2004 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.
scored
Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a fair score.
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Per 10,000 cars
- 37.4
- 535 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
Should You Buy the 2004 Honda Insight?
We do not score the 2004 Honda Insight. Honda made only 535 of them for the U.S., so every complaint counts heavily: each one raises its rate by about 19 per 10,000 cars, while an average car of the same age has about 31 per 10,000. The 2004 Insight has 2 so far, about 37 per 10,000, but one fewer would already put it at or below 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 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 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 2.
No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.
Reported Once (3)
Show the 3 problems reported once
- Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
- Headlights: stopped working
How the 2004 Honda Insight Compares With Other Years
The other Insight years of the 1st generation, 2000 to 2006.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Not scored | – | – | 24.9 | 1 | – |
| 2005 | Not scored | – | – | 34.6 | 0 | – |
| 2004 This year | Not scored | – | – | 37.4 | 0 | – |
| 2003 | Not scored | – | – | 29.7 | 0 | – |
| 2002 | Not scored | – | – | 59.9 | 1 | Headlights: stopped working |
| 2001 | Caution | 66 | 1.5× | 41.1 | 2 | Headlights: stopped working |
| 2000 | Caution | 69 | 1.2× | 41.4 | 1 | Headlights: stopped working |
2004 Honda Insight Warranty Extensions and Programs
Honda has one warranty extension for the 2004 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.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2004 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 2004 Insight ratings on NHTSA.gov.
2-door
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2004 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