Honda Insight Years To Avoid | 12 Best & Worst [2023 Data]

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Source: Top Speed

The Honda Insight is an attractive four-door sedan that has been available to buyers for more than 20 years since its 1999 debut as a two-door hatchback. Its notable features include excellent fuel economy, a refined appearance, and a ride that is both comfortable and relaxing.

There are some things to remember before buying a used Honda Insight. Knowing which years of the Honda Insight to avoid can help you choose a model more likely to deliver the reliable and environmentally conscious performance for which Honda is famous.

The worst years to avoid the Honda Insight are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2019. The best years to buy a Honda Insight are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2020, 2021, and 2022. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmunds, Car Complaints, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book.

Worst Honda Insight Years To Avoid

There are some years of the Honda Insight that are better than others, but there are also some that have a lot of problems. In those years, problems with engineering, recalls, and failures were common, and they included:

  • 2010 Honda Insight
  • 2011 Honda Insight
  • 2012 Honda Insight
  • 2013 Honda Insight
  • 2014 Honda Insight
  • 2019 Honda Insight

6. Worst Year: 2014 Honda Insight (3.99 Rating)

Source: autocar.co.uk

Despite having low ownership costs and retail price, The 2014 Honda Insight was unimpressive and marked the end of the vehicle’s second generation. With a rating of 7.6 out of 10, the 2014 Honda Insight is placed 21 out of 25 among 2014 compact cars by U.S. News.

This year’s Honda Insight isn’t a good choice whether you’re in the market for a hybrid or secondhand vehicle. The back seat is cramped for such a compact car, and there are extremely few amenities as standard equipment. The engine’s start-stop operation is clumsy, and switching between gas and electric power is a pain.

Furthermore, compared to competing hybrids, it falls short in fuel efficiency and horsepower. Accelerating with a 98-hp electric motor and a four-cylinder engine will probably be challenging. Even if it keeps up with highway speeds, the noise level will be too great.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

5. Worst Year: 2019 Honda Insight (3.85 Rating)

Source: car.autohome

The 2019 Honda Insight experienced multiple problems with its electronics, the most common of which concerned the rear-view camera’s operation.

Many people have complained that the rear-view camera doesn’t take clear pictures, with distorted colors and fuzzy details. Some users have reported that the camera randomly turns off and won’t turn back on.

Some typical issues include a cracking or creaking sound coming from the dashboard, issues with the backup camera, crashes in the infotainment system, and sensors causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

4. Worst Year: 2013 Honda Insight (3.57 Rating)

Source: carscoops

Among the most frustrating automotive problems that might arise, the 2013 Honda Insight experienced a disproportionate number of engine-related troubles.

Several dashboard warning lights would illuminate, and the vehicle would abruptly halt while traveling at low speeds. After a closer look, it was determined that the issue was caused by the engine using too much oil because of damaged piston rings and pistons.

Deteriorating spark plugs and excessive tailpipe pollution were the primary complaints from 2013 Honda Insight owners. Changing out the pistons and rings can fix the issue. However, some people only needed to replace the short block, and others needed a new engine.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

3. Worst Year: 2011 Honda Insight (3.42 Rating)

Source: cars.usnews

Like the previous year’s model, 2010, the 2011 Insight had its fair share of problems. The notorious Takata airbag recall impacted this model, which caused explosions and shrapnel injuries. Many owners had to wait an excessive time for this to be resolved.

Some drivers have reported problems with the vehicle’s speed control, which causes the vehicle to accelerate suddenly or have trouble keeping a constant speed. There were some engine-related complaints for this model year as well, albeit they were less numerous than for 2012 and 2013.

If Honda really wants to make their cars safer and more reliable, they need to fix these issues.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

2. Worst Year: 2012 Honda Insight (3.41 Rating)

Source: telegraph.co.uk

According to CarComplaints, the 2012 Honda Insight was the worst year for the hybrid car. There were eight recalls and 58 complaints for this model. But its major problems were engine failure and high oil consumption.

Excessive oil consumption was the problem with the 2012 Honda Insight, which led to 77 complaints. Many owners have complained that the engine uses a lot of oil and often needs to be filled in between oil changes. If left unchecked, this can cause more issues with the engine.

However, the 2012 Honda Insight has also had problems with its engine. On multiple occasions, even while traveling on highways, owners have reported that their vehicles stalled or lost power. Due to several engine issues, engine repairs, replacement parts, oil, and spark plugs have added up to hefty bills for owners.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

1. Worst Year: 2010 Honda Insight (2.98 Rating)

Source: world-carwallpapers.blogspot

With the highest number of complaints, the 2010 Honda Insight is clearly the most problematic model year. As with any new model or generation, we usually advise our readers to avoid the first production year, just like the 2010 Insight, due to its numerous unknown issues.

The airbags in the 2010 Honda Insight were a major weak point and contributed to the now-famous Takata recall. The failure to deploy, excessive force during deployment, or continued illumination of warning indications was a common complaint among consumers.

Numerous reports of service brake issues and unintended acceleration are also noticed. The vehicle’s speed control is another potential problem area leading to unexpected acceleration or deceleration. Also, several people have mentioned issues with the car’s electrical system and the exterior lighting. All things considered, avoiding a 2010 Honda Insight is a wise decision.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Best Honda Insight Years To Buy Used

After we reviewed the worst year for the Honda Insight and the years to avoid, it’s time to talk about the best years. Among these years are:

  • 2004 Honda Insight
  • 2005 Honda Insight
  • 2006 Honda Insight
  • 2020 Honda Insight
  • 2021 Honda Insight
  • 2022 Honda Insight

6. Best Year: 2020 Honda Insight (4.17 Rating)

Source: the car connection

The 2020 Insight adds to Honda’s lineup of attractive hybrid vehicles. Impressive fuel economy, smooth ride and handling, quick acceleration, high-quality interior, and many standard safety features were among its many accolades. In addition, there were very few complaints for this model year, and the ones that did come in were mostly about electrical problems.

Most people think the 2020 Honda Insight is a dependable car. Its reliability is justified, thanks to its well-engineered hybrid system, high-quality construction, and numerous safety measures, as is Honda’s general reputation for dependability.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

5. Best Year: 2006 Honda Insight (4.31 Rating)

Source: caranddriver

When it comes to dependability and gas mileage, the last of the first-generation Insight is a serious contender. In 2006, the most fuel-efficient car sold in the US was the Honda Insight, which managed 66 MPG on the interstate with the manual transmission, surpassing even the Toyota Prius.

Despite being an older model, the 2006 Honda Insight is still a great car to check out—particularly if you can get your hands on a manual transmission. In addition to poor fuel economy, the CVT transmission is infamous for breaking down. But before you buy, remember that the first-generation Honda Insights had certain limitations.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

4. Best Year: 2022 Honda Insight (4.34 Rating)

Source: silkohonda

As the most upgraded and improved model to date, the 2022 Honda Insight is recommended. Like its forerunners, it shares many of the Honda Civic’s best features and offers cutting-edge technology in addition to good gas mileage.

It offers good space for passengers and baggage, a powerful engine, and a stylish interior. The one and only powertrain generates 151 hp with a combination of electric motors and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine.

For 2022, the lineup unfortunately did not include the cheap entry-level LX trim. Also, the third generation Insight was ended with its discontinuation.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

3. Best Year: 2021 Honda Insight (4.40 Rating)

Source: green car reports

If you are in the market for a charming little car with excellent gas mileage, the 2021 Insight is another solid option. Compared to 2022, it’s even better.

The Insight will have a standard blind-spot monitoring system for 2021, with a warning light to indicate when an approaching vehicle is in the system’s blind spot. The innovative LaneWatch system of rear-facing cameras had previously only offered a blind-spot vision from the driver’s side, so this was a big change.

The 2021 Insight provides 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. You can fit all of your weekend essentials or 10 shopping bags in there. The engine is unchanged from the 2022 model since the manufacturer did not alter it.
Radiant Red Metallic is a new paint color that was introduced to the mix.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

2. Best Year: 2004 Honda Insight (4.41 Rating)

Source: Autoblog

Even though some automotive snobs wouldn’t recommend an old car like 2004 Insight, you can’t deny that it’s a fantastic vehicle—even better than the most recent iterations.

The basic audio system for this model year was upgraded to include a CD player and four speakers strategically placed around the vehicle. When it comes to safety measures, a seatbelt reminder system was added to all 2004 Honda vehicles and subsequent years.

A new CD music system with four standard speakers, a seat belt reminder system, and a fuel usage monitor that switches from green to red illumination were all significant upgrades over the 2003 model. Users of the 2004 Honda Insight have reported that, with proper care, the vehicle can endure for up to 17 years.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

1. Best Year: 2005 Honda Insight (4.43 Rating)

Source: Autos.ca

Based on its outstanding reviews from both owners and critics, the 2005 Honda Insight is our best pick because it is the most trustworthy model to date. For those on a low budget, the 2005 Honda Insight is also an excellent option, with the least complaints.

This model is nearly identical to the 2004 model year, which was also highly lauded for its exceptional fuel efficiency. A number of safety features, including front and rear airbags, equip this two-seat hybrid vehicle. Only one trim level is available with FWD.

A hybrid VTEC motor and the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine work together to provide 73 hp and 79 lb-ft of torque. The cabin is roomy, with dimensions of 38.8 inches for the head, 42.9 for the front legroom, and 50.5 for the shoulders.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Common Honda Insight Problems

Despite how fantastic the Honda Insight is, it has issues. The most typical issues with the Honda Insight are listed below.

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Inconvenient seating
  • Wires that can be chewed
  • Recall of Takata airbags
  • Problems with the brakes and engine
  • Rusty exhaust hoses
  • Transmission problems
  • Reduced tire pressure

FAQs

Is the Honda Insight a reliable car?

The reliability of the Insight is enhanced by Honda’s meticulous attention to detail and track record of producing durable vehicles. J.D. Power gave the 2022 model year an average reliability of 77/100 for its quality and reliability. If the buyer takes the time to maintain and care for their Honda Insight properly, they can usually count on a dependable ride.

How many miles can the Honda Insight last?

Honda has a reputation for making reliable cars, and the Insight continues that tradition.  Honda Insight can easily last for 200,000 miles (321868.8 km). Nevertheless, a Honda Insight can exceed 250,000 miles (402,336 km) with the right maintenance. The Honda Insight has a 16-year lifespan with an annual mileage average of about 15,000 miles (24,140.16 km).

Is the Honda Insight discontinued?

Even though the current Honda Insight is essentially a rebadged 10th-generation Civic with some aesthetic upgrades and a hybrid drivetrain, the automaker aims to boost hybrid sales by concentrating on its core products. Honda stated in April 2022 that production of the Insight would be discontinued in June of that year, marking the end of the model year. A recently released Civic Hybrid has taken its place.

Wrap Up

Many people concerned about the environment and want a reliable car have taken an interest in the Honda Insight due to its combination of these two qualities. Many of the earlier models provide great value and last a long time; however, some latter models can also serve you better.

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