general problems of the 2015 Honda FIT

27 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2015 Honda FIT. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Honda FIT based on all problems reported for the 2015 FIT.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2025

Vtc actuator failure. Engine rattle on cold startup.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2024

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 national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) for further review.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2024

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.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2024

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.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2024

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.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2024

P219ala code appears; supposed fuel injector issue after trying smaller fixes (maf sensor, air filter) with no luck. Just purchased from local dealer a few weeks ago.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/09/2023

Vtc actuator rattles at cold start. Dealer says may cause problem in the long run. Seems like manufacturing defect that Honda should fix.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2023

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 abnormal 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 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 and its broken metal pieces had caused the engine to blow up. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not provide assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2023

2015 Honda Fit. Consumer writes in regard defective stop/start ignition switch.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2021

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.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2021

I bought Honda Fit 2015 on Jan 11, 2015. Last year I got the problem with the engine start/stop button. The engine did not start when I pushed the button many times. On June 13, 2020, I brought my card to Honda dealer. They said they have to replace the starter. I left the car at dealer and come back to pick up the same day. At dealer parking lot, I started my car and it did the same problem again. I came back inside the office and let the technician knew. So, I left my car again at dealer for them to fix it. At that time, my car was 29,221 miles only for 5 and half years. I not drive my car a lot just about 12 miles per day. Dealer told me they had to fixed something else and charged me for total $750. I think it is not fair for me to pay defective product. I file the complain with Honda company on June 2020 and did not receive any reply back. Feb 20, 21, I received a letter from Honda about warranty extension for 2015-17 Fit keyless start system error with dtc b12c5. Honda would reimburse if I fixed that problem before. I filed paperwork with all receipts on 02/23/21. Today, I got the phone call from Honda claim department 03/11/2021 they stated I did not qualified for reimburse because the part they replaced not qualified. I still don't understand why? because of the problems, one day I had to stay on parking lot for 30 minutes tring to start the engine. I was late for work and late for my appointments twice. The reimburse claim number: 11377164. The claim department told me my case was closed because I am not qualified for this situation. I am not a technician, I don't know what did they do with the car. The only thing I know is with 29,221 miles Honda engine start/stop button not working. This is the 2nd Honda car I have. For this experience I will not buy any car from Honda anymore.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2021

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.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2020

At 56,000 miles this car needs a starter replacement. According to research, these cars shouldn't require this until at least 100,000 mikes. This is a great disappointment as I have been a Honda owner for about 20 years, and expect much more. The cost to replace this is from $609. 00 -$1100. 00.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2020

Hello, the car won't start. It's a keyless start button. Button, panel, music, lights and all start. Everything's normal but the car won't start or turn over. I lower the handbrake, press down on the brake and press the starter button but can't get the engine to start. It has started after numerous tries. But the problem persists. I can't reliably expect to start the car. Please advise as I see many complaints posted on the web.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2019

My 2015 Honda Fit with 50,000 miles had defective fuel injectors. I've always serviced the vehicle regularly. A cylinder started misfiring (fault code po301). I had to take it to the dealer to get fixed. They charged me $2000 to change all the injectors. The injectors were out of warranty (3 years or 36,000 miles). My car is 4 years old with 50,000. I had to pay out of pocket.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2019

Plastic engine under cover will not stay attached due to design flaw using plastic screws to hold it on. Have had multiple mechanics re attach and the item has the same issue. Issue has occurred 3 times since car purchase in 2015. Panel comes unattached after an oil change and makes unexpected sounds and impairs driver safety.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2019

I could've died!! driving down the interstate all of sudden all the warning lights flashed & my car wouldn't go. Was told it was catalytic converter & fuel injectors needed to be replaced. $2900. Had them replaced & same day I got my car back no check engine came on, was driving down the interstate & just stopped going. I couldn't give it gas & the rpms revved up, cars flying past me trying to make it to the shoulder! it was terrifying!!! read there have been a lot of issues with the fuel injectors, but Honda making customers pay for it. I bought the Fit so I could have a reliable commute & now I don't feel safe at all.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2019

Starter started having problems after less than 60,000 miles. Finally failed at 65,000 and required replacement. Online blogs indicate I'm not alone, but that this is a known Honda Fit issue.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. While driving approximately 20 mph, the tire pressure monitoring system, electric power steering, check engine, and stability control indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lujack Honda (3707 n harrison st, davenport, IA 52806) where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors failed and needed to be changed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 09535823. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 32,161.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/07/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. While driving 55 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and failed to respond. After several seconds, the vehicle independently accelerated. Parker Honda (located at 5327 hwy 70 w, morehead city, nc 28557, (252) 247-2488) was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2018

My vehicle began running roughly and all the dash lights came on. I was told there is a misfire in one of the cylinders and this could be an extremely expensive repair. My vehicle has 48000 miles on it and this shouldn't happen. From doing some online research, this seems to be a recurring complaint by several people.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2018

When using the econ button, my vehicle engine often dies at a stop. I've checked it out several times and it only does this when the econ system is activated. Taking it to dealer on multiple occasions, but it never happens for them and it never throws a malfunction code. Works fine during normal operation. One other problem, when this issue arises is that I cannot restart the car without getting out of the vehicle and taking the key fob out of range for at least 30+ seconds. Once the electronics reset, I can once again start the vehicle. As you can visualize, this is sometimes a dangerous situation out on a bust road or street.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2018

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. He stated that 2015 Fit has direct injection technology & needs to be driven more at high speeds to burn off carbon, but he acknowledged that he didn't "know how much was enough & it's not in the owner's manual. " he stated "you'll have this problem again next winter or spring. " I asked the service director what the risks are driving when the injectors & engine have build-up & he said the "car can seize up if it gets bad--it has to be cleaned off. " I called Honda customer service (manufacturer, not dealer) & explained this and that they have a service director telling me the problem will happen again. Honda refused to take a report "because the car is operating right now. " all these repairs have been under warranty; these repairs are thousands of dollars. This is not what we want or expect from a new vehicle. Honda will not make this right.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the engine splash guard separated several times after the vehicle received routine maintenance at spreen Honda (25050 redlands boulevard, loma linda, CA 92354, phone (909) 799-7070). The dealer replaced the engine splash guard; however, the contact was charged for the engine splash guard replacement. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2017

The starter in my 2015 Honda Fit died. I purchased the car September of 2014 and the starter died September 2017, that's a three year life cycle on the part.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2017

Every morning during cold starts, the vehicle makes a rattle sound and vibrates steering wheel.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2016

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. I told the service manager, it sounds like a rod knocking, or the engine is out of oil, like a grinding noise. He suggested it stay overnight, so he could test it the following morning and did. Later the next day, he called to have me pick up my car, and was “ unable to reproduce. ” I’ve taken the car in to Honda several times, never getting problems answered. The last few times in to Honda is for the not starting issue. It seems electrical. It started under warranty, like the rest, when the Fit would not start after going someplace. My partner was left stranded at walmart one time, I have been dealing with this and took in, the last time was in 2020, and the female service person kept my car a couple days. The dash light showing most times saying the key and charging system problem. However, she initially said “ couldn’t duplicate. ” finally called to say they found problem, and it is alternator which they had already done. By now my car was just over the warranty miles, and she grabbed me a price of $1000 or so, and ultimately I paid about $130. Im jumping my car now everday.



FIT Service Bulletins
FIT Safety Recalls
FIT Defect Investigations