2004 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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.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 2004 Honda Insight problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Honda Insight 2004, several common problems have been reported:
- Intergrated Motor Assist (IMA) Battery Fail:
- The IMA battery failure is a prevalent issue in the Honda Insight. This problem can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and overall performance of the vehicle. Owners have reported issues with the battery failing prematurely, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Shudder From CVT Transmission:
- Another common problem reported by Honda Insight owners is a shuddering sensation coming from the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This issue can cause discomfort while driving and may indicate underlying transmission problems that require attention.
- Software Update for IMA Computer:
- Some owners have experienced issues with the IMA computer software, necessitating updates to improve the functionality and performance of the Integrated Motor Assist system. Failure to address software-related issues can impact the hybrid system's efficiency.
- Check Engine Light Due to Various Reasons:
- The check engine light is a common concern among Honda Insight owners, signaling potential issues with the vehicle's engine, emissions system, or other components. It is crucial to diagnose the specific cause of the warning light to prevent further damage and ensure the car's optimal operation.
- Battery-Related Problems:
- The IMA battery in the Honda Insight is known to have issues, with reports of battery failures, reduced performance, and the need for replacements or refurbishments. Owners should be aware of the battery's lifespan and potential costs associated with maintenance.
- Corrosion Issues:
- While the Insight's aluminum construction reduces the risk of rust, some owners have reported corrosion problems in specific areas like fuel and brake lines. Corrosion can lead to structural weaknesses and safety concerns if not addressed promptly.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections to ensure the Honda Insight 2004 operates smoothly and efficiently. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity.
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.
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 Honda stop Insight?
The End of a Classic Hybrid
Although the current Honda Insight is a 10th-generation Civic with styling tweaks and a hybrid powertrain, Honda wants to focus on using core models to increase hybrid volume. To further this goal, the company has announced that it will be investing in new, more efficient hybrid technology.
2004 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Honda Insight complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Honda Insight.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-06
- VIN: JHMZE14794T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE I WAA DRIVING TO WORK SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY STEERING COLUMN AND MY LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING. I BELIEVE THE LIGHT SWITCH IS FAULTY AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE RECALL ON 2000-2001 HONDA INSIGHTS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-26
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONTROL ARM CRACKED AND SPLIT WHILE PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE AN UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM, ONLY LOWER (MADE OF ALUMINUM FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION). IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD LIKELY HAVE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR EVEN WORSE, DEAD. THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. *JS
Positive 2004 Honda Insight car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Honda Insight problems:
Buying a used 2000-2006 Honda Insight: What problems to watch ...
Sep 21, 2011 ... Corroded drivetrain-to-chassis ground straps; Weak 12 volt battery problems; Manual transmission problems; CVT judder; Missing original ...
2004 Honda Insight Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Honda Insight? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Honda Insight.
IMA intermittent assist issues | Honda Insight Forum
Aug 13, 2011 ... Check and see what the throttle position sensor is saying when it's working normally, and when it's acting up. 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid "Eeyore" ...
Looking into buying a Honda Insight first gen as a reliable daily ...
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' ...
CVT reliability | Honda Insight Forum
Apr 12, 2009 ... Is belt driven cvt reliable? I've read a quite a few stories where people were having problems with the 1st gen and even some second gen ...
Other years of Honda Insight
Are you having problems with your 2004 Honda Insight?
Mathias Barton 2024-10-19
I bought my Insight in 2001 and I still love it. I can park anywhere and with the manual transmission, I can get the power I need. I only need to fill up once a month. The only downside is that I kind of miss seeing the lady at the gas station because she used to crack me up. In my old vehicle, I saw her at least once a week.
Junius Hackett 2024-10-10
This is definitely the best car I have ever driven. It handles amazingly, goes as fast as I need it to, and gets over 80 mpg on the highway. It also has plenty of cargo space. Driving it and seeing the effect of my formerly heavy left foot on the mileage has transformed my driving from the usual 'get there first' attitude to 'get there in my own sweet time', and I now enjoy driving much more without the usual rush. If you are willing to let go of beating everyone else, you will love it.
Alek Brakus 2024-10-01
I bought the second insight my Honda dealer received in 2000 and I now have driven it 37,253 miles. Over that time and distance it has averaged 68.6 miles per gallon, and gradually rising! I live on a hill about 400' higher than the surrounding more or less level terrain in a suburban bed-room area.The best mileage I ever logged on a single leg was 93 miles per gallon on a 120 mile trip with few hills. I was on an Interstate and stayed in the right lane and drove at the truckers speed limit - 55 miles per hour.My wife's car is a new Honda Accord Hybrid because we have been so satisfied with the 2 seater. She needs more capacity for occasional trips with friends, heavier loads, etc.
Everett Hahn 2024-09-15
It's so great to hear about your experience with the Insight! I can tell that you really love your car. Even though you initially talked yourself out of it, it seems like you made the right choice in the end. The Insight is such an impressive car, with its amazing fuel efficiency and sporty handling. It's great to hear that you're getting such good mileage on your trips. And it's even better to hear that everything is working great. Thanks for sharing your story!
Dan Osinski 2024-09-14
This is my commute car. I drive 65 miles to and from work every day. The drive is quite smooth with no traffic and downhill in the morning. I can get up to 92 miles per gallon, especially when following a flatbed truck on the flat. There is a speed between 53 and 58 at which the car seems to be running on electric only and charging at the same time, which is amazing! My first 43,000 miles averages 60.8 miles per gallon. The 1200 miles from my house to Los Angeles and back had a 73 miles per gallon average. I have kept track of the mileage at each fill-up and every 1000 miles, so I can provide proof if needed. I even drove the car at 103 miles per hour downhill, and it zooms! The only issue I have had is with leaky struts in the back, but it was covered by the warranty.