Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driving down highway at highway speed and car shot 52 failure codes. Car lost power and crawled to side of road. Nearly got rear ended multiple times trying to remove vehicle from roadway. Engine permanent codes U0111 U012D U0110 U12A5 U1206 U1205 Anti lock brakes permanent codes U040168 CAN Gateway Permanent codes U0029-00 Electric power train traction motor control module permanent code U1204 U12A5 U1205 U0100 U012D U1206 U0111 Electric power steering permanent codes U0416-68 Electric servo brake - permanent codes U0029-00 U0401-68 Integrated driver support system - permanent codes U0418-92 C0023-F0 U0100-F1 U0122-F1 U0100-00 C0031-62 C0034-62 C003A-62 U0416-68 Tire Pressure monitoring permanent codes U040168 OBDII Codes U1204 U12A5 U1205 U0100 U012D U1206 U0111 OBDII Permanent codes U1206 U12A5 U1205 U0111 U012D U0110 Over 41 codes documented and Honda says there is nothing wrong …
While driving on the interstate where speed limit is 70 miles per hour, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw smoke coming out of the back of my car. I then saw warnings flashing from my dash board saying: ac malfunction, lkas malfunction,and then another warning flashed saying - low oil fluid, stop car do not drive. I coasted car to the side of the interstate and got out of vehicle and called towing service.
There were 2 recalls on my car and both have been serviced. But I keep having issues with a whole host of sensors including check engine light that lights up every week and the car is practically unusable. When the check engine and other lights/sensors trigger, the gas pedal is practically useless and cannot accelerate the car. This is a big problem when I'm on the road and might lead to catastrophic accident. I have taken my car several times to have it checked and I'm still having issues. Of late I keep hearing a whole lot of fan that are whirling and I could feel heat inside the car even when a/c is on. I have a feeling that this car has serious cooling issues and I'm feel unsafe driving this car. I would appreciate your help in this regard.
Engine light came on around 60,000 miles. Indicated cylinder 4 compression off. Eventually diagnosed as blown head gasket resulting in engine replacement costing over $4300. I was told there was an extended warranty on the 2017 and 2018 models but not the 2019 model year. I did purchase one of the first insights produced in the 2019 model year and wonder if I received an engine with the same issue as the 2018.
The contact owns 2013 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine was consuming 3-4 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles driven. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
I have had a 2013 Honda Insight since September 2024 and I have complained about excessive oil consumption since October 2024.This past Saturday my car stopped on the highway when I tried to accelerate. It was towed to Honda and the diagnostic comes back as piston ring replacement with spark plugs. Last November I had 2 spark plugs replaced and my ignition coils. There was an ESB put out by Honda but I was not the current owner then so Honda doesn't want to cover the cost. I also have contacted the dealership, that is not a certified reseller of Honda, mark Sweeney Buick of Cincinnati, Ohio but since I signed an As Is contract they stated they wouldn't assist. The first week I got the car there were problems. I feel like mark Sweeney didn't fully check their car before it was sold. …
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Insight. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked forward. The contact stated that the check engine, emissions, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park near a gas station. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil consumption test to completed. The dealer informed the contact that the pistons needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The car has only 83000 miles. We bought the vehicle 2 months ago from the estate of an individual that passed away. We were driving the vehicle and the gas pedal stopped working. Prior to this happening, we noticed no oil leak from the car. Per the manual we were checking oil level everytime we filled car up and would top it as it would be lower. We were driving the car on the highway and when we pressed on the gas pedal it stopped working, the car was not moving. Several lights came on the car, check engine etc. We took it to the dealership for a check and was told that the car needed a new engine at the tune of $17000. Honda Company stated that the car had no warranty on the engine and they would take no responsibility for failure. Was told engine block and piston 1 to 4 had misfire. No prior warning was given to us. The spark plugs for those pistons had melted the head.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Insight years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (36), 2013 (31), 2010 (7), 2019 (7) and 2011 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 61% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Honda Insight engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Honda Insight model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Honda Insight engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (3 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control (1).
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.