Service bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P0300 (random misfire detected) or P0301âP0304 (cylinder misfire detected). Carbon buildup on the intake valves may be affecting combustion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Honda Fit engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Honda Fit have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 51,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Fit | 8 |
| 2012 Fit | 11 |
| 2013 Fit | 10 |
| 2015 Fit (this page) | 25 |
| 2016 Fit | 4 |
| 2017 Fit | 6 |
| 2018 Fit | 12 |
| 2019 Fit | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 25 engine complaints filed for the 2015 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
Of the 13 model years of Honda Fit we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 25.
Owners have filed 25 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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.
"Customer letter - On some 2015-2016 Fit vehicles, certain fuel injectors may not have been installed to proper specifications. An incorrectly installed fuel injector may lead to increased wear inside the injectors. This could result in reduced flow in the injectors and cause misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, catalyst deterioration misdetection and/or fuel metering, resulting in MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) turning on."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - 2015-16 Fit: MIL Is On with DTC P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - 2015-16 Fit: MIL Is On with DTC P0420
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Today, February 18, 2022, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2015-2016 Fit vehicles. This warranty extension covers fuel injectors to address concerns of internal wear inside one or more injectors. American Honda is extending the warranty coverage of the fuel injectors to 10 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2015 Honda Fit suffers from several engine and engine-management defects documented in Honda service bulletins but not subject to recall.
The most concerning is the Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) actuator, which develops a loud rattle at cold start that can progress to catastrophic engine failure. Honda issued Service Bulletin 16-088 (February 2017) acknowledging the defect but has not recalled affected vehicles or extended warranty coverage. Several owners report the actuator failure releases metal fragments that destroy the entire engine, requiring replacement at what appears to be $6,000+ cost.
Fuel injectors develop carbon buildup and gum causing misfires across all four cylinders, even on regularly serviced vehicles and regardless of fuel quality. Honda Service Bulletin A16-034 acknowledges this as a defect affecting all 2015 Fit VINs, yet owners are charged $2,000–$2,900 for injector replacement once the powertrain warranty expires at 36,000 miles. The issue commonly appears between 48k–50k miles.
The keyless start system fails intermittently or completely, leaving owners stranded. Honda issued a warranty extension with restrictive eligibility that has denied reimbursement to owners who paid for repairs before the extension was announced.
Other documented issues include premature starter motor failure at 56k–65k miles, plastic engine splash guards that repeatedly separate during normal use, and severe HVAC mold contamination that causes health symptoms.
Dealers and Honda have consistently refused to make these repairs right under warranty or through recall despite multiple documented service bulletins.
Same Honda Fit engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
VTC Actuator Rattling and Failure
Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) actuator develops a rattle at cold start that can progress to catastrophic engine failure. The defect manifests as an innocuous rattle after overnight sitting but has been documented in multiple Honda models and addressed through Service Bulletin 16-088 (February 2017). In severe cases, the damaged actuator releases metal fragments that destroy the engine, requiring full replacement.
When: Cold starts, after vehicle sits overnight. Can occur as early as 50k–108k miles depending on driving patterns.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling noise during cold start-up; Rattling progressively worsens over time; Steering wheel vibration during rattle; Loss of engine power while driving; Abnormally loud engine sounds; Potential catastrophic engine failure
Codes mentioned: TSB 16-088 (Honda Service Bulletin)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of VTC actuator; in advanced cases, complete engine replacement required ($6,000–$8,000+ estimated based on narrative context). Not covered out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 16-088 issued February 2017. Honda redesigned the VTC actuator but has not issued a recall or warranty extension covering all affected vehicles. Dealers typically deny warranty coverage once vehicle is out of warranty period.
Fuel Injector Carbon Buildup and Misfires
Direct injection fuel injectors develop carbon deposits and gum, causing multiple cylinders to misfire. This occurs even on regularly serviced vehicles and is not fuel-quality related. The issue is particularly severe in low-mileage or light-duty vehicles. Honda issued Service Bulletin A16-034 acknowledging the defect across all 2015 Fit VINs, but owners are being charged for repairs that should be warranty-covered.
When: Occurs between 48k–50k miles in many cases; can happen earlier in light-use vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illumination; Rough idle; Misfire in one or multiple cylinders; Loss of power while accelerating; Engine stalling; All warning lights flashing on dashboard; Vehicle unable to accelerate or maintain power
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0303, P2906, P0172, TSB A16-034
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of all four fuel injectors, fuel pipe, and often ignition coils and spark plugs. Owner reports $2,000–$2,900 replacement costs. Performed by dealerships even though issue is documented in TSB.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin A16-034 issued for all 2015 Fit VINs. No recall issued. Honda requires owners to pay for repairs once out of warranty (3 years/36,000 miles), despite known defect acknowledged in TSB.
Keyless Start System Failure (Start/Stop Button)
Engine fails to start when push-button start is activated, requiring multiple button presses or extended wait times. Honda issued a warranty extension (TSB with DTC B12C5) for 2015–2017 Fits but with restrictive eligibility criteria. Owners who paid for repairs before the extension was announced are often denied reimbursement.
When: Occurs between 5–6 years of ownership. One narrative reports failure at 29,221 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not start on first button press; Requires multiple attempts to start; Intermittent starting failures; Vehicle stranded in parking lot (30+ minute delays reported)
Codes mentioned: DTC B12C5, Possible starter motor issue
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replacement ($750 charged in one case). Honda later extended warranty coverage but owner was denied reimbursement despite submitting receipts and meeting apparent eligibility criteria.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued warranty extension for keyless start system errors (DTC B12C5) for 2015–2017 Fit models. However, reimbursement is denied if the part replaced does not match Honda's internal eligibility criteria. Response to complaints has been minimal or non-existent.
Engine Splash Guard Separation
Plastic undercarriage splash guard separates and drags on road, creating dangerous noise and road hazard. The guard must be removed for routine oil changes and routinely fails to re-secure. Design uses plastic pins and clips that do not reliably hold the panel in place. Occurs repeatedly on the same vehicle.
When: Commonly within weeks to months after oil changes. Reported multiple times on same vehicle within 14 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Plastic splash guard separates and drags on road; Loud dragging noise resembling flat tire; Only one or two pins remaining after separation; Safety hazard to other drivers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replace the guard but charge owners for replacement parts. Owners report necessity to use zip ties after oil changes as permanent fix. Issue is widespread across Honda Fit forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Dealerships perform replacement under warranty conditions, but the design flaw persists.
ECON Button Stalling
Engine stalls at stops when the ECON (Economy) button is engaged. The issue does not occur during normal operation and does not trigger a malfunction code. Dealers cannot reproduce the problem. When stalling occurs, vehicle requires a 30+ second key fob reset to restart, creating a potential safety hazard in traffic.
When: Intermittent; occurs only when ECON button is activated.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies at stops when ECON engaged; No malfunction code generated; Vehicle requires 30+ second electronic reset to restart; Cannot restart until key fob is taken out of range
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; dealer unable to reproduce issue despite multiple service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Starter Motor Premature Failure
Starter motor fails prematurely at 56k–65k miles, well below the typical 100k-mile lifespan expected in modern vehicles. Multiple owners report this as a known issue in Honda Fit forums. Issue occurs even in light-use vehicles.
When: Between 56,000–65,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Starter fails to engage; Engine will not turn over
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement costs $609–$1,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Issue treated as normal repair.
HVAC Mold and Odor Contamination
Persistent mold and mildew odors emanate from HVAC system beginning within months of purchase. Repeated dealership AC cleaner applications provide only temporary relief. Mold colonizes the evaporator core and inaccessible areas of the HVAC system. The issue escalates to actual mold spore release, causing health symptoms in the owner (itchy throat/eyes, sinus headaches, bloody nasal discharge). Mold eventually spreads to vehicle interior despite being stored in a dehumidified garage.
When: Within months of purchase; reported at 6,589 miles and 4 months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Bad to awful odors from HVAC vents; Moldy/mildewy smell from vehicle interior; Mold spores in cabin air; Mold growth on evaporator core; Owner reports itchy throat, itchy eyes, sinus headaches, sharp sinus pain, bloody nasal discharge with clots
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted AC cleaner foaming treatments (3 services documented). Third service included removal of blower assembly via dashboard removal and direct evaporator spray, but only inlet side was accessible. Temporary relief only; mold recurred within weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Owner filed complaints with Honda, Ohio Attorney General, and lemon law arbitration. Honda remained unresponsive.
Engine Catastrophic Failure (Blown Cylinder)
Engine developed a hole the size of a fist in the cylinder, causing oil leakage throughout the engine compartment and complete engine failure. Vehicle would not restart. Entire engine replacement required.
When: Mileage not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power while driving; Smoke from engine compartment; Blown hole in cylinder; Entire engine compartment covered with oil; Engine will not start after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
P0303 misfire cylinder 4; checked live data, all cylinders misfiring. Recommended to replace all fuel injectors and fuel pipe due to "known issues with direct fuel injectors" as stated by Honda dealership. Car idles roughly. Car lost power while accelerating to highway speeds, causing stall on highway. Additional engine codes indicate fuel problems - p2906 and p0172. Replacement of damaged…
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Honda Fit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 29,221 and 65,891 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,221; a quarter make it past 65,891. 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/2015/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.