There are 11 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2018 Honda Fitin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
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)
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.
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.
See attached document for complaint
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENGINE RATTLE AT COLD ENGINE START UP. TROUBLE SHOOTED AS A BAD ACTUATOR AND APPARENTLY AN ONGOING PROBLEM
VTC actuator grinding noise during cold starts. Dealerships said it’s not a problem.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026