Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 17% | 10,000 miles |
| 2019 | 16 | 12% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 24 | 21% | 65,000 miles |
| 2017 | 11 | 26% | 100,000 miles |
| 2016 | 12 | 10% | 44,000 miles |
| 2015 | 41 | 14% | 50,000 miles |
| 2013 | 15 | 9% | 29,000 miles |
| 2012 | 13 | 12% | 51,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 9 | 5% | 25,000 miles |
| 2009 | 20 | 7% | 25,000 miles |
| 2008 | 27 | 12% | 96,000 miles |
| 2007 | 29 | 8% | 75,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Fit. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the warning lights remained illuminated along with the check engine warning light. The vehicle also experienced misfiring while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,623.
On June 10th 2026, my 2020 Honda Fit EX-L with approximately 20,000 miles began misfiring while idle at a light. Error codes started appearing on my dash, no check engine light. Honda of Short Pump diagnosed a cylinder 2 misfire (DTC P0302) caused by a carbon buildup on the intake valves and quoted ~$1200 for valve cleaning. This is the identical failure mode described in Honda Service Bulletin 21-007, whose affected vehicles list includes 2015-2020 Honda Fits, and which Honda covers under warranty extension bulletin 23-042 for 10 years/150,000 miles - but only for 2018-2019 model years. My 2020 vehicle is excluded by VIN range despite an identical defect at far lower mileage. An engine that misfires and loses power in traffic is a safety hazard. American Honda case #16419709 is open. …
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while entering the driveway while idling, the accelerator pedal was not depressed when the vehicle accelerated inadvertently. The brake pedal was then depressed but failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a building, a hose, and a palm tree where it came to a stop. The vehicle remained at the scene of the crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sustained injuries to both knees and medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer retrieved DTC: P0304 (ECM Detected Repeated Misfire in Cylinder #4). The dealer linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-007; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and confirmed the information from the dealer, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 55,666.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating. There was an unknown fluid leaking from inside the vehicle underneath the dashboard. The contact noticed that there was fluid on the floormat. The contact sustained unknown injuries to her feet, and medical attention was provided. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V384000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case on the contact's behalf. …
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced DTC code: P0420 (Catalyst System Low Efficiency). Additionally, the contact stated that he independently replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and the injectors however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that his brother was an independent mechanic and was able to use a code reader and retrieved DTC code: P0420. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns 2017 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that cylinders #1, #2, and #4 had failed and cylinder #3 was currently operating. The mechanic performed a pressure test on all cylinders and that the cylinders needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
After the routine transmission fluid flush at about 36K miles, the vehicle stalls out/jerks after switching the selector from P to D. The issue is intermittent though. Also, the vehicle got a worsened MPG which decreased from 38-39mpg (average) to 31-33mpg on the same driving routine. And most important, the CVT transmission "switches" to neutral every time you decelerate making the vehicle unstable at higher speeds. The vehicle was inspected at the two different dealerships and none of those bring out a solution, stating that this is beyond their ability to fix something since no warning lights or messages are being illuminating. Called the manufacturer, got advised to follow up with another dealership. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WARMER FILTER IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS CAUSED THE FLUID FLOW OBSTRUCTION WHILE DECELERATING. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Honda fit vehicles. There is a potential for one or more of the four spring assemblies on the engine's variable valve timing and lift electronic control (vtec) system to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spring assemblies in the engine if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Fit years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (41), 2007 (29), 2008 (27), 2018 (24) and 2009 (20) model years. Engine complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Honda Fit engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-101 (engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda Fit engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (7 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1).
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.