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2003 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
3
Per 10,000 cars
29.7
1,010 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car
–
Serious outcomes
1
crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls
0
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated
no overall rating before 2011
Honda Insight, 1st generation (2000–2006)
← 2002 Insight2004 Insight →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda Insight?

We do not score the 2003 Honda Insight. Honda made only 1,010 of them for the U.S., so every complaint counts heavily: each one raises its rate by about 10 per 10,000 cars, while an average car of the same age has about 31 per 10,000. The 2003 Insight has 3 so far, about 30 per 10,000, but one more would already put it above average. So instead of a score, we show the facts.

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

It has no recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the hybrid system.

Before you buy, 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 recalls
  • 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

None stand out.

What Owners Report

We read all 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 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 3.

No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.

Reported Once (4)

Show the 4 problems reported once
  • Engine failure
  • Engine oil leak
  • Hybrid battery: overheating
  • Shifter or park: the car rolling away

How the 2003 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–
2003 This yearNot scored––29.70–
2002Not scored––59.91Headlights: stopped working
2001Caution661.5×41.12Headlights: stopped working
2000Caution691.2×41.41Headlights: stopped working
See every Insight year

2003 Honda Insight Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension for the 2003 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)

2003 Honda Insight NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 Insight, from a Honda warranty extension that may still apply.

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 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.