10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,203 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Honda Fit engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Honda Fit Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Apr 152016

Fit

  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart after waiting. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact mentioned the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinders, valves, spark plugs, and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #21

Mar 112020

Fit

  • 58,191 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated she turn the steering wheel to right and depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle began to move forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact called paragon Honda located at 57-02 northern blvd, woodside, NY 11377, 718- 508-5000 and plaza Honda located at 2722 nostrand ave, brooklyn, NY 11210, 718-253-8400, but was unable to speak to a representative at neither dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was also unable to reach a representative with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 58,191.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #20

Dec 212018

Fit

  • 150,000 miles
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 multiple Honda service stations and independent mechanics with no positive resolution. Work done included: Crank sensor, coil packs replaced, starter replaced, fluids flushed, valves adjusted. Codes pulled have not pinpointed the issue nor does any mechanic have an answer. Online forum searches appear to have a number of other owners with all model years of Honda Fits with same/similar issues.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #19

Mar 012017

Fit

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine sign all the time. Seat belt not release automatically, whine drive on the rain and snow not see clearly wiper doesn't work good. Some time TPMS sign show

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #18

May 292017

Fit

  • 108,000 miles
Car has been stalling taken it to several mechanics plus the dealership and they can't find the problem. Today was the worse it stalled 3 times at a drive thru and twice while at a busy intersection. It seems the car stalls more often if the air condition is on I do not feel safe driving around with my windows rolled down plus high temps. Today I noticed the car accelerated after idling at a traffic light since I am not the primary driver I don't know how long this has been going on. Between the stalls and speed acceleration I am a nervous wreck driving this car. The mileage on car 108000 and it is an automatic VIN# [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #17

Apr 232017

Fit 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 96,000 miles
The contact owned a 2008 Honda Fit. While driving 70 mph with the cruise control activated, a tractor trailer pulled in front of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to disengage the cruise control; however, the vehicle accelerated instead. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed a second time and the vehicle accelerated again. The vehicle crashed through several bushes in the median of the highway and came to a stop on the opposite side of the highway towards oncoming traffic. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The contact stated that the shift lever was in the park position; however, the cruise control indicator was still illuminated and the engine revved independently. The vehicle was turned off and towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and the insurance company deemed the vehicle destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000...updated 06/06/17 updated 9/28/18

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #16

Mar 132017

Fit

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car died whenever we come to a stop, break to turn, or slow down for red light within the first two miles of being driven on any given day. The problem is re-current and occurs with greater intensity at low temperatures. We have taken the car to the Honda dealership, but it has been unable to identify or fix the problem. A quick internet search has revealed dozens of similar complains and inability of Honda dealerships to pin point and fix the probelm. We called Honda customer service, but they are dismissive of the online complaints. The car is outside warranty and we already spent several thousand dollars on suggested fixes.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #15

Mar 112015

Fit

  • 100,000 miles
My 2008 Honda Fit stalls every time I put the clutch in for the first 4-6 minutes. When I put the clutch in to stop it stalls as soon as I engage clutch. This happens at slow speeds as well as faster speeds for the first several minutes. I have had spark plugs replaces, valve timing fixed, new battery, gas tank cleaner run through, fluids changed. Nothing has mede it any different. It won't sustain idle initially. Stalls in turns if clutch put in or too low of speed for second in a corner. It has been happening for about 2 years. At about 150000

- De Pere, WI, USA

problem #14

May 102012

Fit

  • 78,000 miles
When 2008 Honda Fit is started it will stall till engine is warm up sufficiently, depending on the temperature dictates how long that takes. If a person takes off before car is warmed completely up when coming to a stop it will stall and if your in a intersection when it stalls it is really dangerous.

- Hillsboro, KS, USA

problem #13

May 012014

Fit 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
My 2008 manual Honda Fit sport is stalling whenever I push in the clutch and come to a stop. I have to restart the car around 5 or 6 times before the engine will stop stalling at every stop. The car starts fine, but once started (and if not given time to warm up), it will stall and shut down at every stop. The battery light and oil light both come on when this happens. I have taken it to two certified Honda dealers who cannot find anything wrong with my car. This is very frustrating and annoying, as this has been an issues for almost a year. I absolutely love my car and just want it fixed!! I also do not want to have to replace the ignition just because I have to start my car at every stop sign.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #12

Dec 062014

Fit

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have taken this vehicle to several mechanics, auto zone found 9 codes, most of them were regarding misfiring in the engine. When on the highway or sitting still the engine stutters and sometimes stalls. The valves have been adjusted, the spark plugs and ignition coil packs have been replaced and the car has had a tune up. The engine still stalls out in the middle of the highway. I feel this is an unsafe vehicle, Honda should recall and fix this problem.

- Overland , MO, USA

problem #11

Jul 162014

Fit

  • 142,678 miles
Car kept stalling when I would turn on the engine and also while driving on the street it kept bucking and refused to accelerate. Anyway, got tune up 09172014, cost $170. Plus an oil change. Problem still occurring? had diagnosis completed 12/26/2014 however, they couldn't find the reason for the car to die while turning it on. Car is now 145K miles. Recommended I replace the battery. Now after paying the $265 for battery and diag, they say take it to the dealer may have something to do with engine. Every time I turn on the car I have to wait for the engine to warm up so it won't die...engine does not make noise, battery is good and electrical is good so idk what's going on. Going to take it into dealership again but feels it's a waste because they probably won't find anything and will make me do costly repairs that won't fix anything. Honda, please find out what's going on. There's obviously enough complaints about this and little action to resolve. I hate the state of panic I get into every time it stalls on me while I'm moving.

- Rancho Cucamonga , CA, USA

problem #10

Feb 012013

Fit

  • 65,000 miles
Guessing the date but I know it happened around 65K miles when I took it into dealership to get it check. Car kept stalling when I would turn on the engine and also while driving on freeway it kept bucking and refused to accelerate. Anyway, got the engine fixed, however, they couldn't find the reason for the car to die while turning it on. Car is now 94K miles. Every time I turn on the car I have to wait for the engine to warm up so it won't die...now it dies regardless and stalls while I'm driving. Had mechanic friend check it and found nothing. Engine does not make noise, battery is good and electrical is good so idk what's going on. Going to take it into dealership again but feels it's a waste because they probably won't find anything and will make me do costly repairs that won't fix anything. Honda, please find out what's going on. There's obviously enough complaints about this and little action to resolve. I hate the state of panic I get into every time it stalls on me while I'm moving.

- Kaneohe, HI, USA

problem #9

Dec 092014

Fit

  • 79,000 miles
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 driving the car was told they did not notice the problem and to come back if the check engine light came on. A week or two later (12/9/14) when in Massachusetts for business, the bucking/hesitation was so bad that I was uncertain what gear I should be in when driving up a steep road. I made a service appointment for the coming Saturday (12/13/14) when I would be back in Connecticut, even though the check engine light was not on. The service department told me the coil assembly for one of the cylinders needed to be replaced which they did on Monday (12/15/14). I have not experienced a problem for the past four days. The total repair cost was nearly $257.60 with the coil assembly costing $135. I checked online to see what the cost for the part was and found it for $81 at brenardi auto parts which sells genuine Honda parts and from whom I have previously purchased parts. I emailed the Honda service department asking to be refunded $50 as they over-price on parts. Waiting to hear back from them. My question/concern; should this coil assembly have failed" what is the expected life of this part" thank you.

- Danbury, CT, USA

problem #8

Nov 142014

Fit

  • 87,000 miles
Car stopped dead (has happened 10-12 times). Coasted to side of road. Turned off ignition. Turned it back on and car started immediately. No problem at 35 mph on back country road. Big problem if I were passing on 2 lane road. Internet check shows others have had same problem with 2008 Honda Fit.

- Johnstown, NY, USA

problem #7

Jul 162014

Fit

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became hard to maneuver and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that they were unable to diagnose problem. The VIN was not available. The approximate mileage at the time of failure was 100,000.

- Los Anglas, CA, USA

problem #6

Mar 172014

Fit

  • 36,000 miles
My 2008 Honda Fit sport began having a "surging" issue from the 2nd week after I bought it new in 2008. I would tap the brakes to slow down and the engine would surge. Hitting the brakes a second time usually stopped it but throwing it into neutral helped too. I reported it frequently to the Honda dealer and they could not find the problem and said they had never heard of it. It continued for 4 years, and then seemed to stop for the next two years. This past March, it started again, and I was able to stop the car before an accident occurred. Then it happened while I was coming down the hill I live on. The car was in 2nd gear (using the shifter), and I tapped the brakes to slow a bit. The engine began accelerating and going faster. The brakes did no good; neither did the emergency brake; finally, the brakes gave out and my foot was flat on the floor. I finally put it into park and it slowed down to a stop. I had it towed to the dealer and they found no problem, even though I put it into park while moving, nor could they find any reason for the acceleration. American Honda is no help either. They did buy the car back, but have sold it as a used car, and I fear for the person who purchased it. I'm sure they did not look into the problem further. On your website, I found seven (7) similar reports for the 2008 Fit and five (5) more for the 2009. Owners have reported this problem on edmunds.com for several years, yet the Honda sales manager did not want to look at the printout I gave him. Here are the NHTSA id#S that report a similar problem: 10523098, 1049187, 10425811, 10344231, 10323002, 10317179, 10282552, 10266390, 10368077, 10329557, 10308988, 10280593. Please investigate this matter - it is very serious.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #5

Jan 072013

Fit

  • 105,000 miles
2008 Honda Fit engine stalls when cold. Car will start, but needs to sit until engine is warm before it can be driven. If the car is put in any gear before the engine is warm it will stall. When the car is first started it sounds like the engine is idling too low. When you put the car in gear, it idles even lower until it stalls. No issues with the car stalling once the engine is warm. This started happening around 100000 miles about one year ago. At first it only happened once in a while. One year later (about 120000 miles) it happens every time the car is started. All recommended maintenance has been done on time. Has been brought to 2 different mechanics who have looked at the engine, transmission, and fuel tank/pump. No one can seem to figure out what is causing the issue. Looking online, it seems this is an extremely common issue with no solution. A recall was issued on 2009-2010 Honda Fits to fix a similar issue. A recall needs to be looked at for the 2008 model.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #4

Jun 032013

Fit 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
Rough idling and stalling. Tried lots of things to fix: Tune up, replaced spark plugs, fuel injectors cleaned, replaced clutch, valve adjustment -- nothing fixed it. Dealership now says a spring in the engine's variable valve timing system has failed. Problem causes increased risk of collision. There is a recall for the 2009/2010 models, but none for 2008. Honda Fit recall #11V101000, R66. Same problem. Recall date needs to be extended.

- Crestline, CA, USA

problem #3

Sep 302013

Fit

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled at start up and the rpms decreased. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a diagnostic testing but they were unable to locate a failure code; however, the dealer replaced the spark plugs, the air filter, and the idle system was reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000. The current mileage was 117,000.

- Mebane, NC, USA

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