Honda Insight Common Problems and Solutions
Dipped Beam Headlight Malfunction
Problem:
Your headlights work fine until you dip the beams.
Solution:
This caused a recall by Honda and is going to require replacing the headlight switch with the newly modified switch. Unfortunately, you're also going to have to install a new terminal for the dipped beam operation within the wiring harness, as this will likely have been heat damaged. We have the modified swatch and wiring harness terminal available to order at all times.
Difficulty level
Headlight Switch
Rough Idle
Problem:
The car idles roughly, and you have difficulties starting the engine. The check engine light may come on.
Solution:
You have a faulty EVAP emission control solenoid, and you're going to have to remove it and install a new one. A mechanic will tend to charge a lot for this fairly straightforward fix, but you can order a low-cost solenoid from our parts page and install it yourself to save a lot of cash.
Difficulty level
Check Engine Light and Stuck Fuel Cap
Problem:
Your fuel cap is stuck, and the check engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
This is a commonly reported issue with the Insight, so you're not alone. You're going to have to install a new filler neck, which you can find using our registration number search function.
Difficulty level
Fuel Filler Neck Pipe
Gear Shudder (All Automatics)
Problem:
When the automatic gearbox changes gear, you can feel it shudder.
Solution:
Your start clutch has likely worn out. Although this is a fiddly job, there are plenty of online guides available, and you can have a new start clutch delivered when you order direct from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
AC Malfunction
Problem:
The air-con has stopped working.
Solution:
Road debris can cause serious damage to the AC condenser, which you're going to have to replace. Installation is very simple and should take less than five minutes. We always have AC condensers available for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Aircon Condensor
Surge While Accelerating
Problem:
The car surges forward when you are accelerating lightly. There may also be black smoke coming from your exhaust. The engine may start overheating, and the check engine light may illuminate.
Solution:
It's likely that you have a clogged up EGR passages. Have a look at the passages near the electrical wiper as this is the most common location for the build-up to occur. You can try to clean them out by hand, but this will require specific cleaning tools, and it's a challenging job. It's usually more cost-effective and less labour intensive to simply replace the passages with new ones from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Engine Not Restarting
Problem:
The Auto-Stop function doesn't restart the engine.
Solution:
The Auto-Stop feature that comes as standard on the Insight is very useful, but it's common for the system to stop working occasionally. That means the engine doesn't restart when it should. This will be a simple matter of ordering a new battery from our parts page for the Insight.
Difficulty level
Battery
Battery Light
Problem:
The battery warning light has come on.
Solution:
This is the single most common problem reported by owners of the Insight, but it's not too serious. It will mean replacing the battery, but if your car is still under warranty, then Honda should do this for free. If you're not covered by warranty, then you can find a new hybrid battery in our online store, and installation is fairly straightforward.
Difficulty level
Check Emission Light Illuminated
Problem:
The check emission light on your dashboard has lit up. The car may also be hesitating or lurching forward when driving.
Solution:
Check your spark plugs. If they are badly degraded, then they will need to be replaced. You're also going to have to order new pistons and rings from our parts list and replace those as well. In most cases, this will resolve the problem. In the rare cases where it doesn't, then you are going to have to install a new short block. Some drivers have reported that this doesn't solve the issue either and end up replacing the entire engine. You can find everything from spark plugs to a whole new engine in the BreakerYard store for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Knocking noise from gearbox
Problem:
There has been a known issue with hearing a knocking noise coming from the CVT gearbox when accelerating; when the vehicle is in motion; or when putting it into D. The CVT gearbox is very complex and there are a number of things which could go wrong.
Solution:
The best thing to do is to take it to a professional to correctly identify the exact problem. If you need a cheap replacement gearbox, then we can help.
Difficulty level
Ground cables corroding
Problem:
It is known on these vehicles for the ground cables to corrode from the inside, which can cause the car not to start. There are three ground cables which could corrode. The ground cables are located between battery and firewall, between left side and tranny; and between the left side and air filter support.
Solution:
Replacing the above ground cables should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
When you are driving over rough surfaces, or speed bumps and notice that there is a clunking sound coming from the rear suspension, you have a problem with the rear shock absorbers. This is caused by the excessive weight of the hybrid battery.
Solution:
You will need to fit replacement shock absorbers to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Corrosion on A-pillar
Problem:
There is a known problem with the A-pillar corroding quickly between the outside of the pillar and the windscreen. There is also corrosion problems on the doors and the bonnet around the edges.
Solution:
This problem can be fixed under warranty, otherwise it will cost you for the repair. Get a body repairs expert to look at the problem.
Difficulty level
Fuel cap release switch problem
Problem:
It is common on the Honda Insight for the fuel cap release switch to fail. The fuel cap release switch is located at the right hand side of the drivers side footwell and the problem is caused by corrosion, or failure of the release spring.
Solution:
You will need to get a replacement spring fitted and it's best having someone who knows what they are doing to take a look. If your car is still under warranty, it can be fixed free of charge, otherwise you will have to pay for the repair.
Difficulty level
