Most common 2002 Honda Insight problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Insight complaints by model year
Best Insight years: 2014. Years to avoid: 2010, 2019, 2012, 2011, 2013. Compare all years →
2002 Honda Insight recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Honda Insight:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2002 Honda Insight owners say
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Insight. While driving at various speeds, the low beam headlights failed without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness melted and caused the low beam failure and that the light switch and connector would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 278,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Honda Insight. While driving approximately 50 MPH at night, the high beams were activated. When the contact attempted to activate the low beam lights, they completely dimmed. The vehicle was returned to her residence and her husband replaced the bulbs and checked the relay. Her husband thought that the relays needed to be replaced; however, when the dealer inspected the vehicle, they stated that the relays were not defective. The cause of the failure has not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that there was a recall; however, her vehicle was not included. They also stated that they would reimburse her if another recall was opened and was related to her VIN. The current mileage was 104,565 and failure mileage was 104,321. Updated 11-25-08 the swtich on the steering column was replaced. Updated 11/26/08.
2002 Honda Insight engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 3-cyl hybrid | 5-speed manual | FWD | 48 / 59 / 53 |
| 1.0L 3-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 45 / 49 / 47 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Honda Insight a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Insight rates better than average: 75% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Insight at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Honda Insight?
The lights — 8 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights › high/low beam dimmer switch. Next are the electrical system (2) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Honda Insight have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Honda Insight, the most recent from February 24, 2004 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Insight?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2019, 2012, 2011 and 2013. See the full Honda Insight years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda Insight problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 104,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.