2000 Honda Insight: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Honda insight 2000 low beam lights failed while driving 55 mph. A recall was issued for this problem, but honda is refusing to cover the cost of repair because my VIN did not show a recall. The honda insight 2000 is listed for this recall. I have owned many hondas in the past, but now am extremely disappointed in honda's customer service and will not be purchasing any honda products in the future.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 honda insight. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph with the low beam headlights in operation, the headlights suddenly failed to illuminate. The high beam headlights were activated in order to continue driving. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04v086000 (exterior lighting:headlights); however the contact's VIN was ineligible for repairs under the recall. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 honda insight. While driving approximately 45 mph with the headlights activated, the headlights suddenly failed. The high beam headlights were activated so that the contact could continue to his destination. The contact stated that the wiring for the headlight switch was previously replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 04v086000 (exterior lighting:headlights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“The "dim" headlights on my honda insight went out. The "brights" still work but no dims. I checked on line and there is a recall for my car for a faulty dim switch that will make the dims go out. When I called a dealer and gave him my VIN he said my car had already been "through" the recall and any additional repairs would cost several hundred dollars. I am not the original owner (second owner) and do not know if it was replaced or not and the dealer will not do anything except for full pay. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2010
“Tl* - the contact's 2000 hybrid honda insight had a defective battery. While driving at night the vehicle lost power . During the last incident the car became stranded on a busy road in the dark without any lights. The dealer told him to come in so that they could repair the battery.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2006
“The passenger's side seat belt retractor failed. As a result the seat belt could not be used. *ak *sc the consumer stated this was the second time in a five month period the retractor failed. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2004
“While driving at 30 mph all digital readings on the dashboard vanished. Also, the power windows and power steering simultaneously went out. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the electronic control module was faulty and repaired it. The electronic control module failed three times on this particular vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2004
“The electric motor assist (ima) in my vehicle suddenly and unpredictably loses power on a frequent basis. This causes a significant loss of power through a process called "recalibrating" in which the batteries become fully discharged, and then recharge again very slowly over a long period of time. As the ima is a significant source of power for the vehicle, the sudden loss has almost caused an accident on at least three separate occasions. The batteries for the ima seem to behave in a way that suggests the batteries have lost a significant amount of their original power, while honda has setup very careful legal language to deny otherwise. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2003
“I own a 2000 model 5 speed honda insight. Periodically, and with no pattern of predictability, the electric assist portion of the hybrid electric motor/ gas engine. When this happens power is greatly diminished, dangerously so in some cases: I.e. When trying to merge with fast moving freeway traffic, climbing a steep grade, accelerating from a stop.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2003
“My car loses all electric assist without warning. A sudden loss of power occurs and causes the car to stall when trying to merge into traffic, leaving the vehicle temporarily stalled. The battery-charge display gives no indication that this sudden loss of power will occur. Generally it is showing close to full when it recalibrates, usually while I'm not looking at it (judging traffic conditions) then my car stalls out as I try to let out the clutch. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Insight by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Honda Insight reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Honda Insight. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2000 Honda Insight have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.