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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.
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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.
Negative 2006 Honda Insight car reviews
Positive 2006 Honda Insight car reviews
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I have owned this car for 5 years and I absolutely love it! It has more storage than people give it credit for and I have had no problems with it so far. I also own a Prius and both cars are fantastic. Unfortunately, I was in an accident where I was T-boned by an elderly woman, but thankfully I didn't sustain any injuries.
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I purchased this Insight used and I have been very pleased with it so far. My average day-to-day fuel economy has been in the high 60s, with mid to high 80s easily attainable during extended highway driving.
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We are completely satisfied with what we intended this vehicle to be. We are able to achieve an impressive EPA rating of 55-56 MPG on the highway while staying at or under 70 mph, even without the A/C on. With the A/C on and a heavier foot, the mileage drops to 48-49 MPG, which is still impressive. So far, we have not encountered any problems and have not experienced any battery drain. It is great in traffic and a joy to park. The hard tires provide great mileage, but they do add some noise. However, we believe that the trade-off is worth it. This is our second car, but it gets most of the use due to its fuel efficiency and convenience for around-town driving. We also use it for occasional longer excursions and plan to leave our other car at home for road trips. We highly recommend this fantastic vehicle.
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This is such a great little commuter car! It does exactly what I need it to do - get me and my briefcase across town, warm and dry, all while using very little gas. The car is so much fun to drive, just like the old MG's and small sports cars of the past. It may not have too much power, but that's part of the fun and challenge of driving it. However, I have no trouble navigating traffic with the power the Insight delivers - in fact, it's remarkably quick off the line! I always get the advertised mileage of 55 mpg in city driving. The instrumentation is simple and adequate. This car may not be for everybody, but if you just need to get yourself back and forth to work each day, and mpg is an issue, it's very hard to beat the Insight.
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This car is a joy to drive, provides a sense of safety, and boasts excellent fuel efficiency. While the back seat may be a bit cramped, this is a common issue among small cars. Additionally, the seats may become slightly uncomfortable during extended trips.
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?
Juwan Hamill 2025-08-23
I've been the proud owner of my 2006 Insight for 7 years now. I bought it used with 32000 miles and it only has 92000 miles on it now. When I first got it, it only had one key and fob, so I went to the local Honda dealership to have another one made. Unfortunately, they wanted $100 to make a key. When I asked why it was so expensive, the service manager said that they were the only ones who could make it, so they could charge whatever they wanted. I decided not to go back to that dealer. The car was okay, but there was a lot of road noise and slow acceleration. However, the big plus was the great gas mileage when gas was over $4.00/gal. I was averaging around 60mpg, while my wife would routinely get 63mpg and I would get 52mpg. The biggest issue I had was with the IMA battery system. After 2.5 years of owning the car, the battery failed. Luckily, it was covered under warranty, so I didn't complain too much. However, 4 years later, the battery has failed again. I didn't realize that the replacement battery only had a 3yr/36000 mile warranty, so now I am faced with a $4000 repair bill. Even though I didn't pay for the first battery, it seems excessive to have 2 battery packs fail in the 10 year life of the car. Without replacing the battery this time, the car is practically worthless. I also have a VW diesel that has 300000 miles, with only oil changes. While I won't be buying any more Honda hybrids, I'm still grateful for the time I had with my Insight.