Honda Fit engine failure problems

Filed May 4, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

• 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).

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Engine · NY

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · Engine · TN

I am submitting a complaint regarding unsafe vehicle service practices by Indy Honda, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. On December 8, 2023, I had my 2019 Honda Fit serviced at their dealership, including an oil change. On [XXX], while traveling on the interstate in Kentucky, my vehicle suddenly experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle’s lights illuminated without warning, followed by loud popping sounds, and it began smoking. As I slowed down to pull over to the side of the road, the car swerved and stalled. After investigation by Fidelity Warranty and a certified Honda dealership, it was determined that the engine failure was caused by an improperly tightened drain plug and crush washer, leading to a complete loss of engine lubrication. Despite providing substantial evidence and attempting to resolve the matter, Indy Honda has refused to take responsibility for the damages. This failure created a hazardous situation while driving at high speeds on the interstate, posing significant risks to my safety. I kindly request that the federal safety agency investigate Indy Honda’s servicing practices and take appropriate action to prevent similar safety risks for other consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Engine · MA

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.

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.

Filed Mar 4, 2022 · Fuel system · NM

VTC actuator is beginning to fail. If it catastrophically fails while driving, it could cause bent/seized valves, broken timing chain, broken piston rings, broken piston rods, etc. If these things were to fail whilst a person is driving at speed, it could cause an accident in which people are killed. At the very least, a failed VTC actuator could cost the vehicle owner several hundreds of dollars to repair or replace. Honda, Toyota, and other auto manufacturers are aware of this issue as demonstrated by Tech Service Bulletins (TSB) put out by the manufacturers. As an example Honda issued TSB # 16-0188. This TSB clearly identifies the issue, the root cause (VTC actuator failure), and the repair required to remedy the problem. However, Honda has not yet made a recall in regard to the faulty VTC actuator. They have not even identified what mechanical, or pneumatic process, causes the problem in the first place. The root cause of the VTC actuator failure might be due to poor oil pressure, bent or weak spring inside the VTC actuator, oil sediment causing the spring or locking mechanism to malfunction, etc. The Honda mechanics merely follow the TSB instructions and replace the VTC actuator and throw away the defective one. Nobody is responsible to dismantle the VTC actuator and determine the root cause of the failure. I've talked to Honda local and corporate levels about this lack of follow-through to locate the root cause, and I've sadly learned there is no process in place to allow for early reporting and ownership/responsibility by Honda Corporate for rectifying and/or keeping the customer from having to pay for an engineering or material defect that might cause catastrophic engine failure. I talked to the Morristown TN Honda dealership and found that they have serviced several vehicles with failed VTC actuators and that the customer's have paid out of pocket for the repair with no recourse. I have found that no one us responsible to go back through the supply ch

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Jun 30, 2021 · Engine · WA

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.

Filed Jun 25, 2021 · Steering, Transmission · 215,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2010 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle loss power steering functionality. The vehicle regained power steering assist and was coasted to the side of the roadway. While accelerating, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power train failed and needed to be replaced. The technician replaced the engine coil spring and disconnected the battery however, the failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four times. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2020 · Engine, Visibility · 81,166 miles · WA

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.