2003 Honda Insight problems
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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.
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Common 2003 Honda Insight problems
The 2003 Honda Insight, a pioneering hybrid vehicle, has been praised for its impressive fuel economy and environmentally friendly design. However, like any car, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of the 2003 Honda Insight:
- Noise Problem: The 2003 Honda Insight was designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, which led to the elimination of traditional sound insulation materials in order to reduce weight. As a result, the car can be quite noisy at high speeds, which can be a significant drawback for some drivers.
- Auto Stop Function: The 2003 Honda Insight was equipped with an "Auto Stop" function, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at rest to conserve fuel. However, some drivers have reported issues with the engine failing to restart when needed, often due to a weak or failing battery.
- Engine Problems: According to CarComplaints.com, the worst problem category for the 2003 Honda Insight is engine problems. Specific issues include excessive oil consumption, which can lead to costly repairs and decreased performance.
- Manual Transmission Problems: Some owners of the 2003 Honda Insight have reported issues with the manual transmission, including difficulty shifting and clutch problems. These issues can be particularly concerning for drivers who rely on manual transmissions for their driving experience.
- Catalytic Converter Issues: The catalytic converter, a key component of the Insight's emission control system, can become clogged or damaged over time, leading to decreased performance and increased emissions.
- Corroded Drivetrain-to-Chassis Ground Straps: Over time, the drivetrain-to-chassis ground straps in the 2003 Honda Insight can become corroded, leading to a loss of electrical contact and decreased performance.
- Weak 12 Volt Battery Problems: The 12 volt battery in the 2003 Honda Insight can become weak or fail over time, leading to a variety of issues, including difficulty starting the car and decreased performance.
- CVT Judder: Some owners of the 2003 Honda Insight have reported issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), including a "judder" or shuddering sensation when accelerating.
- Missing Original Equipment: Finally, some owners of the 2003 Honda Insight have reported issues with missing original equipment, including low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic underbody panels. These components are important for maintaining the car's fuel efficiency and performance, and can be costly to replace.
In summary, while the 2003 Honda Insight is a pioneering and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Issues with the hybrid battery, noise, auto stop function, engine, manual transmission, catalytic converter, drivetrain-to-chassis ground straps, 12 volt battery, CVT, and missing original equipment can all impact the performance and reliability of the car. Owners of the 2003 Honda Insight should be aware of these common problems and take steps to address them as needed to ensure the longevity and performance of their vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
How many miles will a Honda Insight last?
You can expect a standard Honda Insight to last around 150,000-200,000 miles.
2003 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:
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Honda Insight
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Honda Insight. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Honda Insight vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-12
- VIN: JHMZE14703T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY HYBRID BATTERY IS OVERHEATING WHICH MY HYBRID BATTERY IS 7 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 31,680 MILES ON IT AND ITS AFFECTING THE INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST AND THE MONITOR SCREEN WITH THE CONTROL GAUGES AND MY VEHICLES ACCELERATION AND MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT IT SHUTTING OFF AND LOCKING UP, I TALKED TO HONDA AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT EVEN THO OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE HYBRID BATTERY AND IT SHOULD STILL BE COVERED BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ITS BE USED FOR AND HAS BEEN STORED AND HIGHLY TAKEN CARE OF, THE EPA CLASSIFIES HYBRID BATTERIES UNDER EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT, REQUIRING MANUFACTURERS TO WARRANTY THEM FOR EIGHT YEARS AND 100,000 MILES. SOME STATES, LIKE CALIFORNIA, REQUIRE EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT TO BE COVERED FOR TEN YEARS AND 150,000 MILES. IF THE BATTERY FAILS WITHIN WARRANTY RANGE, YOUR TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST IS ZERO.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-24
- VIN: JHMZE14773T
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS STOPPED TO BE PARKED. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS IN D(RIVE). KEY WAS TURNED OFF AND REMOVED. OWNER WALKED AWAY FOR APPOINTMENT. WHEN OWNER RETURNED, VEHICLE HAD MOVED. OWNER NOTICED VEHICLE WAS STILL IN D(RIVE). LATER TEST CONFIRMED KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITH VEHICLE IN D(RIVE). *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-27
- VIN: 5FNRL18613B
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE SRS SYSTEM CHECKED BECAUSE THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DID A 40 POINT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN THE RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT DUE TO A "FAILURE" IN THE SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THE MOUNTS (FRONT, SIDE AND BACK) FAIL ON THE HONDA ODYSSEY'S (NEWER MODELS, OURS IS AN '03) OFTEN. THE RESULT OF MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE IS EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE WHEN UNDER "LOAD." I WAS TOLD THAT MEANS THE ENGINE MOVES WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING BRAKING, SHARP TURNS, BUMPS AND ACCELERATION. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONCE ONE MOTOR MOUNT "BREAKS" THE OTHERS HAVE MORE TENSION AND WILL ALSO FAIL. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PART BE REPLACED BEFORE THE OTHER MOTOR MOUNTS FAIL AND CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS. THIS IS CURRENTLY NOT A RECALL OR FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY. OUR LOCAL HONDA MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL (ESPECIALLY ON SUCH A NEW CAR). HE SAID MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD OUTLAST THE ENGINE/CAR AND HE HAD NEVER IN ALL OF HIS EXPERIENCE SEEN A MOTOR MOUNT FAIL. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-26
- VIN: 2HKRL18003H
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A STEADY 60MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATIONS OF ANY KIND. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR IN 2004 FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION FAULT BUT THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. THE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-30
- VIN: 5FNRL18943B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 73,000 AND I QUESTION IF RELATED TO THE RECALL AND I AM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-11
- VIN: JHLRD78803C
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT ON 2003 HONDA CRV TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE PARTS WERE COVERED BUT HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *JB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-20
- VIN: 1HGCM56323A
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: HONDA ACCORD 2003 AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) FAILURE . A/C STOPPED WORKING DUE TO FAULTY COMPRESSOR CLUTCH, AND COIL . A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR OR WORK ANY LONGER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING TO KICK A/C ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD BEEN STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN LOSING COMPLETE POWER STEERING, BRAKES EVERYTHING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPAIR SHOP. DEC 2006. THEY COULD'NT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2007 MY DAUGHTER WENT FOR CHINESE FOOD. SHE BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE RELEASED HER FOOT, AND THE VAN STARTED JERKING THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA WHERE BLINKING SHE LOST ALL POWER THE VAN WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEICLE LANDED IN THE ENTRY WAY OF THE BUSINESS SMASHING ALL GLASS. SHE COULD NOT BRAKE SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THIS VAN.SHE SAID IT LOST ALL POWER SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TRYING TO STOP. NOTHING WORKED THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEICHLE ANYMORE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VAN IS UNDER INVESTGATION NOW. AND WILL BE FIXED AND TRADED IN.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-08
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: STRESS CRACK IN WINDSHIELD NOT DUE TO AN IMPACT OF ROCK OR SIMILAR FLYING OBJECT. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-13
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SINCE I BOUGHT MY PILOT LAST NOV. EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES, GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH, BUT MORE THAN 5 MPH, MY BRAKES POP VERY LOAD, IT CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ALL DAY. I BOUGHT IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S SUPPOSE TO DO THAT. I TALK TO PEOPLE THAT OWN PILOTS AND HAVE KNOW PROBLEM WITH LOAD POPPING NOISES WHEN THEY APPLY THE BRAKES. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5J6YH28293L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND A CAR HIT ME FROM BEHIND AT 45 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS CAUSE ME TO HAVE SEVERE NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-27
- VIN: 1HGCM56303A
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MY BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE CONTINUALLY HAD PROBLEMS SINCE ABOUT 4,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY 2003 HONDA ACCORD LX, AND THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN SERVICED 9 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED; ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND ALSO REPLACED THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD. THE BRAKES GRAB WHEN APPLIED, WHICH HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS NEW. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN THE BRAKES MADE A POPPING NOISE; ALWAYS VIBRATE WHEN APPLIED, AND A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS WHERE THE CAR ALMOST DID NOT STOP.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-24
- VIN: 1HGCM66873A
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS REQUIRED RE-GROUNDING AFTER WARPING HAD OCCURRED WHICH CAUSED A PULSATING SENSATION WHEN BRAKING. THE ROTORS WERE RE-GROUND AT 34K, BUT THE PULSATING BEHAVIOR BEGAN SOMEWHERE AROUND AN ESTIMATED 28K. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN ROTATED TWICE AND BOTH TIMES WERE SECURED USING FACTORY TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS, SO INCORRECT LUG NUT SETTINGS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. NO EVIDENCE OF GLAZING FROM RIDING THE BRAKES WAS PRESENT, NOR HAS THE CAR EVER BEEN DRIVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVEN WITHIN NORMAL TOLERANCES SINCE WE PURCHASED NEW IN 6/03 AND HAS BEEN USED MORE FOR COMMUTING MODE RATHER THAN A LOT OF STOP AND GO USEAGE. THE FACTORY REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 10% REMAINING (WEAR TAB JUST STARTED WARNING 10 MILES EARLIER), WHILE THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE NEARLY 70% ORIGINAL MATERIAL REMAINING. I HAVE INSTALLED RAYBESTOS CERAMIC PADS ON THE REAR, BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW AND NOT DRIVEN MIS-USE/ABUSE AND THAT I'LL LIKELY HAVE TO REPAY FOR THIS REPEATEDLY IF I'M TYPICAL OF OTHERS WHO'VE COMPLAINED OF WARPED ROTORS ON THE 03 ACCORD EX - 6 CYL.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KMHCG35C03U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 1, 2005 . UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-11
- VIN: 5J6YH276X4L
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE TIRE SEEMED TO SPONTANEOUSLY SPLIT WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDE WALL WHICH RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE BLOW OUT. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED AT THE TIME SO NO CRASH OCCURRED. WE HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS TIRE IS UNSAFE TO USE AT WARMER TEMPERATURES EVEN THOUGH IT IS Q99 RATED. THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK 215/70QR16 THAT IS ON A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED AND WAS JUST PUT ON NOVEMBER OF 2004.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2HKYF18693H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: (1) INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND A ROLLOVER.2) NONE OF THE FRONTAL OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-03
- VIN: 5J6YH28643L
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACKS, RIGHT LOWER WINDSHIELD AND LEFT LOWER WINDSHIELD AT 13 MONTHS OF PURCHASE AND 15 MONTHS OF PURCHASE CONSECUTIVELY. MILLER HONDA OF WINCHESTER, VA REFUSES TO FIX SAYING THE CRACKS OCCURRED FROM A STRIKE FROM ROCK OR SOMETHING. WEBSITE FOUND CONTAINING SEVERAL C/O HONDA ELEMENT CRACKED WINDSHIELDS. MILLER HONDA STILL REFUSES TO FIX. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-02
- VIN: 1HGCM56693A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I AM A 57 YR OLD WHITE MALE DRIVING A 2003 HONDA EX VIN. [XXX] ON RT41 IN THE TAMPA AREA WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ROAD WAS CLEAR,,CAR CHECKED BY DEALER,,CAR HAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE UNDER OR ON SIDE. HONDA STATES AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY BY THEMSELVES. MINE DID. CAR IS 18 MONTHS OLD BUT HAS 40K ON IT.PURCHASED A $1400.00 HONDA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT COVERED. BOTH DEALER AND HONDA CARE SUGGESTED I CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY.BOTH WERE VERY DISINTERESTED IN MY PROBLEM. WOULD THEY BOTH FEEL THAT WAY IF IT HAPPEND 20 MINUTES LATER AND A SMALL CHILD THAT I WAS ABOUT TO PICK UP IN MY DAIUGHTER'S CAR POOL WAS SITTING THERE. THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT. I JUST DO NOT THINK THIS SHOULD HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT IS 18 MONTHS OLD.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 2HKYF18493H
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE CHROME WHICH SPONTANEOUSLY BEGAN TO PEEL AND CONTINUES CAUSING REPEATED PAINFUL AND ALARMING CUTS THAT OVBIOUSLY DISTRACT US FROM DRIVING.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SHSRD78413U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BESIDES THAT THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE 3 MONTHS AFTER A OIL CHANGE. THOUGH HONDA BLAIMS FAULTY OIL FILTER BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T DO THE OIL CHANGE. I HAVE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MY SRS LIGHT COMING ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE CAR WAS PRATICALLY SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER REPAIR FOR THE SRS LIGHT. STILL 2 YEARS LATER AND I'M TIRED OF GOING BACK. ALL THEY TELL ME IS THAT THEY CHANGE SOME WIRE AND KEEP RESETING THE SYSTEM. THEY ALSO HAVE THE NERVE TO ASK ME IF I PUT A POCKET BOOK ON TOP OFF THE DASHBOARD. SO ANOTHER WORDS NO ONE IS TO BREATH ON TOP OFF THE DASH BOARD OR THE STUPID LIGHT COMES ON. HEY HONDA, I DON'T CARRY A PURSE OR A POCKET BOOK BECAUSE I'M A MALE. FIX MY CAR OR GET ME ANOTHER. PAYMENT IS ON TIME FROM ME BUT YOUR SERVICE ISN'T FIXING MY CAR. BUT THATS OK BECAUSE IT'S A LEASE AND YOUR GETTING IT BACK THEY WAY I GOT IT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-25
- VIN: JHMZE14773T
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: (1) AT 5000 MILES, WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN OUR 2003 HONDA INSIGHT AT RON NORRIS HONDA IN TITUSVILLE, FL. (2) AFTER 20 MILES, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THAT THE OIL FILTER HAD NOT SEALED TO THE ENGINE PROPERLY AND ALL FO THE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT. THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. (3) THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE AND PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE CAR. THE DEALER WOULD PROBABLY BE INTERESTED IN THE NHTSA'S INVESTIGATION ON SIMILAR EVENTS ON CRVS.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: (HONDA REFLES MOTOR SCOOTER NSS250/A 2003)STEERING MECHANISM LOCKED FORCING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE.*MR *TS (LAWYER STEPHEN KANDELL ON BEHALF OF CLIENT DAVID CALRK) *JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-07
- VIN: 1HGCM665X3A
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, THE DOOR JAMS UP AND DOES NOT OPEN. CRITICAL IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. FIRST NOTICE IN FIRST WEEK OF OCT 2002 WEEK AFTER BUYING THE CAR. SERVICE COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. HAS TO BRING IN AFTER SO MANY OCCURRENCES ON JULY 16, 2003. THEY SAID DOOR LOCK NEEDS ACTUATOR REPLACED.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH2PF01123K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *MR *CB *NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-06
- VIN: 5J6YH28533L
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THIS IS A CORRECTED INPUT TO MY ODI # 10011014 SUBMITTED 3/25/03 DURING NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING, SMALL SAND/GRAVEL IMPACT ON WINDSHIELD RESULTED IN 8 INCH CRACK DEVELOPING WITHIN HOURS. PAST EXPERIENCE OVER 10 YEARS OF DRIVING TWO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE SAME ROAD IMPACTS OF THIS SIZE (HEAD OF A PIN SIZE IMPACT MARK) HAVE ONLY RESULTED IN MINOR WINDSHIELD PITTING. SUSPECT WINDSHIELD QUALITY OR DESIGN ARE PROBLEM AREAS. VEHICLE IS 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. I WAS WARNED PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER HONDA ELEMENT OWNER IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A QUALITY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.*JB
Positive 2003 Honda Insight car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Honda Insight problems:
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Other years of Honda Insight
Are you having problems with your 2003 Honda Insight?
Josiah Wuckert 2024-11-27
I've owned this car for over a year and I must say it's been a blast to own and drive! It's definitely the most interesting and satisfying new car I've ever purchased.
Jayson Johnston 2024-11-05
I have five cars, including classics, MB's, a wagon, and a truck. But if I had to choose just one to keep driving, it would be my Insight. This car is so much fun to drive and I only have to fill up every few months. It's low, spiffy, and has lots of zip. Plus, I never have to drive other couples home. The rear is even easier to load than my Lexus. I love it that my Insight turns more heads than $100,000 guzzlers.
Abdiel Herman 2024-10-25
After driving the Insight over 22,000 miles, I strongly believe that Honda is one of the best car companies out there. They have truly revolutionized the automotive industry by taking 100 year-old combustion technology and bringing it into the 21st century. The 3 cylinder engine sounds like a V12 purring under the hood, which is a testament to Honda's exceptional engineering. Not only is the Insight fun to drive, but it also boasts strong torque at the low end and electric steering. I hope you consider experiencing the same joy I have had with the Insight.
Darrick Kovacek 2024-10-08
Awesome! Go American Honda! You're ahead of your time and so am I. With SULEV and a lifetime MPG of 56, I'm showing America (with the help of Honda) a better way. Thank you!
Marley Zieme 2024-10-02
I bought this car back in 2003 to retire my 1987 BMW convertible and preserve it. The interior layout and 'look, touch, feel' are very similar to BMW, so I felt right at home. The acceleration is zippy, but not faster than the rest of the pack. The handling is really good and the suspension is very taut, like performance-oriented European cars. The lifetime average fuel economy has been about 56 mpg and 60+ on the highway is the norm. The biggest problem with the stock setup is the tires - the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas stink. I am now using 1+ size Kuhmo Solus, so the handling is vastly improved, especially under wet/snowy road conditions. This car is totally reliable, and the dealer support is outstanding, way better than Audi/BMW dealers.