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2015 Honda Fit Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Honda Fit carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and structure. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel gauge and odometer display failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign #15V574000 · Sep 15, 2015

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.

Risk: If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU2 (Civic) and JU3(Fit).

STRUCTURE

Campaign #15V697000 · Oct 23, 2015

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Fit LX-trim vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to July 02, 2015 and not equipped with a sunroof. In the affected vehicles, the rear grab handle brackets were not manufactured properly, and as a result, the brackets may puncture the side curtain air bags upon their deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection" and number 226, "Ejection Mitigation".

Risk: If the side curtain air bags are punctured upon deployment, the outboard seat occupants may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear grab handle bracket, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV8.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #15V559000 · Mar 9, 2015

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured December 6, 2013, to August 28, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience damage to the wires inside the Plug Top Ignition Coils (PTC) due to improper protection against electrical noise.

Risk: If the wires become damaged, the coil may overheat and cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Plug Top Ignition Coils with new design, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT9.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #14V563000 · Jul 30, 2014

Issue: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Honda Fit vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to June 9, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an A-pillar interior cover designed for vehicles without side curtain air bags.

Risk: The affected vehicles are equipped with side curtain air bags and in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the side curtain air bags, the incorrect A-pillar interior cover may adversely affect the performance of the side curtain air bags increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the A-pillar interior cover and install the correct A-pillar cover, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 25, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JF9.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Honda Fit.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel gauge and odometer display failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

80 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-03 (200 of 282 total shown)

“Odometer screen, which includes mileage, fuel gauge, time and any check engine information, will regularly blink, appear blank, show unreadable characters or a combination of the three on mornings with an external temperature of 60 F or below…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721520
“The fuel gauge, which is digital, has a soldering point which is apparently a known failure spot due to the type of solder used. This causes the display to fail, which makes the fuel gauge unreadable…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668323
“This has happened to me a few times and I thought I was alone in suffering this defect with my Honda Fit. My fuel gauge/odometer/trip indicator goes haywire. It is either blankly blue or half there…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460029

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT drive pulley shaft failure

POWER TRAIN

21 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-07 (200 of 282 total shown)

“The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission warning light started flashing and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657893
“THEY DRAINED AND INSPECTED THE FLUID TO FIND METAL DEBRIS IN MAGNET THAT LOOKED LIKE CVT BELT PARTS. THEY SAID THE CVT BELT BROKE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309296
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE FAR LEFT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A ENGINE RPMS GO HIGH AND THEN I LOST THE TRANSMISSION…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel injector failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

25 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2024-02 (200 of 282 total shown)

“FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE AT 47,000 REQUIRING ALL FOUR INJECTORS NEEDING REPLACEMENT.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253907
“CAR HAD A LITTLE OVER 48,000 MILES ON IT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THE FUEL INJECTORS ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206488
“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON A LOT RECENTLY. TOOK IT TO A DEALER IN LACROSSE WI. TODAY TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID THAT ALL THE FUEL INJECTORS NEED REPLACED…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361652

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Push-button start switch failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-07 (200 of 282 total shown)

“The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was initially diagnosed with battery failure. However, the failure persisted after the battery was replaced. A diagnostic scan retrieved 6 Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the computer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750584
“The start/stop switch on my 2015 Honda Fit failed — a known defect acknowledged by Honda through Service Bulletin A20-098…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734909
“2015 HONDA FIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD DEFECTIVE STOP/START IGNITION SWITCH.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11504861

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

VTC actuator rattle at cold start

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-06 (200 of 282 total shown)

“Vtc actuator failure. Engine rattle on cold startup.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651846
“At start up (often after the car has sat a few hours), the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434780
“VALVE TIMING CONTROL (VTC) ACTUATOR IS DEFECTIVE AND CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE ISSUE MANIFESTS ITSELF AS AN OCCASSIONAL INNOCUOUS RATTLE AT COLD-START (AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT)…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172677

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint peeling on doors and roof

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-06 (200 of 282 total shown)

“The paint (white orchid pearl) is peeling down to the metal on three of the doors. I did have a spot on the roof repaired during the extended 7 year warranty. But this current problem happened after the warranty expired.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746985
“Paint from factory failed. Peels off in sheets. Items falling off a moving car is safety reason enough…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483302
“WHITE ORCHID PEARL PAINT IS SEVERELY PEELING ON ROOF AND DOORS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2023-01 (200 of 282 total shown)

“Was in a car accident and was hit very hard and the seat belts didn't lock me in place and the air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502845
“THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES FROM THE AIR BAG THAT DEPLOYED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196743
“CAR (FIT) WAS HIT RIGHT BEHIND DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. FIT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH WHEN HIT BY CAR WHO RAN STOP CONTROL.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144193

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

43 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Honda Fit reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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