TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - IF YOU RUN ACROSS A SPARK PLUG THATS LOOSE OR HAS BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD BEFORE REACHING THE FIRST SERVICE INTERVAL (GENERALLY AT 105K), CHANCES ARE IT WASNT TORQUED ENOUGH WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS CAN BE AS MINOR AS REINSTALLING THE SPARK PLUG TO COMPLETE CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT DUE TO SPARK PLUG THREAD HOLE DAMAGE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Honda Fit engine problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Honda Fit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 13 model years of Honda Fit in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE MIL COMES ON WITH ONE OF THESE DTCS: P2646/P2651 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW VOLTAGE). P2647/P2652 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT HIGH VOLTAGE). NOTE: THE SYMPTOM MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT AFTER CLEARING THE DTC. THE ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY FAIL INTERMITTENTLY."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA: SOME VEHICLES, COMING FROM THE CAM CHAIN CASE OIL SEAL, THE ENGINE OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT. MODEL 2009 FIT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Honda Fit engine complaints center on a few distinct failure patterns. Spark plugs are the most serious: owners report plugs coming loose, popping out, or blowing out of the cylinder head, sometimes with fuel leaking onto the engine and fumes pouring into the cabin. One owner's vehicle stalled dead on a freeway entry ramp due to a blown #2 spark plug; repairs ran $812 and required a thread insert, new coil, and new plug. Another owner found loose plugs at 56,000 miles with fuel leakage and a lit check engine light.
Intermittent stalling is common and maddening. Multiple owners describe sudden engine shutdown at various speeds—one had it happen over 20 times, yet the dealer could not duplicate the problem. One owner experienced stalling even after the recall service for the VTEC valve springs (NHTSA 11V101000). Recovery typically requires turning the key off, shifting to Park, and restarting.
VTEC valve spring failures produce loud noise from the motor. One new-car owner heard valve noise immediately, had springs replaced under recall, and the noise persisted even after valve adjustment. An owner also reported unintended full-throttle acceleration when shifting into Drive without touching the pedal, causing a collision. Another noted fuel contaminating the engine oil and front wheels locking while towing.
Same Honda Fit engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Spark plugs popping/blowing out or coming loose
Spark plugs unexpectedly dislodge, pop out, or come loose from the cylinder head. Owners report damaged plugs, fuel leaking onto the engine, and fuel fumes emanating from the vehicle. One owner's vehicle stalled on a freeway entry ramp due to a blown #2 spark plug; another experienced loose spark plugs with fuel leakage at 56,000 miles.
When: Reported at 56,000 miles; one incident at freeway entry ramp (mileage not specified); appears to occur across various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or stops running; Spark plug visible damage or absence; Fuel fumes in and around vehicle; Check engine warning light illuminates; Fuel leaking onto engine
Repairs/costs cited: One repair included thread insert installation, ignition coil replacement, and spark plug replacement totaling $812.55. Another required spark plug and coil replacement after diagnosis of loose spark plugs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners for this specific issue. One owner was denied reimbursement citing expired warranty.
Engine stalling without warning (intermittent)
Engine stalls suddenly and unexpectedly during normal driving at various speeds. Multiple owners report stalling that recurs sporadically or repeatedly. Dealer diagnostics were unable to locate the cause in at least one case. One owner reports stalling after recall service (NHTSA 11V101000), another while braking, and another at traffic lights.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (11,000–12,000 miles, ~200 miles); also at 90,000 miles; at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Vehicle does not stall consistently, making diagnosis difficult; Requires shutdown and shift to Park to resume normal operation; Stalling after attempted brake stop (cold engine condition mentioned once)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure in one case; no repairs performed. One stall incident required jump-starting; vehicle was not taken to dealer. One case diagnosed as needing battery replacement (not repaired per narrative).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall campaign 11V101000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) was issued; one owner reported stalling recurred after the recall repair appointment was delayed to July 2011. Another owner experienced stalling after recall service but was told battery replacement was needed.
VTEC valve spring failure and noise
One or more valve springs in the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system fail, causing loud engine noise. Owners report valve noise persisting even after dealer replacement of springs and subsequent valve adjustments. Noise present from new vehicle delivery.
When: Present in new vehicle condition; noticed immediately upon purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, persistent noise from valves or motor; Noise continues after spring replacement; Poor acceleration response; Noise continues even after valve adjustment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced springs and re-adjusted valves; noise persisted. One owner reports dealer 'refused to take car back' after multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall issued (springs/VTEC system); one owner received recall notice and had springs replaced by dealer. Recommendation to ensure valve adjustment is performed at time of recall service.
Fuel contamination of engine oil
Fuel is mixing into the engine oil, making oil smell heavily of fuel. Owner noticed the issue when checking dipstick after oil change and while smelling fuel odor inside the cabin.
When: Timing not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil smells heavily of fuel; Fuel odor detectable inside vehicle cabin
Unintended acceleration from Park to Drive
Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates to full throttle when shifted into Drive from Park, without the driver depressing the accelerator pedal. Owner reports the sensation of floor-board acceleration while foot never touched pedal, resulting in collision with a parked car.
When: Backing out of driveway and attempting to drive forward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to full throttle without pedal input; Occurs when shifting from Park to Drive; Owner unable to control acceleration
Front wheels locking up while towing
Front wheels of vehicle locked up completely while being towed behind a motorhome. Owner followed manual setup procedure. Vehicle operates normally when not towed. Incident caused dragging for approximately 50 feet and required replacement of two front tires.
When: While towing behind motorhome
Symptoms owners cite: Front wheels lock up completely while being towed; No locking issue during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: Two front tires required replacement after dragging approximately 50 feet.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner was told by someone (person not specified) it could be a battery issue, but owner not satisfied with explanation.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda fit. While driving 80 MPH, fuel fumes emitted in and around the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the spark plugs were loose and fuel was leaking onto the engine. As a result, the spark plugs and the coil needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Honda Fit?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Honda Fit?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 13,221 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,221; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Honda/Fit.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.