Skip to content
CarReliabilityRankings.com
Menu
Reliability CheckerCompareWarranty ExtensionsVIN LookupHondaAudiHow We Score

2002 Honda Insight Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

A two-seat hybrid hatchback with an aluminum body and Honda's IMA hybrid system. Not the same car as the 2019–2022 or 2010–2014 Insight.

Not
scored
Not scored

Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a fair score.

Owner complaints
12
Per 10,000 cars
59.9
2,003 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car
–
Serious outcomes
0
crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls
1
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated
no overall rating before 2011
Honda Insight, 1st generation (2000–2006)
← 2001 Insight2003 Insight →

Should You Buy the 2002 Honda Insight?

We do not score the 2002 Honda Insight. Honda made 2,003 of them for the U.S. If they were average cars, they would have about 6.3 complaints by now, and we need at least 10 to compare with before we give a score. The 2002 Insight has 12 so far, about 60 per 10,000 cars, where an average car has about 31. So instead of a score, we show the facts.

The 2001 Insight, from the same generation, scored 66 and rated Caution.

The most reported problem is the headlights, mostly stopped working (7 of 12 complaints). Owners also complain about the headlight switch.

It has 1 recall. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the hybrid system.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-057 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

  • No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
  • 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

  • Headlights: stopped working7 complaints
  • Headlight switch: smoke or a burning smell6 complaints

What Owners Report

We read all 12 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Honda Insight, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 12.

  1. Headlights: stopped working

    7 complaints (58%)

    A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.

  2. Headlight switch: smoke or a burning smell

    6 complaints (50%)

    Smoke or a burning smell and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.

Reported Once (6)

Show the 6 problems reported once
  • CVT: vibration or shudder
  • Battery drain: draining the battery
  • Exterior lights: stopped working
  • Flywheel failure
  • Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
  • Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage

How the 2002 Honda Insight Compares With Other Years

The other Insight years of the 1st generation, 2000 to 2006.

YearRatingScoreVs averagePer 10k carsRecallsMost reported problem
2006Not scored––24.91–
2005Not scored––34.60–
2004Not scored––37.40–
2003Not scored––29.70–
2002 This yearNot scored––59.91Headlights: stopped working
2001Caution661.5×41.12Headlights: stopped working
2000Caution691.2×41.41Headlights: stopped working
See every Insight year

2002 Honda Insight Recalls

One recall covers the 2002 Honda Insight. It was issued in February 2004: “Low Beam Lighting.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.

  • Low Beam Lighting

    On certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning. An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash.

    NHTSA 04V086000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 24, 2004.

2002 Honda Insight Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension for the 2002 Honda Insight, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the hybrid system. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

  • Warranty extensionHonda 06-057

    Hybrid IMA battery module failure

    The problem:
    The hybrid battery module can fail. If the IMA light on the dashboard stays on while driving, Honda asks owners to have a Honda dealer inspect the car.
    The fix:
    A Honda dealer replaces the failed hybrid battery module for free, along with the battery condition monitor. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
    Who qualifies:
    Cars registered in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada or Texas are covered by a separate program instead. A Honda dealer must find a battery module problem. Salvage or branded titles are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
    Coverage:
    10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. No start date given. Some cars get 157,500 miles. Ask a Honda dealer for the exact terms.
    Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2002 Honda Insight NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2002 Honda Insight. It has closed.

  • Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles

    Closed

    A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including the Insight, the CR-Z and the Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.

    NHTSA DP22005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2002 Insight no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2002 Insight ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door

OverallNot rated
Frontal crashNot rated
Driver seat4/5
Passenger seat4/5
Side crashNot rated
Front seat4/5
Rear seatNot rated
RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2002 Insight, from its recall, a Honda warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

  • 06-057: Hybrid IMA battery module failure

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

  • Headlights
  • Headlight switch
  • Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

  • Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
  • Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
  • Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Insight Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.