FaultScore

Honda Insight electrical problems

58 of the 682 complaints filed about the Honda Insight are about the electrical system — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2019.

58

Complaints

9%

Share of all complaints

4

Crashes

1

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

2000 Insight 7 12.1%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

2001 Insight 2 3.4%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

2002 Insight 2 3.4%
2003 Insight 2 3.4%

Median failure at 197,864 miles

2004 Insight 1 1.7%

Median failure at 178,000 miles

2010 Insight 7 12.1%

Median failure at 18,800 miles

2011 Insight 1 1.7%
2012 Insight 1 1.7%

Median failure at 16,121 miles

2013 Insight 4 6.9%

Median failure at 102,000 miles

2019 Insight 12 20.7%

Median failure at 4,236 miles

2020 Insight 7 12.1%

Median failure at 13,400 miles

2021 Insight 3 5.2%

Median failure at 400 miles

2022 Insight 9 15.5%

Median failure at 40,500 miles

What owners said

2022 Honda Insight at 59,000 miles Chula Vista, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera failed to display a clear view image on the screen. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the center display made random selections without the screen being touched. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the screen needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer three times for the same failures and the vehicle was previously repaired. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA complaint #11752061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight Monroe, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The radio is experiencing "ghost taps" as though someone invisible finger is pushing buttons on the radio, rifling through stations, making calls, or deleting navigation functions. It's very distracting as a driver.

NHTSA complaint #11747027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight Santee, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BCM Body Control Module failed/malfunctioned. We had to pay for the repair at DCH Honda Mission Valley. The car does not start when it is cold outside. Many times, my husband, who primarily drives the car, was stranded and would have to wait for the weather to warm up a bit and then eventually, the car would then start. The dealership where we initially purchased the car new was able to determine, with the assistance of the corporation, that what we said happened. All the warning lamps/messages appeared every time this issue happened, beginning January 13, 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11726149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Insight at 81,000 miles Rochester, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was driven onto the off-ramp and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was started; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded connector and broken pin at the leak detection pump in the rear of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the leak detection module and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Insight Sheboygan, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery keeps draining. On my 3rd battery and believe there’s a defect in the DC/DC converter (earlier recall - K9E). This has caused issues being stranded in the cold.

NHTSA complaint #11714605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Insight Carrollton, TX Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car was put into reverse to perform a T turn to drive in the opposite direction on 1/14. The "D" button was depressed to place the car into Drive. The car quickly accelerated backwards and crashed into the mailbox. Service Advisor at the David McDavid Honda Dealership was contacted yesterday regarding the issue but no response has been received yet. It is unknown if the backup camera was visible since attempts were being made to try to stop the car. Not much time was allowed.

NHTSA complaint #11711072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Insight Bullhead City, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back up camera stopped working, no blown fuses and the system updates I can do on the car from the touch screen say everything is up to date. My car has no open/not repaired recall for this.

NHTSA complaint #11710546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Insight Tamuning, GU

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While my wife was driving my car on a busy road. The servo brake control unit/ pedal simulator broke making it near impossible to stop the car. She had to crash the car into a parking block. And Honda import/export is uncooperative and dismissive of the fact that my wife and daughters lives were jeopardized due to the part malfunctioning

NHTSA complaint #11696866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Insight at 18,000 miles Beaufort, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. During the failure, the brakes failed to function as intended, and the Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance features failed to function as intended. The failure was intermittent. During the first failure, the vehicle was turned off and restarted after several minutes and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer also determined that the brake pedal simulator had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11675716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio/infotainment touchscreen often freezes up and has phantom inputs, which can exit navigation and change the audio source. This causes huge distraction to the driver. The frustrating thing about this is that it's an intermittent issue, so the service center can't replicate it when I bring it in. This has been an ongoing issue with many 3rd generation Insights, and I was told by the service center that Honda has an internal investigation going. I have brought my vehicle in to multiple service centers and none have been able to replicate or fix the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11674680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Insight Oak Park, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 model year Insight vehicles. A capacitor in the printed circuit board of the front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and lead to an internal short circuit from the exposure to environmental humidity. Safety Risk In the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to the dealership and said that they are waiting for the parts from the manufacturer. It has been 4 months and have not heard back from the dealership nor from the manufacturer. The safety risk states in the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury, which is very concerning. Please contact Honda manufacturer to get the parts ready and have it replaced at their earliest convenience.

NHTSA complaint #11592410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight at 22,000 miles Cocoa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated to 5 MPH with the brake warning light illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact was able to resume normal driving functionality. The dealer was contacted about the failure and acknowledged that the issue was a known failure. The contact was provided an appointment to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA complaint #11555211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Insight Beaver, PA Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was going home from work in my Honda insight 2019 and all of a sudden my car started showing all kings of warnings every single indicator was on and my car started to spin and hit the side railing of the highway i almost died that day no airbags deployed that is also an other safety function did work that day. Honda refuse to take any kind of responsibility for the car malfunction i called and ask for help they said go ahead buy a new car we can't help you with anything. my request to the department is take a action against HONDA so no other family or any other driver go through this. and no one lose love ones.

NHTSA complaint #11537966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight League City, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Experiencing a dead or faulty battery issue in my 2022 Honda Insight. I called the Honda dealership to see if I could charge the battery from the points noted in the owners manual. The service representative said yes. Charged the battery to 100% and proceeded directly to the dealership for service. During the drive to the dealership I experienced the dashboard lights and annunciation display with errors. TPMS, electric steering, brakes, traction control, and to see my dealer. “On my way”… During the repair process and extended waiting period of about 2 hours. It was initially determined the steering wheel was “not centered”, cocked to the left, and would need a wheel alignment. How much is that $179. You must have hit a curb or something. No I did not, and would seek a second opinion first before I allowed that service. Let’s fix the battery and dashboard light error lights first. Proceeding the battery was determined faulty, testing at 95 CCA and would be replaced under warranty. But, upon test driving the car it was still having a traction control skid type light coming on and off, and a diagnostic fee of $158 may be required. I said, shouldn’t that be an issue related to the battery going bad and causing or the cause of the traction control light? We’ll have to see, he said. I asked to speak to the manager and decided I was at tge mercy of the dealership to find a resolve and authorized service. Upon researching on the internet, during my waiting period for the battery change, I learned their is a “steering angle sensor” located under the steering wheel that my need recalibration to resolve the offset steering wheel observation of the service representative. The cause of this need for recalibration may be because of a collision, remove/replacement of a battery. The recalibration requires a special diagnostic electronic device to interface with the cars computer(s). The receipt for service said “calibrated system”.

NHTSA complaint #11530645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda Insight Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I experienced "rough running" of my 2013 Honda Insight just prior to August of 2021. Initial work on the vehicle helped, but repairs became increasingly expensive and extensive. EX: A simple oil change on about 8/2/2021 (mileage at 64,545). At about mileage 68,370 the vehicle failed again (showing check engine light / stalling); repair shop found a misfire on cylinder #4, and all 8 of the spark plugs were replaced.  Then on/about Nov./2022 (mileage at 71,988), the vehicle was running rough again (with check engine light on) and the repair shop found a miss in cylinder #4 again, and then replaced cylinder #4  spark plugs and coils. On/about Feb./2023, the vehicle had more problems (running rough) and then the repair shop found a misfire on #4 again (spark plug was replaced.) On/about 5/18/2023, I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change. About two days later, on/about 5/20/2023, I (along with my girlfriend) drove on the freeway for a long trip. We had only been on the freeway for a few miles when the engine died. I had accelerated to 75 m.p.h. on a slight upgrade and was in the process of setting the cruise control when the engine revved up to 4,000 r.p.m.'s (as if it was climbing a steep hill); several warning lights showed up on the dashboard.  I immediately disengaged the cruise control while in the left lane and (thankfully due to no vehicles being near us) was able to get the vehicle off to the right edge of the freeway. The vehicle had no power. I called a tow truck and the driver attempted to drive the Honda Insight onto his ramp (with thick smoke billowing out of the exhaust pipe) but it was only able to go half the car length up the ramp. At first, I was told it needed 2 spark plugs and was fixed. I reminded them that all 8 had recently been replaced; they then said no compression on #2 / that engine was dead. Took it to Honda; diagnosed it as the oil consumption issue. Check lights are for systems: emmission, brake, VSA, w/ various other lights on dash.

NHTSA complaint #11525650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda Insight Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have owned my Honda Insight for almost 10 years now. I bought it because it has great MPG. But this year has been horrible for it. It suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway. Luckily I was able to move over to the side, and traffic was not too heavy at the time. Checkered Flag Honda in Virginia Beach, VA performed a TSB on it, and again two months ago, stating the exact same repair to be done each time. Now, it is displaying the very same symptoms I took it in for the first time, AGAIN. I will be uploading those reciepts as soon as I can find them tomorrow. After looking online, it is very obvious that I am not the only one with this same problem that could possibly endanger drivers. Honda has failed for over 10 years to find the manufacturer defect in the 2010-2014 Honda Insights, and have been issuing repeated TSBs, with only minor deviations stating the same repair to be performed (details below). I confirmed in CarComplaints.com and InsightCentral.net, that Honda is indeed screwing people over on this. A compiled TSB history and detailed list are available in a shared excel file from my Google Drive here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lO7Z4vrtbtS9EzqW-PPwutNHTc4IPA2r/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107278015992975669585&rtpof=true&sd=true My guess is this could end up being a class action Lawsuit, judging by the responses of some of these folks in the forums. If you have any possibility of helping us with this, please do. And God Bless. -[XXX], USN (ret.) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11514718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Insight Center Ossipee, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving down highway at highway speed and car shot 52 failure codes. Car lost power and crawled to side of road. Nearly got rear ended multiple times trying to remove vehicle from roadway. Engine permanent codes U0111 U012D U0110 U12A5 U1206 U1205 Anti lock brakes permanent codes U040168 CAN Gateway Permanent codes U0029-00 Electric power train traction motor control module permanent code U1204 U12A5 U1205 U0100 U012D U1206 U0111 Electric power steering permanent codes U0416-68 Electric servo brake - permanent codes U0029-00 U0401-68 Integrated driver support system - permanent codes U0418-92 C0023-F0 U0100-F1 U0122-F1 U0100-00 C0031-62 C0034-62 C003A-62 U0416-68 Tire Pressure monitoring permanent codes U040168 OBDII Codes U1204 U12A5 U1205 U0100 U012D U1206 U0111 OBDII Permanent codes U1206 U12A5 U1205 U0111 U012D U0110 Over 41 codes documented and Honda says there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11496856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Insight Chino Hills, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car was parked safely on my driveway. I turn on the car and all the lights came on including power loss failure, collision mitigation, etc. I had to tow it to a dealer where they claimed it was rodent damage causing an electrical failure on Monday, 9/19/22. The car was towed on 9/20/22. I was then told I was unable to claim any warranty. The dealer charged me $640.00 for the repair. They claim the wire harness was chewed on which caused the system failure. I ended up having to pay out of pocket instead of using my $500 insurance to cover the damages. (Insurance said it would likely raise my rates next if I continuously put a claim). I thought--one time incident, bad luck. The dealership refused to take photos of the chewed wires, but I was able to fight to receive some parts indicating the damage (who knows if it was actually mine or some they kept off of some other Honda--see attached photo). Not even 24 hours after having my car repaired to normal, I turn on the car in the morning and the same issues came up. I towed it again! The dealership claimed the rodent chewed my car in the same spot, at the same area. Charged me an additional $224.00 to solder it back citing that they never seen this happen before. I find it convenient that no other vehicles on this street had issues with rodent damage. And the same area was bitten twice. Why would Honda create such an easily accessible route for rodents or a non-covered protected wire? As a consumer, I end up fronting the bill because neither the manufacturer nor the dealership, nor the insurance company (who would likely end up raising my rates) have to deal with a terrible design. Never had issues with other brands nor other older vehicles had this issue in the cul-de-sac. Dealership ended up having wrapping the harness, but this car is NEW & should have been protected and repaired by Honda to begin with. Online search revealed Honda used SOY BASED insulation which attracts rodents. Very unsatisfied with Honda.

NHTSA complaint #11487010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Insight at 27,000 miles Monroe Township, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact stated that the after starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R), the backup camera failed to display an image, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked several electrical features could not be accessed, with a message stating that the features could not be accessed because the vehicle was in motion. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and a service appointment was schedule. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.

NHTSA complaint #11485197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda Insight Los Angeles, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2013 Honda Insight Hybrid LX (4 cylinder) vehicle purchased on 8/19/14. thanks This complaint is was filed to due engine oil consumption on my Honda-hybrid. In 2020 my car began losing oil quite frequently as I was having to add or change the oil often. On 8/27/21 I took the vehicle to Honda of Downtown Los Angeles, Kesean Zachary informed me they would need to perform an engine oil consumption test and change the oil. Soon after that the car was again losing oil so I returned it to Honda of Downtown on 11/18/21, where Kesean checked the oil with the dipstick and informed that there was no oil consumption. A month later, the car was still losing oil.. this is my work car and I needed to get this problem resolved.. so I decided to take it back to where I purchased the car, Honda of Hollywood on 3/23/22. I spoke with Willie PIttman who informed me they would need to perform another engine oil consumption test and change the oil. He said to me, drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and bring the car back - this was on a Wednesday, and on Saturday 3/26/22 I told my wife we were going for a drive to see how the car runs. We drove a 52 miles when we decided to head back home, we drove another 11 miles when the vehicle stalled on the 101-fwy in the City of Camarillo, the car just died while driving in the 2nd lane I veered to the right to try to make it to the shoulder but the car only idled over two more lanes to the right and died in the 4th lane, that's when my wife really panic. I had to replace the engine because the piston rings were all black carbon burnt which were burning the oil. Replaced the Electrical and the regular batteries . Replaced two emission exhausted sensors and also the computer.

NHTSA complaint #11481912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda Insight problems