What are the most common Honda Insight problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000-2022 Honda Insight has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations), Fuel Pump Failure (NHTSA Recall), DC-DC Converter Shutdown (Loss of Drive Power). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Insight reliable?
The 2000-2022 Honda Insight has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations) and Fuel Pump Failure (NHTSA Recall) and DC-DC Converter Shutdown (Loss of Drive Power) and CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Insight problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Insight issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations), typically costs $400-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Honda Insight is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Honda Insight. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2022 Honda Insight with 10 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2000-2022 Honda Insight IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations)?
All Honda Insight generations (2000-2006, 2010-2014, 2019-2022) experience IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid battery failures, typically between 75,000-175,000 miles (8-15 years). Symptoms include IMA warning light, reduced fuel economy, lack of electric assist, poor accelerat… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2022 Honda Insight Fuel Pump Failure (NHTSA Recall)?
The 2019-2022 Honda Insight (third generation) has been recalled for fuel pump failures. The fuel pump impeller was improperly molded (low density), causing it to deform over time and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering it inoperative. Symptoms include engine stalling wh… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Honda Insight DC-DC Converter Shutdown (Loss of Drive Power)?
The 2020-2021 Honda Insight experiences DC-DC converter shutdowns that prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, resulting in loss of drive power. The power converter unit (PCU) software has a defect that causes the DC-DC converter to shut down unexpectedly. Symptoms include e… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2014 Honda Insight CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen)?
The 2010-2014 Honda Insight (second generation) CVT transmission experiences judder, shuddering, knocking noise during acceleration, and complete failure. Early CVT steel belt failures were identified. When CVT fails, the green "D" indicator on dash blinks. The transmission shudd… Repairs typically run $150-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2022 Honda Insight 12V Battery Premature Failure?
Honda Insight models (especially 2010-2014 and 2019-2022) experience premature 12V battery failures. The small 12V battery (not the IMA hybrid battery) dies unexpectedly, often within 2-3 years. Symptoms include no start, electrical gremlins, and hybrid system errors. The Insight… Repairs typically run $150-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2014 Honda Insight Ground Cable Internal Corrosion (No Start)?
The 2010-2014 Honda Insight (second generation) has ground cables that corrode from the inside, preventing the vehicle from starting. There are three ground cables prone to corrosion: (1) between battery and firewall, (2) between left side and transmission, (3) between left side… Repairs typically run $50-$200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2020 Honda Insight Body Control Module Communication Errors (BCM)?
The 2019-2020 Honda Insight (third generation) experiences body control module (BCM) software errors causing communication disruptions between BCM and other components. This results in malfunctions of windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, and exterior lights. Honda issue… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2006 Honda Insight Catalytic Converter Failure (First Gen)?
The 2000-2006 Honda Insight (first generation) experiences premature catalytic converter failures. The lean-burn engine runs very lean, putting extra stress on the catalytic converter. Symptoms include check engine light with P0420/P0430 codes, rattling noise from exhaust, reduce… Repairs typically run $400-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2006 Honda Insight EGR System Clogging (Lean Burn Engine)?
The 2000-2006 Honda Insight first generation with lean-burn engine experiences clogged EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems. The EGR valve and passages get clogged with carbon buildup, causing rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights (P0401 code). The… Repairs typically run $20-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2014 Honda Insight Rear Suspension Clunking (Shock Absorber Failure)?
The 2010-2014 Honda Insight (second generation) experiences rear suspension clunking and noise over bumps and rough roads. The rear shock absorbers fail prematurely due to the excess weight of the hybrid battery in the rear. The clunking is most noticeable over speed bumps and po… Repairs typically run $200-$400. Severity: low.
