Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Honda Fit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Charging System" warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine start button intermittently failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was initially diagnosed with battery failure. However, the failure persisted after the battery was replaced. A diagnostic scan retrieved 6 Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the computer. Upon further diagnostic test, the independent mechanic identified Technical Service Bulletin: 20-098 (Warranty Extension: 2015-17 Fit Keyless Start System Error with DTC B12C5). The vehicle could not be repaired under the TSB because the vehicle was outside of the warranty period. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and there were abnormally loud sounds coming from the engine. The contact's daughter was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change; however, the mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator was damaged, causing metal fragments to damage the engine. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
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. …
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. …
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. …
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.
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.
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.
I purchased car, 2/2015 in Oregon, and began having issues once in Florida, at approx 10,000 miles. I took car to a Honda dealership. I needed service- oil change etc, however, the car was missing, as in the motor/ or emissions. The cold ambient temp light always came on, in Fl, but im not aware of issues it caused. Soon the car began having multiple things happening and I took the car into the same dealership( always) to have it inspected, as the Fit is still practically new. I notated to service manager the car would seem to miss especially when pulling away from a stopped position. I also informed the manager there is a noise at 1st start of day or after sitting multiple hours. They took car for drive and returned to say they were unable to "reproduce" the complaint/noise. I explained it normally is after the car has sat overnight, or at least 8 or more hours. …
Purchased car new from dealer 7/2015. In 2/2018 all warning lights came on while driving. Honda replaced the fuel injectors. Same issue again in 4/2018 & Honda replaced injectors again. Service rep (richfield- bloomington Honda) told us they were seeing this problem in fits that were low mileage & "not driven much." rep could not tell us how much driving would be "enough" or how to avoid future problems. 4/2019 same problem --all warning lights came on while driving again & this time Honda replaced the cylinder head. Service director told us that, while the car is "currently fixed," he "sees no reason this problem won't continue to happen" bc we don't drive much. …
Engine complaints in other Fit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Honda Fit?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Honda Fit, 14% of the model year's 285 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Honda Fit engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Honda Fit, though it has 4 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 2015 Honda Fit engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
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.