2014 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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.

2014 Honda Insight

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Common 2014 Honda Insight problems

The Honda Insight, particularly the 2014 model, has been reported to have several common problems by owners. These issues include brakes problems, excessive oil consumption, and engine problems.

  1. Brake Problems

Brake issues have been reported by drivers of the 2014 Honda Insight. If you notice any problems with your brakes, it is recommended to take your car to a mechanic right away for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

  1. Excessive Oil Consumption

Excessive oil consumption is another common problem reported by Honda Insight owners. If you notice your car is consuming an unexpected quantity of oil, it's best to get it checked out by a professional. High oil consumption can be due to faulty gaskets, a higher engine temperature, or the wrong type of oil being used. It's crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.

  1. Engine Problems

Engine problems have been reported by drivers of the 2014 Honda Insight. These issues can manifest as a jerky acceleration, stalling while driving, increased fuel consumption, difficulty starting the car, and loss of power. These problems may be caused by faulty spark plugs, which can wear out or even melt. It's essential to get your car checked out by a professional to establish the exact cause of the problem and perform the necessary repairs.

In summary, the 2014 Honda Insight has been reported to have brake problems, excessive oil consumption, and engine problems. If you own a 2014 Honda Insight and notice any of these issues, it is recommended to take your car to a mechanic for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs. Regular maintenance and servicing can also help prevent these problems and ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

2014 Honda Insight engine

What is the problem with the 2014 Honda Insight hybrid?

The Most Commonly Reported Problems With the Honda Insight Hybrid

  • The Honda Insight Hybrid Battery Light. Of all the problems reported by Insight drivers, none were more commonly reported than the warning light indicating a problem with the Honda Insight battery. ...
  • The Notorious Noise Problem. ...
  • The Auto Stop.

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 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.

2014 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
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2014 Honda Insight complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Honda Insight.

2017-02-12

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
  • VIN: JHMZE2H563S
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL.... I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE BY US MAIL AND THE DATE ON THE LETTER WAS MARCH 2016. IT IS NOW FEB ALMOST MARCH 2017, 1 YEAR LATER AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED. THEY STATE TO ME THAT I HAVE TO WAIT TILL I GET A LETTER IN MAIL SAYING THAT THE PARTS ARE IN AND I CAN BRING MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR! REALLY, I COULD HAVE DIED BY NOW BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT THIS... I FEEL THIS IS A LAW SUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND BELIEVE ME, I HAVE LEFT MY FAMILY INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUST THAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED AND I DIE. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLES SAFETY, YOU HAVE RECALLED THE ITEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE AND THEN YOU CANT FIX IT???? SO WHEN DO I HEAR ABOUT MY PARTS BEING IN AND THIS GETTING FIXED, HOPEFULLY IT IS BEFORE I DIE BECAUSE OF IT! I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW! I HAVEN'T HEARD A THING SINCE I GOT THE FIRST NOTICE AND ALL THE DEALER SAYS IS THAT I HAVE TO WAIT. WAIT FOR WHAT, ME TO DIE BECAUSE OF IT? PLEASE DO YOUR JOB AND FIX THE CAR!
2016-12-12

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
  • VIN: JHMZE2H76ES
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER DATED MARCH 2016 AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS RECALL WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF IN THE SUMMER OF 2016. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION COULD BE PROVIDED BUT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE RENTAL AND BE REIMBURSED. I WOULD BE BROKE BY NOW AND STILL WAITING TO BE CONTACTED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE SERVICED. WHEN ARE THESE VEHICLES GOING TO BE CORRECTED? WHY HAVE ALL THE OTHER GAS HOG POPULAR CARS BEEN DONE ALREADY? WHY AM I STILL DRIVING A DEATHTRAP? *TR
2016-11-06

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-11-06
  • VIN: JHMZE2H30ES
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAGS RECALL NOT COMPLETED.
2016-03-30

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-02-05
  • VIN: JHMZE2H32ES
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL ON APRIL 5, 2016, IT WILL BE 60 DAYS SINCE I LEFT MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE TAKATA REPAIR.
2015-01-06

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-06
  • VIN: JHMZE2H36ES
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: JUST ONE DAY AFTER DRIVING THIS NEW VEHICLE HOME I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND FOUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR TILTED AT ANY ANGLE SO FAR I COULDN'T SEE ANY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY WITH IT.. THE ELECTRICAL CONTROLS TO WORK THE MIRROR DID NOT HAVE RANGE ENOUGH TO CORRECT IT OWING TO THE FACT THE ENTIRE MIRROR BODY HAD LEFT WHAT I AM TOLD IS ITS SNAP IN POSITION. I HAD NEVER TOUCHED IT AND IT HAD NO REASON TO LEAVE ITS PROPER POSITION. AND IT WAS IN ITS PROPER POSITION THE DAY I DROVE IT HOME. THE MIRROR HAD TILTED ITSELF SO FAR I COULD SEE MY OWN REFLECTION IT IT! THE DAY WAS QUITE WINDY AND THE CAR WAS BUFFETED BY THE WIND. A CHECK OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL HAS NO MENTION OF ANY KIND THIS MIRROR IS ADJUSTABLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR THE MIRROR AND DESIGNED TO MOVE IN IMPACT AND COULD NOT BE SECURED FURTHER. MAY I BE EMPHATIC THAT THE MIRROR SERVES NO USEFUL PURPOSE TO THE DRIVER WHEN FOLDED SO FAR AND THIS IS PLACING MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY FOR THE FOOL PURPOSE OF SAVING A MIRROR. HONDA HAS LOST ITS MIND.

2014 Honda Insight recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2014 Honda Insight.

2019-06-27
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
2018-09-27
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
2016-02-03
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Negative 2014 Honda Insight car reviews

  1. Franco Reilly 2024-11-26

    I purchased the car brand new in 2013 and initially enjoyed it quite a bit. It handles well, has some great features (I had the EX with Navigation), and gets really good mileage. However, around 50K miles, I started experiencing warning lights, the car would act strangely, and it used a lot of oil. After getting a diagnosis from my trusted indie car repair guy (who I trust way more than the dealer), I found out that this model has piston issues and may require some expensive repairs. I then discovered from Honda that my warranty had been extended for 8 years, but unfortunately, I was one month outside of the warranty period. My dealer was not helpful either. So, thank you, Honda. Over the past 30 years, I have owned 6 different models, but unfortunately, we are done. If you are looking for a used hybrid, I would not recommend this car.

  2. Oliver Frami 2024-11-16

    I really enjoyed the test drive, although I wish I had spent more time on it. Unfortunately, I realized that the car wasn't the right fit for me as soon as I got on the highway after leaving the dealership. I noticed a few issues right away, such as road noise, a bumpy ride, and poor passing power. After driving it for a few days on my daily commute, I started experiencing some pretty bad headaches. This was the final straw that led me to sell the car. I suspect that the hybrid motor and wires running through the cabin may have had something to do with it. I've decided to hold off on buying another hybrid until more studies are done on this issue. Unfortunately, I did end up losing $7k when I sold it back just two months later.

  3. Scotty Leffler 2024-10-14

    The car has experienced multiple instances of rodent damage to its hoses, resulting in gas leaks. As a result, I am hesitant to drive it. Additionally, the IMA and tire lights frequently illuminate. Unfortunately, the car's value has significantly decreased, making a trade-in unfeasible. Furthermore, the car lacks Bluetooth and has poor rear visibility. Its only technological features are a single USB hub and a FireWire connection.

  4. Jillian Conn 2024-10-04

    Although I initially enjoyed test driving this car, it turned out to be a terrible purchase. At 6'1'', I found the car to be horribly uncomfortable, especially after commuting 45 minutes each way to work for 6 months. The angle of the driver's seat caused my knees to be way above my hips and the back pushed my shoulders forward, leading to constant hip pain. Unfortunately, the car's issues didn't stop there. The engine died at just 52,000 miles, shortly after the warranty ended, and required an $8,000 replacement. While the dealer was kind enough to provide a 'good faith warranty' and replace the engine at no cost to me, it's difficult to trust this car now. Additionally, at 62,000 miles, the passenger door and trunk stopped opening due to a faulty lock actuator, which will cost $2,000 to repair and take over a week to get all the parts. Overall, my experience with this car has been extremely disappointing and has left me feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.

  5. Deshawn Harris 2024-10-02

    I've had this car for four months and I'm trading it in next week. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can be a bit annoying as there is a delayed reaction when you step on the gas. Additionally, it revs noisily during the entire acceleration arc and can feel a bit gutless. However, I have found that in the city, it averages about 39 MPG which is great. Although, above 65 miles per hour, the MPG drops to the low 30s. One thing to note is that in Econ mode, the AC stops with the engine at stoplights. Another issue I have encountered is that the rear seatbelts get pinned behind the seats after folding them up. The back seat is a bit cramped which can lead to dirty upholstery when kids with dirty feet climb in. Lastly, the paint job is a bit soft and easily scratched. While the body style is typical hybrid ugly, the grille is inexplicably gray... it would look much better matching the body.

Positive 2014 Honda Insight car reviews

  1. Carmelo Considine 2025-01-08

    I'm so glad I chose the 2011 Honda Insight LX as my small, fuel-efficient car that fits my budget. After considering the Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Insight, I was sold on the Insight's outstanding advertised MPG. And in the last couple of weeks, I've been averaging 45 mpg, even with mostly city driving! Plus, it's a really fun car to drive. And at $20K under, getting a hybrid is a steal! The only downside is that taller people may find the headroom to be a bit of a challenge.

  2. Madison Orn 2025-01-05

    Fun car for the money! While it may not win any races, that's not what it was designed for. If you're looking for a car that's reasonably fun to drive and great on gas if you drive it right, check out the Insight. You can do better on mileage with the Prius, but you'll also pay more for it. In my opinion, the Honda drives and handles much better. Try them both and decide for yourself. It's an excellent value for a hybrid! Loving it so far!

  3. Doug Heller 2025-01-04

    It's great to hear that you've been enjoying your insight for the past 10 months! It's impressive that you're able to achieve 43-46 mpg in the city, and even more so that you can get 50-53 mpg on a 55 mph highway. It sounds like you've found some great routes to work that net you 53 mpg in the city! It's amazing that you're able to save the entire car payment in cost savings compared to your previous car. While the ride may be a little rough and firm as new cars go, this is typical for Honda. Additionally, the interior on the LX model may be a little too plastic, and the blind spots can be a challenge in traffic. Overall, it's great to hear that you're so satisfied with your car and the cost savings it provides!

  4. Zander Goldner 2025-01-02

    I've had my Insight for a week now and I'm very pleased. It's very comfortable and I don't notice much road noise, despite what was mentioned in the Edmund review. Although it's a small car, it has an excellent ride and feels like a much larger car. I'm getting 45 mpg with the air on all the time. I love its looks and feel. After researching every car out there, I feel like I made an excellent decision.

  5. Mavis Cassin 2024-11-22

    This sounds like an amazing car! You've been able to get an average of 43 mpg, which is fantastic. It's great to hear that you've been a loyal Honda customer since 9/1979 and have owned several models, including 3 Civics, 2 Insights, and 1 CRX. Your current Insight seems to be the best one yet, and I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it so much!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2014 Honda Insight problems:

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 wouldn't want to do that daily, though. 2000 MT Silver No AC 184,000 miles Nov. 2014. Lifetime mpg 54.5, winter 54, summer 64 ...

2014 Honda Insight Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2014 Honda Insight Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/honda/insight/2014/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2014 Honda Insight? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2014 Honda Insight Reliability - Consumer Reports
2014 Honda Insight Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/insight/2014/reliability/

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Read Recall Details.

Is a 2010 Honda Insight with 120k miles a risky purchase? : r ...
Is a 2010 Honda Insight with 120k miles a risky purchase? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/hondainsight/comments/107ywg7/is_a_2010_honda_insight_with_120k_miles_a_risky/

Jan 10, 2023 ... The only problem is that it is a hybrid car, and everyone I've told this to has told me repairs are expensive-especially new batteries. I really ...

Honda Insight Hybrid's Most Common Problems | Bumblebee Batteries
Honda Insight Hybrid's Most Common Problems | Bumblebee Batteries
https://bumblebeebatteries.com/blog/most-common-problems-with-honda-insight-hybrid/

The Honda Insight Hybrid Battery Light Of all the problems reported by Insight drivers, none were more commonly reported than the warning light indicating a ...

Other years of Honda Insight

honda insight 2019 photo
Insight 2019
Honda

71

7

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda insight 2020 photo
Insight 2020
Honda

23

5

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda insight 2021 photo
Insight 2021
Honda

15

2

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda insight 2022 photo
Insight 2022
Honda

18

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda insight 2000 photo
Insight 2000
Honda

39

1

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda insight 2001 photo
Insight 2001
Honda

27

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2014 Honda Insight photo