Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Honda Fit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart after waiting. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact mentioned the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinders, valves, spark plugs, and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Honda Fit. While driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, a tractor trailer pulled in front of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to disengage the cruise control; however, the vehicle accelerated instead. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed a second time and the vehicle accelerated again. The vehicle crashed through several bushes in the median of the highway and came to a stop on the opposite side of the highway towards oncoming traffic. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The contact stated that the shift lever was in the park position; however, the cruise control indicator was still illuminated and the engine revved independently. The vehicle was turned off and towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and the insurance company deemed the vehicle destroyed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated she turn the steering wheel to right and depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle began to move forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact called paragon Honda located at 57-02 northern blvd, woodside, ny 11377, 718- 508-5000 and plaza Honda located at 2722 nostrand ave, brooklyn, ny 11210, [phone], but was unable to speak to a representative at neither dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was also unable to reach a representative with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 58,191.
1) vehicle engine has to warm up for several moments if stationery for longer than a few hours (regardless of outdoor temperature); 2) transmission slipping or pistons not firing while in operation-whether in town or highway; 3) if vehicle idles, engine shuts off and upon restart, has to reach 2000 rpms to begin be able to put it into drive. Vehicle has been taken in numerous times to multiple Honda service stations and independent mechanics with no positive resolution. Work done included: crank sensor, coil packs replaced, starter replaced, fluids flushed, valves adjusted. Codes pulled have not pinpointed the issue nor does any mechanic have an answer. Online forum searches appear to have a number of other owners with all model years of Honda fits with same/similar issues.
Car has been stalling taken it to several mechanics plus the dealership and they can't find the problem. Today was the worse it stalled 3 times at a drive thru and twice while at a busy intersection. It seems the car stalls more often if the air condition is on I do not feel safe driving around with my windows rolled down plus high temps. Today I noticed the car accelerated after idling at a traffic light since I am not the primary driver I don't know how long this has been going on. Between the stalls and speed acceleration I am a nervous wreck driving this car. The mileage on car 108000 and it is an automatic VIN# [redacted]
My 2008 manual Honda Fit sport is stalling whenever I push in the clutch and come to a stop. I have to restart the car around 5 or 6 times before the engine will stop stalling at every stop. The car starts fine, but once started (and if not given time to warm up), it will stall and shut down at every stop. The battery light and oil light both come on when this happens. I have taken it to two certified Honda dealers who cannot find anything wrong with my car. This is very frustrating and annoying, as this has been an issues for almost a year. I absolutely love my car and just want it fixed!! I also do not want to have to replace the ignition just because I have to start my car at every stop sign.
The car died whenever we come to a stop, break to turn, or slow down for red light within the first two miles of being driven on any given day. The problem is re-current and occurs with greater intensity at low temperatures. We have taken the car to the Honda dealership, but it has been unable to identify or fix the problem. A quick internet search has revealed dozens of similar complains and inability of Honda dealerships to pin point and fix the probelm. We called Honda customer service, but they are dismissive of the online complaints. The car is outside warranty and we already spent several thousand dollars on suggested fixes.
My 2008 Honda Fit stalls every time I put the clutch in for the first 4-6 minutes. When I put the clutch in to stop it stalls as soon as I engage clutch. This happens at slow speeds as well as faster speeds for the first several minutes. I have had spark plugs replaces, valve timing fixed, new battery, gas tank cleaner run through, fluids changed. Nothing has mede it any different. It won't sustain idle initially. Stalls in turns if clutch put in or too low of speed for second in a corner. It has been happening for about 2 years. At about 150000
I have taken this vehicle to several mechanics, auto zone found 9 codes, most of them were regarding misfiring in the engine. When on the highway or sitting still the engine stutters and sometimes stalls. The valves have been adjusted , the spark plugs and ignition coil packs have been replaced and the car has had a tune up. The engine still stalls out in the middle of the highway. I feel this is an unsafe vehicle, Honda should recall and fix this problem.
Engine complaints in other Fit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Honda Fit?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Honda Fit, 12% of the model year's 217 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Fit engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Honda Fit, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda Fit engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.