2006 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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.
Social links
Common 2006 Honda Insight problems
The Honda Insight, a pioneering hybrid vehicle introduced in 1999, has been praised for its fuel efficiency and reliability. However, certain model years have been plagued with issues that could deter potential buyers. This article will focus on the common problems faced by the Honda Insight, specifically the 2006 model, based on complaints from owners.
The 2006 Honda Insight, the last of the first-generation models, is known for its impressive fuel efficiency, with the manual transmission capable of achieving 66 highway miles per gallon. The IMA battery is a crucial component of the hybrid system, and its failure can lead to a significant decrease in fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Another issue reported by owners is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission, which is notorious for failing, particularly in the CVT-equipped models. This can result in lower fuel economy and a decrease in the vehicle's overall performance.
It is important to note that the 2006 Honda Insight is an older model, and potential buyers should be aware of its limitations. For instance, the first-gen Insight was built with a lightweight aluminum body and a 3-cylinder engine, which may not meet modern crash standards. Additionally, the smaller size of the vehicle means it can only accommodate two people, with little to no cargo capacity.
In summary, the 2006 Honda Insight, while praised for its fuel efficiency and reliability, has faced issues related to the IMA battery and CVT transmission. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision. Regular maintenance and inspections can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the 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.
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.
What is the gas mileage for a 2006 Honda Insight?
57 city/56 highway
With the five-speed, the Insight is rated at 60 mpg in the city and 66 on the highway and is ULEV-certified. The CVT offers 57 city/56 highway, and has the even more squeaky clean SULEV rating.
2006 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:
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Honda Insight complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Honda Insight.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-01
- VIN: JHMZE14736S
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE RECALL CAMPAIGN DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZED A RECALL RELATED AUTHORIZATION ISSUING CASE NO. [XXX] WHERE THE DEALERSHIP ROCK HONDA 909-770-8400 REPLACING THE CONTROL UNIT PART NO( IK100PHM-A03) PAID BY ME. SAME ISSUE RECURRING ANOTHER CASE NO ISSUED [XXX] DEALER STATING PARTS NEEDED ARE 37820PHM408 ECM MODULE AND 1 D010PHMA01RM BATTERY.THE HONDA NOW ARE SAYING THAT THEY ARE ONLY LIABLE FOR THE SOFTWARE UPDATE ONLY EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL SPECIFIES THE AND USAGE THE VERBATIM OF THE ECM UNIT THEREBY THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE FACT THAT THE RECALL WHICH RELATES TO THE ECM TIMER RELATES DIRECTLY TO EMISSION CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS A SAFETY WARNING AND MALFUNCTIONS OF THE TIMERS BEING CAUSED N THE SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND MODULE REPLACEMENT ID'S REQUIRED PER DEALER CONCLUSION TO EFFECTIVELY USE OF THE UPDATED SOFTWARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MODULES N TIMERS SPECIFICALLY THIS BEING A MOTORCYCLE 3 CYLINDER CAR, THE AMERICAN HONDA STATES THAT THEY ARE ONLY LIABLE FOR THE SOFTWARE UPDATE N NOTHING ELSE EVEN IF IT IS THE ECM AND THE TIMERS THAT ARE DEFECTED OR NOT EFFECTED BY THE UPDATED SOFTWARE WHERE THE PARTS WERE NOT UPDATED N THE SOFTWARE WRITTEN N NOT IN COMPLIANCE OF THE SAFETY WARNING EMISSION GUIDELINES NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED AND INVESTIGATED BY THE FEDERAL; TRADE COMMISSION AS TO EXACT RECALL AND RECALL CONCERN LATER SPECIFICALLY WITHIN SAFETY WARNING CONCERN OF THE EMISSION OF THE CAR. PLEASE INFORM ME IF I CAN BE HELP./ [XXX] MY ADDRESS AS FOLLOW [XXX] PHONE NO [XXX]. I HAVE BEEN PATIENT WITH NO RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE SAYING ONE THING CASE MANGER SAYING SOMETHING ELSE PLEASE INFORM ME THE RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF THIS MATTER AND ANY CASE NO ASSIGNED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-02
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE A 2006 HONDA INSIGHT. WE ARE DUE WITH OUR FIRST CHILD IN SEPTEMBER 2007. WE WILL NEED THE VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILD TO AND FROM DAYCARE. OUR DEALER HAS REFUSED TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG TO MAKE THE CAR SAFER FOR AN INFANT IN A CARSEAT. I WOULD LIKE ADVISE/AUTHORIZATION ON HOW TO PROCEED TO MAKE OUR CAR SAFE FOR OUR SOON TO BE BORN INFANT. *JB
2006 Honda Insight recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2006 Honda Insight.
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
- Consequence: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
- Remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
Positive 2006 Honda Insight car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Honda Insight problems:
Buying a used 2000-2006 Honda Insight: What problems to watch ...
Sep 21, 2011 ... Catalytic converter; Driveability issues in lean burn from clogged EGR; Corroded drivetrain-to-chassis ground straps; Weak 12 volt battery ...
Common problems with 1st and 2nd Gen Insights. | Honda Insight ...
Oct 7, 2013 ... If you want to get 75 mpg or [much] more you only have one choice, the 2000 to 2006 Honda Insight. The 4 dr Insights (nor any other Hybrid) do ...
2006 Honda Insight Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2006 Honda Insight? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Honda Insight.
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 ...
2004 Honda Insight Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Honda Insight ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 2006 Honda Insight ...
Other years of Honda Insight
Are you having problems with your 2006 Honda Insight?
Adelbert Fahey 2024-11-13
This car has great mileage! I only had to fill up for $11.00 and it would last a whole month. Although it doesn't have too much pick up, you will never get a speeding ticket. I had the 2001 model which was supposed to get 50 mpg in town and 70 on the highway, and this was quite accurate - once on a highway trip I got 93 miles per gallon! The car is built really solid and is accident resistant. You could even push in the fender with your thumb and it would pop back out. Although I didn't like people coming up to me wanting to talk about the car all the time, I have to say that it's a testament to how great this car is. I was once sitting in traffic on the highway at a dead standstill, and someone ran into me about 65-70 miles per hour. The car was so well built that it took them about a week to discover the car was totaled. I would definitely buy another one!
Perry Carroll 2024-11-08
I've always wanted an Insight since they first came out years back. The carpool lane sticker in CA is invaluable as it always comes in handy having the extra lane as an option. The car is very reliable and has only had minor quirks such as the rear view mirror fix and power window track cleaning. It is super fun to drive and has great handling. Additionally, it is SUPER efficient on gas and pretty quick and fast as well. There is some storage capability too, making it great for So. CA. While it might not work as well in areas with rain and snow due to its low ground clearance and small tires, it is really an excellent car to own!!!
Sim Toy 2024-10-21
This car is an amazing value! It's fun to drive and gets outstanding mileage, averaging 60-70 mpg on mostly freeway driving. While it's not as good in town, the climate control is great and the power is impressive as long as you rev it. People are always stopping me to ask about it, which makes for great conversation. Plus, you can use the carpool lane and get $2000 back from the IRS. With the savings in gasoline compared to my other car, the payment for this car over 60 months is essentially free! I'm now looking to add more options to really make it my own. You can easily afford this car and still keep your weekend gas hog thanks to the fuel savings!
Raheem Graham 2024-10-16
Hi there! I've been around cars my whole life, including Ferraris and road racing, and I have to say that this is the finest engineered car I've ever seen, with the world's most advanced engine. Plus, it's really fun to drive! I just wanted to mention that I've been getting great gas mileage with the 5-speed - 65 MPG all day and even up to 70 MPG. Personally, I have a CVT and can get over 60 MPG on flat roads from Seattle to California. I'm a bit worried about the rising oil prices, though - when it hits $80/barrel next year, I might have to lock it up! Thanks for listening.
Zechariah King 2024-10-10
Hi there! I'm looking for a reliable, comfortable, and economical car to use as my daily driver. I drive around 40,000 miles a year in California, so it's important that the car can handle that kind of mileage. I'm really impressed with the climate control system in this car - it's fantastic! Even when I'm driving at high speeds, the car still performs really well. In fact, I've already driven almost 2,000 miles in just one week of ownership, and I'm averaging around 62 mpg. Thanks for your help!