Is the 2012 Honda Insight reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda Insight is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Insight?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Insight have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Honda Insight

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Honda Insight
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:20.579Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 59
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 59 complaints

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	100
2020	31
2021	25
2022	33

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

61% · 36 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The car has only 83000 miles. We bought the vehicle 2 months ago from the estate of an individual that passed away. We were driving the vehicle and the gas pedal stopped working. Prior to this happening, we noticed no oil leak from the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-18

My Honda Insight 2012 is burning oil. After an oil change I drive around 3500 mile and the red engine oil warning light comes on. First time it happened I took the car ,like 3-4 years ago, to the dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-03

My daughter's Honda Insight experienced the excessive oil consumption issue. Her vehicle later had severe engine problems and stalled at 6:00 am on i-64.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-17

Air bags

19% · 11 reports

Vehicle speed control

5% · 3 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving in a line of slow moving traffic on a two line lane main street keeping a constant speed of 22 MPH when suddenly my car lurched forward accelerating rapidly making a high pitched screaming sound.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-11

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 3 reports

Seats

3% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2012Complaint volume 59 complaints filed for this model year.
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2017-02-22Air bags16V061000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-02-22Air bags17V030000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-30Air bags17V545000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-16Air bags18V042000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-22Air bags18V268000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-11-06Air bags18V661000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-07-05Air bags19V378000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V502000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Honda Insight — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 36 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V061000 · Air bags
Recall 17V030000 · Air bags
Recall 17V545000 · Air bags
Recall 18V042000 · Air bags
Recall 18V268000 · Air bags
Recall 18V661000 · Air bags
Recall 19V378000 · Air bags
Recall 19V502000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Honda Insight reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda Insight is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Insight?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Insight have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.