2012 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012 Honda Insight has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen) ($150-$5,000 repair) and IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations) ($400-$4,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.
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.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2010-2022 Honda Insight, 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 uses a smaller 12V battery than other vehicles due to space constraints, and it's more sensitive to parasitic drain. Weak 12V battery can also trigger false IMA battery warnings.
Replace 12V battery with AGM battery (better than flooded) rated for hybrid vehicles ($150-250). Test for parasitic drain if battery keeps dying (normal is <50mA). Common causes of drain: trunk light staying on, aftermarket accessories, faulty BCM. Charge battery with low-amp charger (2-amp max) - high amp charging can damage hybrid system electronics.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2010-2014 Honda Insight, 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 shudders at low speeds (15-35 mph) and makes knocking noises when shifting or accelerating. Honda extended CVT warranty to 10yr/150k miles on some models. CVT replacement: $3,000-5,000.
Early stage: CVT fluid replacement with genuine Honda CVTF ($150-250) may help. Severe cases: Complete CVT replacement ($3,000-5,000). Check if your Insight qualifies for Honda's extended CVT warranty (10yr/150k miles on some models). If CVT fails under warranty, Honda covers replacement. Keep records of all CVT fluid changes to support warranty claims. InsightCentral forum recommends changing CVT fluid every 25k-30k miles.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2010-2014 Honda Insight, 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 and air filter support. The cables look fine externally but are corroded internally, causing intermittent no-start conditions, electrical gremlins, and charging issues. Replacement: $50-200 for all three cables.
Inspect all three ground cables for internal corrosion (cut open cable end to check). Replace corroded cables with new OEM or upgraded aftermarket cables ($50-200 for all three). DIY-friendly repair - takes 1-2 hours with basic hand tools. InsightCentral forum has detailed guides with photos. Preventive: Apply dielectric grease to cable terminals to prevent future corrosion.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2010-2014 Honda Insight, 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 potholes. Replacement rear shocks: $200-400 per pair.
Replace rear shock absorbers with OEM Honda or quality aftermarket (KYB, Monroe, Gabriel) shocks ($200-400 for pair + labor). DIY-friendly if you have basic tools - takes 1-2 hours. InsightCentral recommends KYB or Monroe shocks for better ride quality than OEM.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Honda Insight has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen), IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations), 12V Battery Premature Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012-2012 Honda Insight has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen) and IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations). 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.
Repair costs for known Honda Insight issues range from $50 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen), typically costs $150-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
