2008 Honda Insight Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2008 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2008 Honda Insight has 1 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations) ($400-$4,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 2000-2022 Honda Insight, 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 acceleration, and frequent battery recalibrations. The battery cells degrade over time, especially in hot climates. First and second generation batteries are more prone to failure. Third generation (2019-2022) batteries have better warranty coverage (8yr/100k miles in CARB states, 3yr/36k elsewhere). Replacement cost: $1,500-4,000 depending on generation.
Common Symptoms
- IMA warning light on dashboard
- Reduced fuel economy (MPG drops significantly)
- Lack of electric motor assist during acceleration
- Poor acceleration and sluggish performance
- Battery gauge fluctuating or always empty
- Frequent battery recalibrations
- Check engine light with P1xxx hybrid codes
How to Fix
Options: (1) OEM Honda replacement battery ($2,500-4,000 installed), (2) Refurbished battery from specialist like Bumblebee Batteries or HybridReVolt ($1,200-2,000), (3) DIY battery rebuild ($400-800 in parts if mechanically skilled). For 3rd gen (2019-2022), check warranty coverage - 8yr/100k in CARB states (CA, NY, etc). InsightCentral.net forum has extensive guides on battery testing, reconditioning, and replacement. Some owners bypass IMA entirely and run as gas-only ($0-300) but lose hybrid benefits.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeInsightCentral.net trusted rebuilders: Bumblebee Batteries ($1,500-1,800) and HybridReVolt ($1,200-2,000) - both offer warranties and have rebuilt 1,000+ Insight batteries.
- TipBattery doesn't "fail" instantly - slow charging/discharging gives warning weeks ahead. Monitor battery gauge and MPG for early detection.
- NoteHot climates kill IMA batteries faster (Arizona, Texas, Florida). Parking in shade and avoiding extreme discharge extends life significantly.
- TipDIY rebuild: Individual cells cost $5-10 each (20 cells total). InsightCentral has step-by-step guides - saves $2,000+ if mechanically inclined.