2002 Honda Insight problems

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The Honda Insight (ホンダ・インサイト, Honda Insaito) is a hybrid electric vehicle that is manufactured and marketed by Honda. Its first generation was a two-door, two passenger liftback (1999–2006) and in its second generation was a four-door, five passenger liftback (2009–2014). In its third generation, it became a four-door sedan (2018–2022). It was Honda's first model with Integrated Motor Assist system and the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability — for the length of its production run.

Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in Japan in February 2009 and in the United States on March 24, 2009. The Insight was the least expensive hybrid available in the US. In December 2010, Honda introduced a less expensive base model for the 2011 model year. The Insight was launched in April 2009 in the UK as the lowest priced hybrid on the market and became the best selling hybrid for the month.

The Insight ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for the month of April 2009, a first for a hybrid model. During its first twelve months after first available in the Japanese market, the second-generation Insight sold 143,015 units around the world. In July 2014, Honda announced the end of production of the Insight for the 2015 model, together with the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car and the Honda Fit EV electric car.

At the 2018 North American International Auto Show, Honda announced the third-generation Honda Insight prototype, based on the tenth-generation Honda Civic sedan. Unlike the previous Insight, it was a traditional sedan, not a five-door liftback. The third-generation Insight went on sale later that year.

In April 2022, Honda announced that the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June. It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.

2002 Honda Insight

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Common 2002 Honda Insight problems

The Honda Insight, a pioneer in hybrid technology, has been praised for its efficiency and reliability.

The 2002 Honda Insight has also been reported to have issues with its transmission, with some owners experiencing rough shifting or total transmission failure in severe cases.

When considering a used Honda Insight, it is crucial to be aware of these potential issues and conduct thorough inspections before making a purchase. Consulting with a knowledgeable mechanic familiar with the Insight's unique hybrid system can provide further peace of mind. Despite these common problems, the Honda Insight is generally a robust vehicle, and proper maintenance and care can ensure a reliable and satisfying driving experience.

2002 Honda Insight engine

What is the common problem Honda Insight?

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.

Why did the Honda Insight fail?

Blame fuel economy, battery problems or company indecision — at the end of the day, Honda failed to give consumers a lasting reason to stick with its Insight model.

What is the fuel mileage of a Honda Insight 2002?

For 2002, there is a choice of transmissions: a five-speed manual (with EPA ratings of 61 mpg city and 68 mpg highway) and a new continuously variable automatic transmission or CVT for short (with EPA ratings of 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway.)

Is the Honda Insight a reliable car?

The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 16% for the Honda Insight, compared to an average of 9% for alternative fuel vehicles and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

2002 Honda Insight car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Insight problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2002 Honda Insight complaints

The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Honda Insight.

2016-01-07

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-12-23
  • VIN: JHMZE13762T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2014-07-25

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-07-23
  • VIN: JHMZE14752T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2013-03-28

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-02-21
  • VIN: JHMZE14752T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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
2011-12-06

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-12-05
  • VIN: JHMZE13782T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2010-12-29

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-16
  • VIN: JHMZE14732T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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
2009-01-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-01-20
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE NOTHING. *TR
2008-11-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-10-29
  • VIN: JHMZE14762T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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
2008-06-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-06-15
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2008-02-05

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-02-05
  • VIN: JHMZE14712T
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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
2008-02-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-09
  • VIN: JHMZE14712T
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2008-01-16

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-12-02
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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
2007-08-03

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-07-21
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1HGCG16562A
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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
2007-07-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-06-20
  • VIN: 2HKRL18942H
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2005-06-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-19
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1HGEM22952L
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2005-04-13

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-03-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1HGES16562L
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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
2005-02-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-31
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.
2005-01-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-12
  • VIN: 2HKRL18972H
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2004-07-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-10
  • VIN: PLEASE PROV
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2003-10-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMZE13792T
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2003-08-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-31
  • VIN: JH2SC48032M
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 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
2003-04-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-01-17
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 9999
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON A FRONT END COLLISION. MR SCC *JB
2002-10-31

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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
2002-07-09

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-06-21
  • VIN: JHMZE1373YT
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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
2001-11-12

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-11-10
  • VIN: JHMZE14782T
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER ONLY 3 WEEKS OF DRIVING. *AK

2002 Honda Insight recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Honda Insight.

2004-02-24
  • Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
  • 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 WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Positive 2002 Honda Insight car reviews

  1. Franco McKenzie 2025-01-09

    The Insight has been a great investment for me. I drive about 160 miles round trip to and from work 5 days a week and my gas bill is only a quarter of what it costs to drive my Ford Ranger. It has good performance for a hybrid vehicle, although it takes some getting used to. It's fun to challenge yourself and see how much mileage you can squeeze out of a tank of gas. My personal best is 57.6 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The car is well put together, except for the dashboard LCD display, which has some leakage (common in early Insights). Overall, it's a very enjoyable car to own and operate, but the factory stereo could use an upgrade!

  2. Garret Will 2025-01-07

    This is a great car that is both practical and well-designed, and it's economical too! My wife and I actually prefer the Insight to our new Accord 4dr. We're getting better than 50 m.p.g. running errands in the city, and the CVT transmission is outstanding - it feels like a turbine. The ride is extra firm, which adds to the handling. While I was a bit disappointed in the audio, I like the car so much that I may upgrade it.

  3. Bernhard Halvorson 2024-11-14

    I can tell you really love your Insight! It's great to hear that you're getting such good gas mileage and that it looks so stylish in red. Plus, it's always a bonus to be able to park in small spaces and have plenty of room for your things. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Colton Kuphal 2024-10-27

    I've had this car for 1 year and I am extremely satisfied with it. It looks really cool and is of Honda's usual high quality. It's also fun to drive and has excellent mileage.

  5. Trace Stracke 2024-10-27

    If you're looking for this car, you can find some incredible deals on Ebay. I absolutely love it! The attention it gets is amazing - I've even had guys in Jaguars asking about it. Don't be afraid of the technology - it's perfect for a long drive to work. After all, why drive an SUV if you don't really have to?

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Honda Insight problems:

2002 Insight multiple problems. | Honda Insight Forum
2002 Insight multiple problems. | Honda Insight Forum
https://www.insightcentral.net/threads/2002-insight-multiple-problems.22713/

Jun 5, 2012 ... If an Insight is frequently parked without driving for over a week or so, its hybrid battery pack can degrade which would eventually lead the ...

2002 Honda Insight Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
2002 Honda Insight Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2002-honda-insight/problems

Top 2002 Honda Insight Problems · Intergrated Motor Assist Battery Fail · Shudder From CVT Transmission · Software update for IMA computer · Check engine light ...

Common problems with 1st and 2nd Gen Insights. | Honda Insight ...
Common problems with 1st and 2nd Gen Insights. | Honda Insight ...
https://www.insightcentral.net/threads/common-problems-with-1st-and-2nd-gen-insights.29353/

Oct 7, 2013 ... I'm looking for a high mpg car for commuting 50 miles a day 7 days a week and came across the Insight. I did some basic searching on common ...

Buying a used 2000-2006 Honda Insight: What problems to watch ...
Buying a used 2000-2006 Honda Insight: What problems to watch ...
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/buying-used-2000-2006-honda-insight-what-problems-18892.html

Sep 21, 2011 ... Summary: IMA hybrid battery pack condition; Catalytic converter; Driveability issues in lean burn from clogged EGR; Corroded drivetrain-to- ...

Looking into buying a Honda Insight first gen as a reliable daily ...
Looking into buying a Honda Insight first gen as a reliable daily ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/65rltu/looking_into_buying_a_honda_insight_first_gen_as/

Apr 16, 2017 ... Sounded kind of like it had a misfire. Engine vibrated a lot at idle, it kind of went away when you revved it but as the revs were falling they' ...

Other years of Honda Insight

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Insight 2003
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Insight 2004
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Insight 2005
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Insight 2006
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Insight 2010
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Insight 2011
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40

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22

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