According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Honda Insight has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations) ($400-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,000. 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.
Owner tips & cautions
TipBattery doesn't "fail" instantly - slow charging/discharging gives warning weeks ahead. Monitor battery gauge and MPG for early detection.
WarningHot 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.
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
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.
Common Symptoms
No start condition
Clicking when trying to start
Electrical system warnings
Hybrid system errors (false warnings)
Battery dies after sitting overnight
Dim interior lights
How to Fix
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.
Owner tips & cautions
WarningNEVER jump-start a hybrid - use proper jump points in fuse box (see manual). Jumping at battery terminals can damage hybrid electronics.
TipWeak 12V battery can cause false IMA battery warnings. Replace 12V first before assuming IMA battery is bad - saves $1,000s.
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls
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.
Campaign #20V31400028/05/2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
Campaign #20V77100010/12/2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Campaign #21V21500025/03/2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Accord and 2019 Honda Insight vehicles. In certain scenarios, the back-up camera center display may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Campaign #18V62900013/09/2018
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Honda Insight has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: IMA Hybrid Battery Failure (All Generations), 12V Battery Premature Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Insight reliable?
The 2017 Honda Insight has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Insight problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Insight issues range from $150 to $4,000, 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 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 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.
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.
