2001 Honda Insight
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 24 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2010 | 119 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 45 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2019 | 97 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 15 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED W/O WARNING OR EXTERNAL CAUSE. WORKED ONE DAY BUT NOT THE NEXT MORNING. NO OBVIOUS FUSE OR RELAY IS THE CAUSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181115
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V086000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160104
BOTH MY LOW BEAMS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING, BUT HIGH BEAMS STILL WORK. I CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NO POWER BEING SENT TO THE LOW BEAMS. THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MODEL YEARS FOR EXACT ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140527
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MONDAY MORNING I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING MY CAT TO THE VET. I PUT HER IN A PET CARRIER AND PUT THE CARRIER IN MY 2001 HONDA INSIGHT WITH THE PET DOOR FACING FORWARD. I GOT ON THE 101 N.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091124
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA INSIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH SHE SMELLED A CHEMICAL ODOR, AND SAW FLAMES BEHIND HER. SHE PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT OUT OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091222
1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED PRIOR TO LEAVING FOR A TRIP, WHICH INCLUDED TIRE ROTATION. SOON AFTER, CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE PULLED SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS BUMPING, WEAVING AND VIBRATING. A TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021119
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES WERE NOT PROPERLY WELDED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 2, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE T
Campaign 02V196000 — check if this car was fixed
ON 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER W
Campaign 04V086000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Honda Insight — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V196000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V086000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Honda Insight reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Honda Insight?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Honda Insight have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.