axle/driveshaft corrosion; however, Idaho was not included in the recall coverage. I am unsure why Idaho was excluded, as the apparent cause of this failure seems consistent with the recall description, which states that the driveshaft's protective coating may not have been properly applied during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to corrosion from road salt and other contaminants, potentially leading to axle failure. Idaho experiences significant winter weather, and road salt and other de-icing chemicals are commonly used on roadways throughout the state. Given these conditions and the apparent corrosion-related failure of my CV axle, I believe this issue is consistent with the corrosion concerns identified in the recall and warrants further review.
NHTSA complaint #11754744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experienced transmission drive issues accompanied by a Check Engine Light. An independent repair facility scanned the vehicle and confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0717 for a transmission speed sensor open circuit. The failure causes unexpected loss of acceleration and erratic power delivery while driving, redlining at 45 mph, malfunctioning of the gear selection display, and creating a safety hazard in active traffic. These symptoms line up with the CVT drive pulley shaft defect addressed in NHTSA Recall 15V574. When I contacted an authorized Honda dealership to address the issue, they stated this specific VIN is not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle and its diagnostic records are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11753703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Honda Fit with an automatic transmission experienced a driveshaft failure due to corrosion in August 2018. At that time, Honda had announced a recall for similar driveshaft corrosion failures affecting manual‑transmission Honda Fits, but no recall existed for automatic‑transmission vehicles. Because there was no recall for my vehicle configuration, and no notice from Honda, I had the vehicle repaired at an independent repair shop at my own expense. Honda later expanded the recall to include automatic‑transmission Honda Fits in June 2019. However, I never received a mailed recall notification while I owned the vehicle. I sold the vehicle in February 2020, before Honda mailed recall notices. I only became aware that my vehicle was included in the automatic‑transmission recall later, while researching issues related to a different Honda Fit I currently own. At that point, I learned that my prior driveshaft failure matched the recalled defect. Honda is now denying reimbursement for the recall‑related repair because they say they must inspect the vehicle to confirm whether it was equipped with a factory dynamic damper. Honda has also stated, however, that it does not have its own records confirming whether my VIN included this component in the build at the factory. The failure occurred before the recall existed for automatic‑transmission vehicles, and Honda failed to notify me of the recall while I owned the car. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection due to this lack of notice. Denying reimbursement under these circumstances shifts Honda’s own delayed recall, delayed notification, and incomplete factory records onto the consumer. I am concerned that Honda’s recall reimbursement process unfairly denies reimbursement for pre‑recall failures when the manufacturer lacks build records and notification was delayed
NHTSA complaint #11728799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at the exit of a gas station, the vehicle became immovable, and there was an abnormally high-pitched grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to AAA Auto Body Shop, where the contact was informed that the passenger's side CV axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. AAA informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train), and the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the driver's side CV axle had failed due to corrosion test and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired free of charge. The manufacturer was contacted but denied the reimbursement claim for the passenger’s side CV axle repair, despite receiving the repair bill. The failure mileage was 88,052.
NHTSA complaint #11723931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, with the gear shift indicator light in neutral(N), and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with ignition software failure. The mechanic replaced the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, approximately four to five days later, the warning lights illuminated, the gear shift indicator light was in reverse(R), and the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was pushed into the driveway of the contact's son. The contact stated that the incident was significantly frightening because the contact was a disabled heart patient, and there were two plates in the contact's neck due to a previous accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission, and the mechanic determined that the failure might be due to a pulley shaft fracture. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced, but the mechanic could not perform the repair. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic where it was purchased; however, no assistance was provided. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired for free because the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Two separate issues: The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. There is a Honda service bulletin on this issue that has impacted many years of Honda Fits and has proven to be a defective unit. Service Bulletin 16-088. This repair should be covered as this defective part can cause severe damage to the engine costing the consumer thousands of dollars to repair. A simple search of Honda Fit VTC issues will show an outsized number of people having this issue. This is Honda's own service bulletin - The exterior paint on the vehicle may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. This warranty extension does not apply to other paint issues like rock chips, scratches, bird droppings, sap, wraps, dents, collision damage, customer-induced damage, etc. However this only covers a couple colors, Vehicles that are painted NH-788P. AHM referred to the white pearl paint as both White Orchid Pearl and Bellanova White. My car is painted red and is exhibiting the same issues as described in the Honda Service Bulletin 19-064. The same warranty extension should extend to our car as well as the paint and process was defective.
NHTSA complaint #11700380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle started to jerk and stall when running and selected to reverse from drive, progressively getting worse and has since stalled in traffic from a stop at a light to acceleration fwd , and frequently stalling more from park to reverse
NHTSA complaint #11688960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Id like for my car to get assessed for any of the 8 recalled items that pop up in your system.. I bought this car from a dealership and I don't believe that they did anything for it to fix the recall problems
NHTSA complaint #11682600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission warning light started flashing and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local AAMCO Transmission Service Center who diagnosed that the transmission drive pulley had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 79,852.
NHTSA complaint #11657893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I called the Honda dealership in Concord California on 12/2/2024 for the 20V-770 recall as well as the airbag shrapnel issue. They checked with the service manager and refused to inspect the drive train unless there “Was a problem with the car”. They refused to repair the air bags unless “something happens, hopefully nothing happens then we can look at it.” They offered to have the airbags repaired at our expense. What is the point of having a recall if the dealers refuse to even look at the car until it crashes or hits you with shrapnel?
NHTSA complaint #11628334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The cvt transmission is going out. The dealer has conformed this. This vehicle only has 120000 miles on it and has had every transmission service that was recommended. When this goes completely it could cause an accident at freeway speeds. I believe this model year needs to be added to the cvt recall list and should be covered by honda to 150000 since they clearly know they have an issue here.
NHTSA complaint #11577631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
P219alA code appears; supposed fuel injector issue after trying smaller fixes (MAF sensor, air filter) with no luck. Just purchased from local dealer a few weeks ago.
NHTSA complaint #11571574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The first time, the contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle independently lurched forward without warning before the vehicle corrected itself and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated and no fault was found with the vehicle. A year later while the contact's husband had come to a complete stop at a stop sign; the vehicle's engine began to rev while making a right turn. The vehicle then independently accelerated as the contact's husband attempted to avoid hitting a barrier in the middle of a traffic circle. The contact's husband steered the vehicle off the road and drove the vehicle into some rocks and shrubbery which flattened the front passenger tire and damaged the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy during the incident and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10, 800.
NHTSA complaint #11560087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Over last 2-3 years (50-70k miles), intermittent but now more consistent and loud grinding sound that lasts <1 second after push to start. Only occurs typically on a cold start (after engine has been sitting >12 hours, typically in garaged/cooler ambient temperature). Otherwise no issues with performance, no error messages. This is a known issue with VTC actuator (Honda released TSB 16-088) for this. I was told by the dealer that this can lead to catastrophic failure with the engine as it relates to the timing belt and the drivetrain. I was quoted $2100 for this repair. If it is true that there is a known defect that can lead to catastrophic failure, this should be covered by an extended warranty or recall.
NHTSA complaint #11541020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was told that my vehicle has a defective VTC Actuator part per Honda notice 16-088 that will cause catastrophic failure of the engine and drivetrain. After diagnosis with the dealership they confirmed the risk stating, "The VTC does control the timing so it could cause it to jump timing. If that happens there is a possibility of catastrophic failure if you don't catch it quick enough." Despite bringing the vehicle in for repair 3 times after the release of the notice there was no attempt to repair the vehicle inside the warranty period. I am the original owner and reported the issue immediately after purchasing it as the characteristic "Rattle/grinding" was quite noticable on startup. We asked about this noise and was told, "Its normal." On my next service visit, after the expiration of the warranty at 60k miles, I was asked to pay $1800 to repair it. I pointed out the prior visits and the previous inquiries to be told (via phone) that because there is no formal recall they will not repair the part. Upon research I recently discovered Honda is subject to a class action lawsuit on this same issue. I fear without a recall my vehicle will suffer a failure which will place us at risk. I cannot afford the $1800 quoted to repair the manufacturers defect.
NHTSA complaint #11536175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started decelerating. Additionally, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11525069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted with the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle started rolling forward while in park(P) and the parking brake was activated to stop the vehicle from rolling. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and replaced the driver’s side CV axle. Upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change; the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train); however, the recall was closed three years prior. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.