Reliability
Honda

Insight (2nd)

2010-2014 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
266 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
2 Fire Reports
26 Crash Reports
View all 5 generations of the Honda Insight → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

6.9 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 88 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 81.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall88 complaints against about 81 for similar vehicles
6.9
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20108.9
  • 20117.8
  • 20123.6
  • 20133.7
  • 2014n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

LDA3

1.3L 4-cyl / 88 hp
212 complaints 42.4 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
96
engine
52
brakes
17
body
16
electrical
12

Honda Insight Unidentified Engine

54 complaints 10.8 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
26
safety systems
11
other
6
electrical
5
interior
4

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Hybrid (HEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2010-2014 Honda Insight

2 battery-related complaints 1.0 per year 0 battery-related recalls

Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 2 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Electric Propulsion 2 (100%)

Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.

Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
  • [2010] CAR IS 2010 HONDA INSIGHT. CAR HAS SMALL ENGINE THAT NEEDS ASSISTANCE FROM ELECTRIC MOTOR. ELECTRIC MOTOR HELPS THE CAR DURING ACCELERATION AND CLIMBING. THE CAR SHOULD NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY ON CLIMBS. AS A RESULT OF THIS, EXTRA LOAD IS ADDED ON THE ENGINE DURING CLIMBS. WITH A 1300CC ENGINE GOING UP A GRADE, THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS AS YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO CLIMB AT A CERTAIN RATE O
  • [2012] I HAVE A 2012 HONDA INSIGHT WITH 80000 MILES AND AM HAVING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AT 1 QUART OF OIL PER 2000 MILES OF DRIVING PER THE DEALERSHIP. HONDA SAYS THIS IS ACCEPTABLE AND ONLY A PROBLEM AT 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES DRIVEN. I HAVE READ THE CONCERNS AND THE VEHICLE HAS POORLY SEATED RINGS DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT ADMITTED BY HONDA. MY CONCERN IS THIS IS RESULTING IN LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND

Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.

Battery: Honda Insight IMA nickel-metal hydride pack (2010-2014)

NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) · 84 cells in seven modules, inside the Intelligent Power Unit beneath the rear cargo area
View full pack reference →
▼ You're looking at: Insight Base / LX / EX (2010-2014)
Combined mpg 40-41
EPA figures span the trims and model years this entry covers.
About the pack
Capacity
0.58 kWh
as published
Service life
—
limited data
Warranty floor
—
warranty terms not confirmed

Pack overview

ChemistryNiMH (nickel-metal hydride)
Cell supplierNot published
Cell formatCylindrical, D-size
Voltage (nominal)100.8 V
CoolingNot stated by Honda
Architecture84 cells in seven modules, inside the Intelligent Power Unit beneath the rear cargo area
Warranty Not confirmed

Known issues

Medium
Honda announced a product update in October 2014 for all 2010-2012 Insights and 2011-2012 CR-Zs. The IMA battery control software could let the battery develop a memory effect that cut its capacity and set fault code P0A7F early. Dealers update the battery control unit software. Honda told dealers the effect causes no permanent degradation, and its service bulletin says the normal warranty applies. The 2013 and 2014 cars are not named.
Low
Honda describes the pack as 84 D-size 1.2-volt cells in seven modules, for 100.8 volts and 5.75 amp-hours. That works out to about 0.58 kWh; Honda publishes no kWh figure. The battery sits in the Intelligent Power Unit beneath the rear cargo area.
Low
Honda's spec pages list the same 100.8 volts and 5.75 amp-hours for every model year from 2010 to 2014.

How this pack ages (industry context)

Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).

OEM warranty floor: terms not confirmed for this pack. The US-market EV baseline is 8 yr / 100,000 mi to a 70% capacity floor, but that should not be assumed here.

Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Honda Insight, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 107 owner complaints
Engine: 78 owner complaints
Brakes: 20 owner complaints
Body/Trim: 17 owner complaints
Electrical System: 17 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2010-2014 Honda Insight

On a used 2010-2014 Honda Insight, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (107), the engine (78) and the brakes (20). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on the 2010-2014 Honda Insight about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on the 2010-2014 Honda Insight about the engine.
  3. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2010-2014 Honda Insight about the brakes.
  4. Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2010-2014 Honda Insight about the body and structure.
  5. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2010-2014 Honda Insight about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2010-2014 Honda Insight

Recalls (10)

19V500000Jun 27, 2019critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V502000Jun 27, 2019critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V378000May 16, 2019serious
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

18V661000Sep 27, 2018critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

18V268000Apr 26, 2018serious
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Show 5 older recalls
18V042000Jan 9, 2018critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

17V545000Aug 31, 2017serious
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

17V030000Jan 10, 2017critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V346000May 24, 2016critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V061000Feb 3, 2016critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2010-2014 Honda Insight complaints?

Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010-2014 Honda Insight. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the engine and the brakes.

Is the 2010-2014 Honda Insight a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010-2014 Honda Insight. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2014 Honda Insight have?

NHTSA has 266 owner complaints on file for the 2010-2014 Honda Insight as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2010-2014 Honda Insight?

NHTSA lists 10 recalls covering some 2010-2014 Honda Insight vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Honda Insight?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the engine and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Insight?

The 2014 Honda Insight received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 266 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver