2002 Honda Insight: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern exterior lighting.
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 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda insight. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle loss exterior and interior lighting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v086000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 104,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda insight. The contact stated that whenever the headlights were activated they would fail intermittently at unknown, intervals at random.. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 4/26/13 *cn the consumer stated he experienced the same failure, as stated in the recall. However, his vehicle identification number was not included. Updated 05/01/13”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda insight. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph with the low beam headlights activated when they suddenly failed to illuminate. Immediately, the high beams were activated. The contact replaced both low beam bulbs and the failure continued. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 04v086000 (exterior lighting:headlights). The dealer and manufacturer were notified and they both informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 honda insight. While driving 35 mph, the low beam switch burned out. The contact smelled a burning odor when the headlights blew out. The dealer state that the vehicle was not included in recall 04v086000 (exterior lighting: headlights). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who verified that the vehicle was not included in the recall and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 99,678. Updated 03/03/11 *bf updated 03/07/11”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2010
“When measured with a trifield meter, the electromagnetic field (emf) impacting the driver and passenger are dangerously high. The driver is receiving up to 135 milligauss (mg) at the hip, and up to 100 mg in the upper torso and head area. (under 10 mg is considered safe.) see http://consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_insight.html. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2008
“While driving on the freeway my low beams went out... Smoke was coming out from the steering wheel... Conducted research and found this recall: id 04v086000 from feb, 24 2004. Called honda and they mentioned that there is no problem with this issue. This is the second time it happens to me. First time I took it to a regular mechanic that replaced the switch... This time I am also paying for it. I think there is something wrong with the harness... *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2008
“Car started juddering and loosing power. I took the car to the dealer because there was a "judder recall". After getting the car back, transmission is not working correctly. Contacted american honda and they mentioned to me that the flywheel had grease and had to be replaced. American honda denied my claim to get this covered. Cvt transmission is skipping, juddering and fails to deliver power correctly. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2007
“While driving headlghts went completly out.*ak the low beam head lights failed completely while the consumer was driving. The consumer replaced a dimmer switch at his own expense. *yh”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2002
“Battery is discharging within 18 hours of driving. The manual/instruction booklet does not allow the consumer to understand the limit of driving distance when traveling long distances. This is a gas operated vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System
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 2002 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 2002 Honda Insight reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Honda Insight. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting.
Does the 2002 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.