2014 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 It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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!
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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-06
- VIN: JHMZE2H30ES
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAGS RECALL NOT COMPLETED.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Positive 2014 Honda Insight car reviews
-
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car's fuel efficiency. I have a 40 mile highway commute on weekdays and do some city driving on weekends. I'm happy to report that I get an honest 50 miles per gallon, which is great! The dashboard readouts are really helpful in modifying your driving style to maximize MPG. I've seen some people complain about the car being noisy, but I haven't experienced that myself. In fact, it's pretty quiet on the freeway. The only time it gets noisy is on rough roads or if you stomp on the gas pedal. The interior is a little plasticky, but it still looks clean and functional. I do have to admit that the car has larger blind spots than I would like due to its styling. Thanks for listening!
-
It's always great to see fellow Insight enthusiasts on the road! It's surprising that there aren't more of us out there. While the Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid, it's important to note that the Insight is a fantastic option as well. In fact, some might argue that it's even better than the Prius. For example, the Insight's dashboard is more user-friendly and it has the added bonus of being able to disable automatic traction in case of getting stuck in the snow, which is a plus for those of us in the Northeast.
-
The Insight is a super efficient fwd conventional automobile. Its hybrid system consists of a small DC motor/generator that is wound around the output shaft of the engine. This provides power for acceleration and recharges the battery when coasting. While the car is streamlined and somewhat narrow, it may not be the most comfortable option for big and unusually tall folks. Additionally, soccer moms may find the hatchback storage too small. However, the interior is crisp and functional. Although, upscale buyers may prefer something more sophisticated. The Insight is capable of 50+mpg, but hyper milers may want more. Overall, I find it to be a brilliantly simple design that is affordable, economical, beautiful and a pleasure to drive.
-
I've been driving my Insight EX for 6 months now and I absolutely love it! Despite the EPA estimated 42 MPG, I consistently get over 50 MPG driving through the rush hour traffic of Los Angeles (based on miles driven/gallons filled). In comparison to the Prius family members, the Insight EX has much better handling and brakes, which makes it a great choice for me. Although the rear seat space is a bit lacking, it has plenty of room for my daily commute and running errands with my wife and son. I can even fit a stroller and a week's worth of groceries with ease in the cargo bay.
-
I purchased my Insight with some hesitation, as it seems like everyone is a car critic these days. We tend to form opinions about cars based on what we read, without ever having driven them ourselves. Car magazine reviewers were particularly harsh, criticizing the quality of plastics, harsh ride, and excessive noise. They always seem to want more, especially when comparing cars to the massively expensive ones they usually ride in. Even Jeremy Clarkson complained about the CVT transmission, calling it 'biblically terrible' and saying that 'to get an idea of how awful it is, you’d have to sit a dog on a ham slicer.' They also unfavorably compared it to the Prius, which was a tough blow. But I saw it as a challenge. I chose the Insight as the contrarian's choice. Honda designed it to be the most affordable hybrid on the market, and it's bombproof, easy to work on (when it needs work, which is never), enjoyable to drive, and affordable. It may not be able to go from 0-60 in 7 seconds or comfortably seat 5 adults, but it will get you around comfortably 97% of the time. If you take a few minutes to read the manual, you can adjust the settings to your liking. Want all the doors to stay unlocked when you start moving? You can do that. Want the engine to not turn off when you stop at lights? Turn off the eco button. I was initially concerned about the hybrid battery (aka IMA battery) failing at some point and being massively expensive to fix. However, 10 years later, it's still working perfectly fine. You can't even find people talking about it in forums because it doesn't seem to happen much at all. The Insight forum is one of the most uneventful ones out there because these cars just work. All people find themselves talking about is responding to newbies asking how concerned they should be about the battery failing, what mileage they're getting, and answering other people who wandered in from the first generation Insight forum by accident. If you enjoy working on cars, then perhaps you should consider getting something else.This car is very low maintenance and only requires routine maintenance like oil changes twice a year. At 105K miles, it needs 8 spark plugs (2 per cylinder), which can be easily replaced after removing a couple of panels. The CVT fluid needs to be changed every 30K miles, but it's not a big deal. If you're doing your homework, it's important to check if the IMA system had the software updated. There were some early problems with it when climbing hills, but they have been fixed. The 2012-13 models have a slightly updated engine that had a nasty habit of burning large amounts of oil because of a new kind of piston ring that was supposed to reduce friction. Make sure those had the engine fixed. The 2010, 2011, or 2014 models are the ones to get. Also, ensure that the regular 12V battery in the engine bay doesn't get more than about 3 years old, as a low 12V battery causes issues with the IMA system. Update: I've had this car for over 3 years and 40K miles, and I have nothing to report. It simply works. According to Consumer Reports, it was rated as the top pick for reliability. It was also the top-selling automobile in Japan when released. I recently replaced the 12V battery, as the last one was good for 3 years, as expected. I have winter tires on it now, and it's been fun to drive in the snow.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Honda Insight problems:
Common problems with 1st and 2nd Gen Insights. | Honda Insight ...
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
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
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 ...
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
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
Are you having problems with your 2014 Honda Insight?
Gage Dickens 2025-03-29
I replaced my 2009 Rav4 with a base 2011 Insight and it has been a great decision. In just over 1000 miles, I have already saved 50% on fuel costs. I have only had to do regular maintenance such as oil changes (following the maintenance minder on the car), changing the CVT fluid every 20k miles, and replacing the air filters. I also upgraded to a used set of alloy wheels with better Michelin tires, which improved handling without affecting fuel efficiency. With nearly 70k miles, my car has been trouble-free and averages between 45-50mpg on my commute. The car regularly exceeds EPA mpg and is both quiet and reliable. While the lack of a center armrest and poor front seat design are drawbacks, the car's excellent used car value makes up for it. In December 2018, I changed the spark plugs, exterior trans filter, front brake pads, and replaced the tires with OEM Bridgestones. The car has been to the dealership once for the Takita Airbag recall, but otherwise has been a reliable and fuel-efficient commuter. Despite some wear on the exterior and fraying on the interior, the car is mechanically sound and has served as a great teaching aid for my kids when they were getting their driver's licenses, as well as a perfect errand car. While the resale value is not great, this car will continue to be a valuable extra car for our family.I highly recommend this car for new drivers or anyone looking to test the waters of hybrid ownership. In my experience, hybrids have come a long way and there are now fewer compromises. I'm actually considering the new Insight (similar to the Civic Hybrid) as a potential replacement. In May 2019, I traded this car in for my daughter's first car. Overall, it was a great entry into the hybrid experience and still remains a solid used car option.
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.
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.
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.
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.