Home/JHMZE14762T001837
VIN REPORT

JHMZE14762T0018372002 HONDA InsightDX

Risk Score
23
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
1 Found
1 campaign
24
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
24 yrs
Made in JAPAN
C+
Score: 78/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2002 HONDA Insight was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 24 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 2 injuries reported across 24 owner complaints
  • Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
23/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
HONDA
Model
Insight
Year
2002
Trim / Series
DX
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
3-cyl 0.999610904L 65.00 hp
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Doors
3
Manufacturer
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Assembly
TAKANEZAWA, TOCHIGI, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less)
Electrification
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) - Level Unknown
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 TAKANEZAWA, TOCHIGI

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
C+
Score: 78/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History30/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
None
  • Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
1 recall11 complaints
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~288,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 24 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
11 RECALL

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

64%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

HONDA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
92%Good

HONDA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
16mo
#04V086000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SummaryON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Electrical
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 in 13

2 injuries reported across 24 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Electrical
1 crash11
Engine/Powertrain
7
Safety Systems
1 crash2
Other
1 crash1 inj1
Brakes
1 crash1 inj1
Body/Structure
1
Suspension/Wheels
1
2004
1
2005
4
2007
2
2008
5
2009
1
2010
1
2011
1
2013
1
2014
1
2016
1
52% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

34% of complaints filed in Jan & Jul — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling3
Fire/smoke1
Electrical failure1
Tire blowout1
Conditions Reported
Startup (3)Highway/high-speed (2)Parking/low-speed (1)
24HIGH VOLUME
4
Crashes
2
Injuries
ODI #10818606EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND CAUSED THE LOW BEAM FAILURE AND THAT THE LIGHT SWITCH AND CONNECTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 278,000.

ODI #10616244EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V086000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

ODI #10504859EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED THEY WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AT UNKNOWN, INTERVALS AT RANDOM.. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 4/26/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE, AS STATED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 05/01/13

ODI #10438732EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED WHEN THEY SUDDENLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IMMEDIATELY, THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH LOW BEAM BULBS AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V086000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY BOTH INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

ODI #10373284EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOW BEAM SWITCH BURNED OUT. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS BLEW OUT. THE DEALER STATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V086000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,678. UPDATED 03/03/11 *BF UPDATED 03/07/11

ODI #10256183POWER TRAIN

2002 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE NOTHING. *TR

ODI #10247598EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA INSIGHT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS, THEY COMPLETELY DIMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HER RESIDENCE AND HER HUSBAND REPLACED THE BULBS AND CHECKED THE RELAY. HER HUSBAND THOUGHT THAT THE RELAYS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, WHEN THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY STATED THAT THE RELAYS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL; HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REIMBURSE HER IF ANOTHER RECALL WAS OPENED AND WAS RELATED TO HER VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,565 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,321. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF THE SWTICH ON THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 11/26/08. *JB

ODI #10231255ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHEN MEASURED WITH A TRIFIELD METER, THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD (EMF) IMPACTING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE DANGEROUSLY HIGH. THE DRIVER IS RECEIVING UP TO 135 MILLIGAUSS (MG) AT THE HIP, AND UP TO 100 MG IN THE UPPER TORSO AND HEAD AREA. (UNDER 10 MG IS CONSIDERED SAFE.) SEE HTTP://CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/HONDA_INSIGHT.HTML. *TR

ODI #10217001EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY LOW BEAMS WENT OUT... SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL... CONDUCTED RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS RECALL: ID 04V086000 FROM FEB, 24 2004. CALLED HONDA AND THEY MENTIONED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS TO ME. FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO A REGULAR MECHANIC THAT REPLACED THE SWITCH... THIS TIME I AM ALSO PAYING FOR IT. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE HARNESS... *TR

ODI #10217002POWER TRAIN

CAR STARTED JUDDERING AND LOOSING POWER. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A "JUDDER RECALL". AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK, TRANSMISSION IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY MENTIONED TO ME THAT THE FLYWHEEL HAD GREASE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AMERICAN HONDA DENIED MY CLAIM TO GET THIS COVERED. CVT TRANSMISSION IS SKIPPING, JUDDERING AND FAILS TO DELIVER POWER CORRECTLY. *TR

ODI #10215152AIR BAGS

MY SRS LIGHT (AIR BAG) ON MY 2002 HONDA ACCORD CAME ON WITH NO REASON. NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT THE CAR HAS 90K MILES. NOT SURE IF IT IS A DEFECT OR RECALL EQUIPMENT. *TR

ODI #10198372VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH1 INJURY

WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE (CAR IN REVERSE). DUE TO THE TIGHTNESS OF THE AREA, HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD SLIGHTLY AND THEN AGAIN IN REVERSE. WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN DRIVE THE SECOND TIME, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING WHEN IT HIT A PARKED CAR. EVERYTHING TURNED OFF ONCE THE CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF. *TR

ODI #10197096POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 HONDA ODDYSEY WAS MAKING CLUNKY SHIFTS TO 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACEMENT. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR 1999-2001 HONDA ODDYSEYS TRANSMISSIONS, AND THEY STILL DIDN'T FIX IT ON 2002 MODEL. OTHER INFO: ON 7/16/04, I TOOK CAR IN FOR THE RECALL/FIX (28,537 MILES)-- INSTALL OIL INJECTOR INTO TRANSMISSION. *JB

ODI #10125976ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCRASH

2002 HONDA CIVIC COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER BRAKING GOING 15 MPH. CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE FAILERE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALERS AND BEEN SEEN IN MANY WEB FORUMS. THIS TIME MY SON WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ENGINE FAILERE LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES WENT OUT TURNING A CORNER. NO AIR BAG WAS EVER DEPLOYED WHEN HE HIT THE CURB AND SIGN WHICH SHOULD HAVE AS HE HIT A SIGN AND TREE STRIPPING THE FRONT BUMPER OFF AND CRUSHED THE RADIATOR INTO THE ENGINE. NO AIR BAGS WEAR EVER DEPLOYED. EVEN THE POLICE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THAT AND QUESTIONED IT . IT HAPPENED IN THE CITY OF HURST TEXAS. IN THESE FORUMS MANY DRIVERS HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ENGINE FAILERE AND BRAKES IN SOME CASES. HONDA JUST PUT OUT A RECALL ON 1998-2000 FOR THE ENGINE IGNITION SWITCH SHORTING OUT CAUSING ENGINE FAILERE. I SUGGEST THEY INCREASE THAT RECALL TO 2002 POSSIBLY. ALSO I READ WHERE THE ELECTRICAL LOAD DETECTOR IS GETTING WET AND SHORTING OUT CAUSING THE SAME THING IN SOME CARS. IN ONE CASE I READ THAT THE VACUMM HOSE TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER MAY BE BAD. PUMPING THE BRAKES CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. SO ANY CASE I THINK HONDA HAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH ENGINES STALLING WHILE CONSUMERS ARE DRIVING. MY SON WAS LUCKY HE WAS ONLY DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED . IF HE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS OF LIFE. THE VEHICALE IS IN THE BODY SHOP GETTING FIXED AND AFTER THAT WILL BE DRIVEN TO HONDA FOR AN ENGINE CHECK. I HOPE THE COMPUTER CODES TELL US SOMETHING BUT I THINK HONDA NEEDS TO RESEARCH THIS CLOSLY.

ODI #10116876ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCRASH1 INJURY

WHILE DRIVING N ON I-97 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE EXIT RAMP TO 32-W WHEN THE STEERING ON MY 2002 HONDA CIVIC FAILED. ALTHOUGH I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THEY ALSO FAILED, AND THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT DOWN AN ENBANKMENT UNTIL IT STRUCK A TREE.*AK

ODI #10109819POWER TRAIN

I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM HONDA REGARDING MY 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY. IN THIS LETTER, IT CLEARLY STATES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND WATER PUMP. HENCE I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AT NORM REEVE'S HONDA - CERRITOS. AFTER HAVING MY CAR AT THE SERVICE CENTER FOR 2 DAYS NOW ( I HAD TO RENT A CAR FROM ENTERPRISE), NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO PAY THEM $3,800 TO REPLACE MY WATER PUMP. I AM VERY UPSET THAT I AM BEING TREATED THIS WAY. THE LETTER CLEARLY STATES THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND THAT ANY SERVICES THAT MIGHT BE NEEDED WILL BE PERFORMED BY HONDA FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, SO WHY IS THE DEALER TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY?? PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.

ODI #10106418POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION WORK VERY HEAVY LIKE IS PULLING SOMETHING, DON' SWIFT NORMAL. A TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL AT THE DEALER THEY SAY THAT THEY USE A DIGITAL CAMERA TO CHECK THE INTERIOR OF THE TRANSMISSION. I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT THEY ACTUALLY FIX SOMETHING IN THE TRANSMISSION , THIS A $5000 THIS IS NOT A JOKE. WHAT I CAN DO TO RESOLVED MY PROBLEM, GET A REAL CHECK, I NEED A LAWYER FOR THIS, I NEED TO START TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT THE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ODYSSEY, IS SOME KIND OF LEMON CAR. *NM

ODI #10080272POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL VEHICLE INFORMATION. *NM

ODI #10042209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY IS DISCHARGING WITHIN 18 HOURS OF DRIVING. THE MANUAL/INSTRUCTION BOOKLET DOES NOT ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO UNDERSTAND THE LIMIT OF DRIVING DISTANCE WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES. THIS IS A GAS OPERATED VEHICLE.*AK

ODI #10032994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

IN JULY OF 2002, I PURCHASED A 2002 HONDA 919. IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THAT MY JACKET SMELLED OF EXHAUST FUMES. NOT THE SULFUR - ROTTEN EGG SMELL, BUT EXHAUST FUMES. ONE FRIDAY AFTERNOON IN AUGUST 2002, I TOOK MY WIFE FOR A RIDE - SHE WAS THE PASSENGER. AFTER ABOUT A 45-MINUTE RIDE, SHE COMPLAINED OF A HEADACHE AND WAS GENERALLY JUST FEELING CRAPPY. SO MUCH FOR OUR ROMANTIC AFTERNOON. TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I TOOK MY 6 YEAR OLD SON FOR A RIDE, AND IN TRAFFIC, HE FELL ASLEEP AND ABOUT FELL OFF THE BIKE. HE COULD HAVE DIED, WE WERE IN TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO GRAB HIM WITH ONE HAND AND PULL OVER. I CONTACTED MY DEALER, ROB EIDMANN OF ST. JOE HONDA (816-671-0671) ON MANY OCCASSIONS, AND HE COULD DO NOTHING. I WAS IN LONG BEACH AT THE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE AND MENTIONED IT TO A HONDA REPRESENTATIVE, WHO PASSED ME ALONG TO "THE NATIONAL SERVICE MANAGER", TO WHOM I ALSO TOLD MY STORY TOO. THEY WERE IN DENIAL, SAID THEY HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. TO REMEDY THE SITUATION ON MY OWN, I PAID FOR AND INSTALLED AN EXHAUST FROM ANOTHER HONDA MODEL THAT EXITS THE BIKE LOWER. HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE, BUT AM NOT REAL HAPPY ABOUT THIS WHOLE ORDEAL. I HAVE LEARNED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT CAN WE DO?*AK

ODI #10017358AIR BAGSCRASH

THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON A FRONT END COLLISION. MR SCC *JB

ODI #566351STRUCTURE

CONSUMERS COMPLAINT IS ONE ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, CONSUMERS KNEE TOUCHED THE IGNITION AND CONSUEMR CANNOT SEE THE BUMPER WHEN LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE IS THE LX SERIES. *JG

ODI #8013566EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHILE DRIVING HEADLGHTS WENT COMPLETLY OUT.*AK THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED A DIMMER SWITCH AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *YH

ODI #754405TIRES

TIRE BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER ONLY 3 WEEKS OF DRIVING. *AK

Annual complaints and reliability score for HONDA Insight — recall years marked in red
0350501002001200420072010201320162019202220252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 24 total NHTSA complaints filed over 13 years, with the worst year being 2008 (5 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 99/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 24 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2003, 2005, 2007) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$46,614
~$777/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS has been repaired
Recall on record for: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,040–$1,330/yr
~$87–$111/mo
Liability Only
$510–$640/yr
~$43–$53/mo
Category: Economy
24-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

HONDA has been fined $93M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2016: Additional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management.

2015$70MFailure to report deaths and injuries linked to Takata airbag defect
2016$23MAdditional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINJHMZE14762T001837
Model Year2002
MakeHONDA
ModelInsight
TrimDX
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors3
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Engine

Engine Cylinders3
Displacement (L)0.999610904
Horsepower65.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerHONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Assembly CityTAKANEZAWA
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JHM
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)2
Plant Code (Char 11)T
Sequence (Chars 12–17)001837

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count24
J
1
H
2
M
3
Z
4
E
5
1
6
4
7
7
8
6
9
2
10
T
11
0
12
0
13
1
14
8
15
3
16
7
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
H
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
M
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
ZE147
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
2
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
T
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
001837
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"2" → 2002
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/20/2026, 4:10:30 PM.