Is the Honda Insight Reliable?
2000–2022 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other hybrids — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Honda Insight? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
inadvertent automatic emergency braking
Component: forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Honda Insight Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 33 | 4 | — | 67 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 15 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2020 | 4 | 31 | 3 | — | 67 | Good |
| 2019 | 4 | 59 | 2 | — | 56 | Fair |
| 2006 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2005 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2004 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2003 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2002 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2001 | 2 | 7 | — | — | 77 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Insight Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Insight scores 2 points above the average hybrid — a strong result.
Known Honda Insight Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 160 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Insight reliable?+
The Honda Insight scores 67/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 13 recall campaigns and 160 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Insight is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2021 Insight achieved the highest reliability score of 77/100 with 0 recalls and 15 complaints.
How many miles does a Insight last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Honda Insight owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Insight will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Honda Insight Research
Check a Specific Honda Insight VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →