The 2008 Honda Fit is generally reliable but has two major known issues: catastrophic automatic transmission failures due to second-gear judder/clutch pack wear, and a significant engine oil consumption defect affecting early L15A engines that can lead to complete engine failure if not monitored.
Automatic Transmission Second Gear Failure (Judder/Shudder)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or judder when accelerating from stop, especially when transmission is cold, Harsh 1-2 shift or slipping sensation in second gear, Check engine light with P0730 (incorrect gear ratio) or P0741 (torque converter codes), Complete loss of second gear leading to limp mode or no forward movement
Fix: Requires transmission removal and rebuild or replacement. Second gear clutch pack fails prematurely. Honda issued TSB 10-015 addressing this but many units still fail. Transmission R&R is 6-8 hours labor, rebuild adds another 8-12 hours if you're doing clutch packs properly. Most shops quote replacement with reman unit.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption (Piston Ring Failure)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles with no visible leaks, Blue smoke on cold start or during hard acceleration, Fouled spark plugs causing misfires (P0300-P0304 codes), Engine seizure if oil level drops unnoticed—no low oil warning light on this generation
Fix: Piston ring flutter due to low-tension rings in early L15A engines. Only real fix is engine rebuild (16-20 hours) with updated rings or short block replacement (12-15 hours). Some owners manage by checking oil weekly and adding as needed, but risk of catastrophic failure is real. Honda never issued formal recall despite widespread reports.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Engine Mount Failure (Especially Right/Torque Mount)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or banging on acceleration/deceleration, Excessive engine movement visible when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration through steering wheel and chassis at idle, Transmission shifter vibration or hard shifts due to misalignment
Fix: Right side torque mount and transmission mount both fail regularly. Torque mount is hydraulic and tears internally. Replace both while you're in there—about 2.5-3.5 hours total labor. OE Honda mounts last longest; aftermarket fail faster.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel System Contamination from Failed Fuel Filter
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking especially when hot, Intermittent stalling or hesitation under load, P0171/P0174 lean codes or fuel pressure codes, Fuel pump whining—filter clogs and starves pump causing premature pump failure
Fix: In-tank fuel filter is not serviceable separately—Honda considers it lifetime, but it clogs with age. Requires fuel tank drop (3-4 hours) and pump/filter assembly replacement. If you let it go too long, you're also replacing the fuel pump. Do both together.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Airbag Inflator Recall Issues (Takata)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated, Recall notices from Honda/NHTSA, Risk of inflator rupture deploying metal shrapnel in crash
Fix: Multiple recalls for Takata airbag inflators (passenger and driver side). This is safety-critical. Check VIN at Honda dealer—replacement is free under recall. Takes 1-2 hours per inflator. If you're buying used, verify recall work was completed; many still on road unrepaired.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Power Window Motor/Regulator Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Window moves slowly or stops mid-travel, Grinding or clicking noise when operating window, Window drops into door or won't stay up, Driver window most common, followed by passenger front
Fix: Window regulator assemblies wear out, plastic clips break. Driver side is 1.5-2 hours, passenger side slightly less. Honda had a recall for some units (safety issue if window won't close), but many fail outside recall scope. Replace motor and regulator as assembly.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500-1,000 miles religiously—no low oil light means you can grenade the engine without warning
If buying used automatic, get pre-purchase inspection focused on transmission behavior during 1-2 shift when cold
Verify all Takata airbag recalls completed via Honda VIN lookup before purchase
Manual transmission models avoid the catastrophic auto trans issues and are significantly more reliable
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with Honda DW-1 ATF only—may extend auto trans life slightly
Buy a manual transmission example with documented oil consumption checks; avoid automatics unless transmission has been replaced recently with updated parts.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
Consequence: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V501000
2019-06-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V029000
2017-01-10 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V344000
2016-05-23 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS · 13V260000
2013-06-24
Honda is re-recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Fit vehicles covered under previous recall 10V-033. The remedy applied in this earlier recall may have been insufficient. In the affected vehicles, over time, the plastic cover may separate from the master power window switch allowing water to enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch. If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the water intrusion, overheating and failure of the switch may result.
Consequence: An overheated switch can cause smoke, melting and fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners in July 2013 and will instruct owners to take their vehicles to dealers to have a free inspection conducted. If the switch is damaged, it will be replaced free of charge. If the switch is not damaged, the owner will be instructed to await a second notification that will instruct them to return to the dealer to have a replacement switch installed free of charge. Honda anticipates it will have sufficient parts inventory to notify owners of vehicles with undamaged switches to return to dealers for replacement switches in Fall 2013. Renotification was sent out to owners on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall number is JA6.
HONDA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HONDA FIT VEHICLES. DUE TO AN ERROR DURING INSTALLATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE COMBINATION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS LOW HEAD BEAM FUNCTION, THE WIRES FOR THE LOWER BEAM CIRCUIT WERE PULLED TIGHTER THAN INTENDED. AFTER REPEATED USE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINAL FOR THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAN BECOME WORN AS A RESULT OF THIS TENSION, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOW CONDUCTIVITY AND CAUSE AN ACCUMULATION OF COPPER OXIDE IN THE AREA OF THE CONTACTS.
Consequence: THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE DECREASING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE'S VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL AND PERFORM NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS · 10V033000
2010-02-02
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 FIT VEHICLES. UNDER SEVERE CONDITION, WATER MAY ENTER THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND REACH THE MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH. IF THE MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH IS DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE WATER INTRUSION, OVERHEATING AND FAILURE OF THE SWITCH MAY RESULT.
Consequence: AN OVERHEATED SWITCH CAN CAUSE SMOKE, MELTING AND FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SWITCH AND INSTALL A COVER AROUND THE SWITCH HOUSING TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE SWITCH. IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, THE SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED AND A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DURING MARCH 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 07V549000
2007-12-03
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) AND THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM (OPDS) IS ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE CARPET ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED, SALT FROM THE SNOW ON THE DRIVER'S SHOES WILL MELT AND MAY PENETRATE THE CARPET AND LEAK INTO THE WIRE HARNESS. IF THE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO SALT BRINE, CORROSION MAY OCCUR AND THE WIRE MAY BREAK CAUSING THE SRS INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. A FAILURE OF THE ODS AND OPDS MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A CHILD SEAT OR AN OUT-OF-POSITION PASSENGER AND DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS WILL NOT BE SUPPRESSED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A DEPLOYING FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OR FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO SMALL OR OUT-OF-POSITION OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-999-1009.
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