Two separate issues: The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. There is a Honda service bulletin on this issue that has impacted many years of Honda Fits and has proven to be a defective unit. Service Bulletin 16-088. This repair should be covered as this defective part can cause severe damage to the engine costing the consumer thousands of dollars to repair. A simple search …
2018 honda Fit powertrain problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
THE CVT TRANSMISSION WILL DISENGAGE IF LEFT IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE IS SHUTOFF. YOU CAN TURN OFF VEHICLE WHILE IT IS IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACK AND FORTH, AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. FORGOT TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, PRESSED THE PUSH TO START AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF. 3 SHORT BEEPS IS THE ONLY WARNING, EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED BACKWARD OUT THE GARAGE AND INTO YARD ACROSS THE STREET. THIS I…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 honda Fit?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 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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