2018 Honda Fit Engine Problems

Purchased great condition used 2018 Fit EX on [XXX] from local non-Honda dealership. The next day, on [XXX], the following errors appeared on the dash: tire pressure monitor system, emissions, hill start assist, lane deviation warning, power steering, and vehicle stability assist errors on the screen, and the check engine, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability assist system, and electric power steering lights were also on. Returned to the used dealership that same day. They replaced the spark plugs and battery, still not solved. Took it to local Honda service shop (Performance Kings Honda at 9131 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249), diagnosed as needing fuel injectors replaced (running too rich), and got the fuel injector repair. Got the car back within a week, problem now solved. This is an issue for the NHTSA because it is a known issue on this make and model of car by owners and Honda. See the following: Honda Service Bulletins 21-007, 22-002, 23-042. Fuel injectors are an expensive repair, and they're known to be faulty on these vehicles by the manufacturer. Without correction, other major systems in the vehicle will fail, with issues such as engine misfire, overheating, catalytic converter failure, and catastrophic damage to the engine. Honda already knows this is an issue on the 2016 and 2017 models. The warranty extension they already issued for these years must be expanded or replicated to cover this issue which has persisted in the 2018-2020 models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746411

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

This is after the recall on 2018-19 Fit Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs under codes P0300-P0304) and after fuel injectors are replaced. Current problem is with combination of carbon deposits on intake valves. Failing fuel injector/s causing an incorrect air/fuel ratio with code under P0172.

NHTSA ID

11689752

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11669310

Incident

Jun 10, 2024

Mileage

55,000 mi

Earlier today I paid $2,605 to have 4 fuel injectors replaced on a 2018 (75,000 miles) Honda Fit at Davis Honda in Burlington New Jersey. I see that earlier Honda Fits have a service bulletin/extended warranty on the fuel injectors that would have covered me [XXX] ). I also see that many of their other 2018 cars have service bulletins for similar fuel injector issues [XXX] ). It appears that this is a widespread issue that Honda should be addressing. Is there someone I could speak to about this? This is not Honda quality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11666308

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating. There was an unknown fluid leaking from inside the vehicle underneath the dashboard. The contact noticed that there was fluid on the floormat. The contact sustained unknown injuries to her feet, and medical attention was provided. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V384000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case on the contact's behalf. Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V384000 (Back Over Prevention). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11631648

Incident

Apr 2, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

My vehicle has been inoperable since 2023. The dealership refuses to repair the fuel pump and all other issues, per the manufacturers recall. Steve Allain at Honda of Covington reported to me that the vehicle would not re-start if turned off. The leadership at the dealership (Kyle Mitchell) and Courtney Gullien communicated to me that the car was operable and the fuel pump was repaired, but will not provide service records that document this information. Tim in the parts department has communicated to me multiple times that no one from the dealership has ordered any parts related to the fuel pump recall for my vehicle. The manufacturer refuses assist with this matter and send someone from corporate to inspect the vehicle after multiple requests. The check engine light provided warning, along with a loud burning smell from the vehicle. The insurance company also refused to send a representative to inspect the vehicle. The issues with the stalling of the vehicle, not starting upon turning the key, and foul smell has been an ongoing issue since purchase. The previous dealerships claimed that they repaired the vehicle. The fuel pump is the component that has been failing. The vehicle has been inoperable and at the dealership since April 2023.

NHTSA ID

11626491

Incident

Apr 29, 2023

It is part of the engine I do know what exactly it is the VTC and diagnosed through Honda at their Golden, Colorado location. Other car makes and models from them have recalls with these exact issues except mine but it is the exact same issue. This has been an ongoing issue since I bought the car back in 2017 but the car was finally able to consistently make the noise enough to be diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11618450

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

VSA, power steering, engine light, and tire sensor light all came on at once. The car was not steering properly. I took the car in May 16, 2024, and they determined that a carbon buildup in the engine was the cause, and said the cylinder also had a misfire. They also said that the car needed a software update. I asked about the recall, because the recall letter I got in the mail states that if the engine light comes on, then it is eligible for repair. But they refused to repair it, claiming that the issue was only due to the carbon buildup, and said they have no parts available. However on my invoice when picking up the car, they listed the recall as if it were part of the repairs. I asked, just to verify, if they repaired it and they said no. I called the Honda number on my recall letter, and they spoke with the main manager at the dealership and told me that they determined the issue with my car wasn't due to the fuel pump recall. So do I have to drive my car until I have issues/until the engine is damaged by this safety issue? That doesn't make sense.

NHTSA ID

11593466

Incident

May 16, 2024

Honda of Covington , Honda Corporate, Louisiana Secretary of State, St Tammany Parrish court system and Trey Lape (attorney for Honda of Corporate has bullied / discriminated and harassed the owner of this vehicle. The owner of this vehicle reported electrical, mechanical and smells of fire emitting from this vehicle multiple times since 2018. To date, the vehicle has not been repaired. [XXX] stalked the owner in 2023 and last Friday, [XXX] in person. The owner of this vehicle drove cross country after Trey Lape advised the vehicle fuel pump was corrected. Mr. Tim (Parts Department with Honda of Covington) confirmed that the Fuel Pump part was NOT ordered for my vehicle by the service department. The vehicle has been inoperable since April 2023. The owner and board members are people living with multiple disabilities. All parties have refused reasonable accommodations for the owner of this vehicle (and its board members). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11584276

Incident

Apr 19, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11576770

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

At 74k miles my check engine light came on randomly. Took the car to a mechanic, who turned the light off and advised me to tighten the gas cap. A few weeks later the check engine light came back on. Auto zone said a spark plug needed replacement. About a week later the check engine light, along with many other lights came on. After a lot of research I learned that there is a recurring issue with Hondas (plural) and their fueling system due to direct injection. Leading to misdiagnosis, replacing unnecessary parts, only to be left with a check engine light. Luckily, I received a letter from honda informing me of the warranty extension for certain Fits due to carbon buildup and misfires. I took my fit to the dealer and shared my concerns with the service advisor. I took it to the experts in hopes that if it was a misfire with a DTC of P0300-P0304, they would surely get it right the first time. A few hours later I was informed they found DTC P0420, meaning the catalytic converted needed to be changed. Ignition coils were also faulty, therefore affecting the catalytic converter. CC was covered under the emissions warranty but coils were not. They could not/would not replace the CC unless I agreed to replace the coils. Despite me sharing my concerns the advisor failed to mention the DTC for the coils, which turned out to be P0304. I replaced the coils and CC, paid $885. When I read the invoice and saw DTC P0304, I got upset and asked a different advisor why the carbon cleaning wasn’t performed instead of changing the coils. I was told there wasn’t enough carbon buildup to be the root of the problem and that the technician had years of experience and I could rest assured there was no other way. Fine. I take the car, less than 48 hours later, my check engine light comes on again. I take the car back. This time I am told the car is showing DTC P2198 and they recommend replacing the fuel injectors and fuel pipe! No DTC misfire, so unable to perform carbon cleanup.

NHTSA ID

11549767

Incident

Oct 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced DTC code: P0420 (Catalyst System Low Efficiency). Additionally, the contact stated that he independently replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and the injectors however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that his brother was an independent mechanic and was able to use a code reader and retrieved DTC code: P0420. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11545681

Incident

Jun 20, 2023

Mileage

110,000 mi

THIS IS MY SECOND SUBMISSION!!!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!! 2018 Honda Fit Saleena - 1:39 pm EST Submitted for the formal complaint about the harassment and discrimination related to All honda dealerships, Kyle Mitchell and Shakaia (Rep from previous call). Case Management / and Supervisor is reviewing. If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, Please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA. My company vehicle has fluid leaking on the floor, the check engine light constantly coming on, the rear camera is intermittently inoperable and it smells like something has died in it (mold/mildew). Since I have owned the vehicle, I have reported these issues to Honda dealerships and they have claimed to fix the problems. I paid for an extended warranty and each time the dealership forced me to pay for repeat issues that repeatedly continued to happen. The battery died more than once right after I purchased it. The car had to be towed a few times because of the electrical battery issue. The fluid that was leaking on the floor caused my leg, lungs and mental health to suffer. I am currently under doctors care for the mechanical issues the car has caused. This is my company vehicle and it has been at Honda of Covington since April 2023. American Honda has refused to help me get to the bottom of why multiple dealerships have refused to fix the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11543877

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

My company vehicle has fluid leaking on the floor, the check engine light constantly coming on, the rear camera is intermittently inoperable and it smells like something has died in it (mold/mildew). Since I have owned the vehicle, I have reported these issues to Honda dealerships and they have claimed to fix the problems. I paid for an extended warranty and each time the dealership forced me to pay for repeat issues that repeatedly continued to happen. The battery died a more than once right after I purchased it. The car had to be towed a few times because of the electrical battery issue. The fluid that was leaking on the floor caused my leg, lungs and mental health to suffer. I am currently under doctors care for the mechanical issues the car has caused. This is my company vehicle and it has been at Honda of Covington since April 2023. American Honda has refused to help me get to the bottom of why multiple dealerships have refused to fix the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11537190

Incident

Mar 1, 2023

VTC actuator grinding noise during cold starts. Dealerships said it’s not a problem.

NHTSA ID

11535295

Incident

Aug 5, 2019

While driving car the electrical system failed with all safety lights on dashboard turning on. When system goes off the ABS braking system, traction control, and power steering fails. Also noted engine misfiring. This happened when driving on hiway my wife drives the car to work on the hiway this has been a ongoing issue and we have had it to honda 5 times for this exact problem every time except for this last one the say they can not duplicate the problem on the 5th time they wanted to charge her 1300 to fix it but it was covered due to the same issue that has happened just a few months after getting the car something has to be done before we get hurt in the car we are in fear for our safety this happens on the interstate and i have to crawl off the road praying this has been hpping evry few months we contacted honda america and got no help

NHTSA ID

11519174

Incident

Nov 11, 2020

I have noticed a grinding/rattling when starting my Fit from a cold engine. I have taken the car to the dealership and mentioned the noise - they recommended getting a new battery. Afterwards the noice was still happening. I took it in again and stated theres a rattling sound on a cold start. The dealer said that couldn't replicate it and probably related to the exhaust system. Now I have taken it in once again because the noise is getting worse and not just on cold starts and at this point they inform me that it's the VTC Actuator. Upon hearing this I googled the part and this is a long running issue for Hondas and there have been several service bulletins about it. The VTC Alternator has cause the timing chain to stretch in some vehicles according to this search which then can cause total engine failure. I do not feel safe driving a car that has been having issues with the VTC Actuator for years and Honda has not be held accountable for this.

NHTSA ID

11517428

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

When attempting to start the vehicle, especially on cold mornings, I hear a grinding/rattling noise almost like a grinding clink. I think there is a problem with the starter similar to recalls for other Honda models.

NHTSA ID

11513072

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

all vehicle warning lights came on specifically the check engine light for an emissions system problem. At the time the car had around 100,000 miles so it was suspected that the issue had to be with the battery, o2 sensors, or spark plug and ignition coil, so those parts were replaced. The vehicle still shows all the warning lights and reads codes for misfires in the first and second cylinder. If the issue with the fuel injectors was recalled and fixed for the 2015-2016 model Honda Fit, then it cant possibly be that the 2017-2020 honda fits also have a fuel injector problem, unless they also do and the issue has been neglected.

NHTSA ID

11504309

Incident

Jan 31, 2021

Car is four years old and has 80,000 miles. Fuel injectors became stuck in an open position flooding the engine with fuel and frying the spark plugs. All emergency indicator lights came on and one light (the tire light) was flashing. Honda dealership confirmed fuel injectors were stuck open, but instead of admitting to failure in their parts, they blamed the problem on “bad gas.” An independent auto mechanic confirmed for me that gasoline should not be blamed on faulty fuel injectors. Unfortunately Honda charged me $2300 to replace parts that should last longer than four years.

NHTSA ID

11483244

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the TPMS and emissions system failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with excessive carbon build-up in the engine. The contact was advised to not drive the vehicle until the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11464977

Incident

May 15, 2022

Mileage

65,000 mi

I purchased a new Honda Fit in 2018. In November 2019, at 31,000 miles several indicator lights came on. The check engine, TPMS, Vehicle Stability assist, Electric Power System. The car was running smoothly but I was told by a Honda dealer there was excessive carbon build up. The cost to clean it out would be $500. They claimed that because this was caused by an outside element and a part had not failed that the warranty would not cover this. I fought it and they did a one-time courtesy repair at no charge. June 2021, 51,000 miles and the same thing happened all over again. Car running smoothly, no hesitation, no misfires. Different Honda dealer told me it was excessive carbon build up on manifold and this time it would be $604 plus tax. I asked if there was a maintenance service that would prevent this from happening and I was told no. That the fuel system service offered does not reach the areas of the engine where the carbon builds up. This is a problem with Direct Injection engines. Clearly there is a flaw in the direct injection engine design that Honda has known about for years and does not want to take responsibility for. This is unacceptable and Honda is committing consumer fraud by knowingly selling a flawed product that jeopardizes the safety of their customers. I do not feel safe driving this car with these failures in the engine, not knowing when this problem is going to happen again and facing an expensive repair bill every time it does happen. Not to mention the inconvenience of being without a car for several days while it is being repaired. I have documentation to back all of this up.

NHTSA ID

11430269

Incident

Jun 21, 2021

ENGINE RATTLE AT COLD ENGINE START UP. TROUBLE SHOOTED AS A BAD ACTUATOR AND APPARENTLY AN ONGOING PROBLEM

NHTSA ID

11398694

Incident

Jun 4, 2020