It should be noted that the new ILSAC Gf-6 standard has been out for about a year now and in North America at least every major brand should have upgraded their synthetics to meet it. From Mobil:

"GF-6 is the newest ILSAC engine oil performance standard aimed at improving fuel economy and enhancing engine capabilities for passenger cars. ... GF-6 will provide Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while improving piston cleanliness and fuel economy."

It's hard to evaluate this in detail but obviously previous oils were considered to be lacking in some key areas. The information will be on the back of the oil jug where these new oils are also called "SP" standard as opposed to the previous "SN" standard.

 

Yes.
Not just timing chain guide wear, but VTC actuator and all associated items as well.
We have a member on this board with over 130k miles on his original VTC, timing chain, tensioner, and timing chain guide.

He has yet to experience any of the VTC issues the rest of us have had. All with using regular 15k mile rated oil and changing it every 3-5k miles
random 130k mile update - still drives & sounds like new [video] - Unofficial Honda FIT Forums (fitfreak.net)

Some like to claim the failure is due to a faulty VTC, but the design hasn't changed (even the one in your car now, is no different than the one that came with it when it was new)
Now with other items wearing prematurely, the only common denominator amongst all of them is the oil.
Change that more frequently and you won't have these issues in the future.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the oil life monitor is grossly inaccurate.
It was probably designed for vehicles with larger oil capacities and port fuel injection.

 

I see this GF-6 on the Mobil 1 Container--good to know.

 

I'm reading this thread to educate myself on 'VTC rattle' and saw this line. (I'm not the member being mentioned btw). I just sold my 2007 Fit base because the clutch was starting to go bad. Mileage 263,067. All mentioned parts are original. We still have a 2010 Fit Sport with 198,645 miles which my wife uses as her daily commuter. All mentioned parts are original. I've been happily unaware of VTC, timing chain or other issues. Knock on wood that this ignorance on my part keeps working ....

Ron

 

2015 and 2016 Honda FIT Engines had defective VTC. Honda fixed it for FITS 2017+ . Honda refused to warranty it because it was not a safety issue. I had mine replaced on my 2015 FIT billed to the HondaCare Extended Warranty. VTC work on the FIT is very labor consuming and may also require a timing chain replacement in some cases. My repair was billed @ 1300.00 from the dealer to Honda.

More info:
https://lawcities.com/honda-vtc-actuator-lawsuit/

 

The 2017+'s VTC issue has never been fixed by Honda. Our 2018 Sport is currently at the dealer for it's 2nd VTC replacement. All 3rd gen Fit's have that problem/

 

Thanks for updating on this.
This is disturbing news.
Per the Honda TSB it only denoted 2015 and 2016.
See: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Honda/16-088

 

The VTC problem was the worst on 2015/16 models. They made design changes at that point which helped but yes, the problem still continues to show up on later models although not as often.

 

When I fixed the ATC at the dealer on my 2015 FIT, the Service Manager who I have known for a long time told me that this was the 1st time they were doing a FIT, but they have become very proficient replacing it on many many Accords over the years.

Guess Honda is not the best with engines?

 

Accords probably outsold the Fit like 10 to one so not surprising they were doing more accords. The VTC problem is not fatal in engines like say Hyundai/Kia with their engine destruction problems over the years. If you look at other manufactures you will find most of them with their own problems. I'll take a Honda engine over most.

 

This is good to know!

I did not know that KIA/Hyundai had such engine problems!
Everyone here in Cali is crazy about KIA and Hyundai.

 

It seems they are constantly in the news with recalls. Sure, on the outside they are nice looking cars.

Engine pronlems at Hyundai/Kia

US probes Hyundai, Kia recall into 6.4 million vehicles over fire risks

 

I guess the "Million Dollar" question is: Is there 1 car manufacturer that stands out consistently over the years as being the Most Reliable?

 

I just got a 2017 and it does the rattle on cold mornings. I bought it certified pre-owned. Would that be something the dealership might fix or is it only for the 2015-2016?

 

You'd have to ask them. As far as I know the VTC actuator issue is only recognized as a problem by Honda on the 2015/6 models even though it does occur in later years. I do not believe there is any kind of extended warranty on it. Ask them but they'll probably want you to pay for it since they regard it as a nuisance issue rather than any kind of safety issue.

 

If it gets bad enough the VTC rattle can cause the timing to jump and catastrophic engine failure. So yes it does need to be addressed and fixed.

 

I would call Honda and ask them if the VTC has been reported to be a problem on 2017.
I don't see any harm in calling them and letting them know what is going on and getting information.
I am on my 2nd Honda and have found them to be helpful with providing information.
One time they covered something minor they did not have to.
It's my understanding that it was corrected for 2017+, but someone else here posted earlier that it may be a problem post 2016 too.
You can also search the internet for class action lawsuits re: Honda VTC. Here is a lawsuit not involving FIT: https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-...ontrol-defect/
Maybe contact that lawyer and alert them about FIT?
Honda has paid large settlements in other class action I saw re: VTC

 

It for sure wasn't corrected or fixed for 2017+.

Our 2018 has had it fixed twice now. Along with a few other people. Oh and the same era Accord and CRV owners are having the same VTC issues also. With no updated parts being offered by Honda. Just the same parts that fail from the start. A $1,600-2,000 bill every time it goes out, every couple of years.

 

That is insane! You had to fix the VTC two times!?
On my 2015 Window sticker it says the Engine was built in Mexico.
Does that have anything to do with it?
I have had a lot of Warranty repairs on my FIT built in Mexico--not sure I would buy another import.

 

Pretty much all of the North American 3rd gen Fit's were made in Mexico. The problem isn't where the car was made. It's a pure engine design flaw that is shared with their other models also. And those cars were made in different parts of the world.