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 MULTIPL…
2008 honda Fit powertrain problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
MY 2008 HONDA FIT (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) SUDDENLY FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BUCKING OR HESITATING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THIS WAS NOTICEABLE WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND, 3RD, 4TH & 5TH GEAR. IT FELT AS IF I NEEDED TO DOWNSHIFT EVEN THOUGH I WAS SHIFTING INTO THE CORRECT GEAR. ( I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND AFTER TEST DR…
2008 HONDA FIT (AUTOMATIC) STALLS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN "DRIVE" WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW/DECREASED SPEED (PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT OR STARTING TO ACCELLERATE FROM A STOP) OR WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. THERE ARE NO "SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON". THIS STALL IN THE ENGINE OCCURS REGARDLESS IF VEHICLE IS COLD OR WARMED UP. HONDA DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. COST…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 honda Fit?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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