• While driving, 2015 Honda Fit lost acceleration and stalled. Further attempts to drive showed engine would fail past 2000 rpm. • Failure occurred accelerating into traffic, risking collision. • The failure was diagnosed by Coggin Honda Orlando as an In - Tank Fuel Pump Low Pressure Remove and Replace. • UNKOWN if dealer referred issue to manufacturer. • No warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem appeared prior to failure. Only after engine failure After research found multiple recalls related to same FIT fuel pump for other years (23v858, 21v215, 20v314).
2015 Honda Fit: engine failure
8 of the 285 complaints about the 2015 Honda Fit describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
- 20191
- 20181
- 20171
- 20158
- 20132
- 20122
- 20101
- 20094
- 20072
What owners say
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 federal safety agency for further review.
While driving. the engine failed. Loss of power, smoke. Would not start. Entire engine compartment covered with oil. Car towed to mechanic. Who said a hole had been blowout the size of a fist. Engine would have to be replaced.
At start up (often after the car has sat a few hours), the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. Honda Service Bulletin 16-088 acknowledges that this occurs because “The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective.” However, Honda refuses to fix this engine defect unless the car is under warranty. This defect should be repaired regardless of whether the car is under warranty because the defect could lead to catastrophic engine failure.
I took the car into the Honda dealer in Bellevue, WA for an oil change and a buyer's inspection with leak down test. The next day, I could hear a loud rattling noise when I started the car. I took it back to Honda and they say it is the VTC actuator, along with timing chain, serpentine belt and water pump, which they did NOT list as issues during the 1st appointment, which was supposed to be a total inspection of the car. Not sure if they missed it or caused the additional issues. I took it to a 2nd mechanic, told him my whole story, and he said it was the VTC actuator too. I researched online and apparently many people have this issue, and most catch it before their 60k mile warranty is up. However, my car is at 74k miles. Apparently Honda was redesigned the VTC actuator, because it was such a big problem. However, they have not gone back to fix all the cars that had the issue. The mechanic says if I drive with this condition it could cause engine failure, which if it happens while driving, could pose a safety risk. I strongly feel that this is something that Honda should recall or at least extend the warranty to 100k miles for this issue.
I have owned this car for three years, it has 81,166 miles on it and is having so many problems. The engine burns through oil faster than it should and has cause permanent damage. I always took it in to the dealership for oil changes and always brought it in when the oil life was at roughly 20%. I constantly checked the oil level and it was always low even after a recent fill up but had no leakage. I now need a new engine which will cost roughly $5000 including labor maybe more. Every time I started my car for the past year it would make a rough loud sound and would usually go away once I got an oil change. My car will also take roughly 3 tries to start and will most likely need a new starter. This is the second time I have had to have the starter fixed in the past 2 years. The back up camera is also way off with depth perception and has almost caused many accidents.
Valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective and can cause catastrophic engine failure. The issue manifests itself as an occassional innocuous rattle at cold-start (after sitting overnight). American honda has issued service bulletin 16-088 (february 2017) to address defective variable valve timing control (vtc) actuators on the 2015 honda fit (https://testing-public.carmd.com/tsb/download/118695/a16-088) and many more service bulletins for defective vtc actuators in other of its vehicles over the years (e.g. . We were lucky enough to video-record one of the episodes and get the car to the dealer - where they diagnosed the issue and performed repair. It is unsettling that honda is not being proactive in addressing this issue before an exploding eying causes harm.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 honda fit. The contact stated that the engine splash guard separated several times after the vehicle received routine maintenance at spreen honda (25050 redlands boulevard, loma linda, ca 92354, phone (909) 799-7070). The dealer replaced the engine splash guard; however, the contact was charged for the engine splash guard replacement. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- The MIL comes on with DTC P0300 (random misfire detected) or P0301–P0304 (cylinder misfire detected)
- MIL Is On with DTC P0420
- The MIL comes on with DTC P0300 (random misfire detected) or P0301-P0304 (cylinder misfire detected).
- Dealer Message
- Owner Notification Letter
- ServiceNews Article
- At cold start up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. this may be intermittent and occurs on...
- Techline summary article
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2015 Honda Fit engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2015 Honda Fit?
8 of 285 owner complaints about the 2015 Honda Fit (3%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2015.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Honda Fit?
There are 0 recalls and 15 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2015 Honda Fit
Fuel gauge 54Check engine light 16Stalling 13Won't start 13Warning lights 10No deployment 9Misfire 9CVT failure 8Loss of power 8Seat belt 8Transmission failure 8Grinding brakes 7Jerking 6
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