2005 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
- 34.6
- 578 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 0
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 0
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2005 Honda Insight?
We do not score the 2005 Honda Insight. Honda made only 578 of them for the U.S., so every complaint counts heavily: each one raises its rate by about 17 per 10,000 cars, while an average car of the same age has about 32 per 10,000. The 2005 Insight has 2 so far, about 35 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.
Before you buy, get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No recalls
Cons
None stand out.
What Owners Report
We read all 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Honda Insight, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.
Reported Once (2)
Show the 2 problems reported once
- Uneven tire wear: early wear
- Noise (cause not stated)
How the 2005 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 This year | Not scored | – | – | 34.6 | 0 | – |
| 2004 | 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 |
2005 Honda Insight NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2005 Honda Insight. It has closed.
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA 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 2005 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 2005 Insight ratings on NHTSA.gov.
2-door
Check Before You Buy
Checks to make on any used 2005 Insight before you buy.
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