Honda Fit grinding brakes problems

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Transmission · 88,052 miles · OH

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Electrical · OR

When starting or stopping the engine with the push button, a mechanism makes a loud grinding noise.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Steering · NY

My 2020 Honda Fit, with16,300 miles, has the same steering defect as other recalled Honda models. This has been confirmed by Honda service. The steering wheel will suddenly stick and make a grinding and or hissing sound, especially on turns. The car becomes difficult to steer. It is frightening and dangerous. Honda wants $1800 to repair the defect because it is not presently listed on recall. I reported this problem to local mechanics before any Honda recall was made. Then recall appeared on line, and the Fit was included. Now, it is claimed it is not. Are they not recalling because they no longer manufacture this model? This is a hazardous, manufacturer's defect. I need my car to be made safe, and not at my expense.

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

My Honda Fit was purchased new in Portland, Oregon. I am the original owner. I began having issues that are documented after moving to Florida, and took the car to Honda in Palm Bay. The issues were grinding noise at the first start of the day, or after sitting for several hours and then restarted. The noise is noticed upon start in am or 1st start and is a grinding noise from the motor area. It sounds like a knock/grinding, like the motor is starting and has no oil in it. But the oil level is okay and it is not out of oil. This continues today, after being at the same dealer several times. The service department stated that they needed me to leave the car overnight to try to diagnose the issue after the car sat all night because the noise only comes after sitting all night or long periods. I left the car more than once at the dealership. The dealer in Palm Bay stated "they were unable to re-produce the knocking/grinding that has been occurring since about 11,000 miles. The car is still grinding or knocking and after taking to another dealer in Tampa, Fl I was told it was a DTC and they refused to fix it. It is now just over mileage under warranty, and was there for the grinding and a recall for the start stop switch which is now faulty again, or that wasn't the issue leaving me stranded. The car has several issues that are recall related that were supposed to be fixed and are nor. The plug coil tops The start stop run switch to start car- was replaced in 7/2022 and now I cant drive the car again.

Filed Nov 23, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

recall notice for starter system, took in for repair, part in notice replaced but car now not starting again and had starter system lights on again. As per service records car has has the problems since 2016/17 while under warranty and recall repair done at Honda. The “ grinding” knock/tap noise from engine has never been repaired and until 7/2023 Honda was “ unable to diagnose” it. Westshore Honda- Tampa diagnosed it as “ VTC” ( which is inside the motor) and other folks have had the well documented problem The no start is seemingly with the electrical system, per Honda service records and switch replaced when in for recall repair in 7/23 as well but car again having same problem. I’m unable to drive car.

Filed Aug 27, 2023 · Transmission · CA

Over last 2-3 years (50-70k miles), intermittent but now more consistent and loud grinding sound that lasts 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.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TX

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.

Filed Jul 30, 2023 · Engine · NY

VTC actuator grinding noise during cold starts. Dealerships said it’s not a problem.

Filed May 10, 2023 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · ME

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · IN

I have noticed a grinding/rattling when starting my Fit from a cold engine. I have taken the car to the dealership and mentioned the noise - they recommended getting a new battery. Afterwards the noice was still happening. I took it in again and stated theres a rattling sound on a cold start. The dealer said that couldn't replicate it and probably related to the exhaust system. Now I have taken it in once again because the noise is getting worse and not just on cold starts and at this point they inform me that it's the VTC Actuator. Upon hearing this I googled the part and this is a long running issue for Hondas and there have been several service bulletins about it. The VTC Alternator has cause the timing chain to stretch in some vehicles according to this search which then can cause total engine failure. I do not feel safe driving a car that has been having issues with the VTC Actuator for years and Honda has not be held accountable for this.