repaired · 2020 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Honda InsightProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 59 owner complaints about the 2012 Honda Insight, most often about the engine. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-502 the manufacturer reports only 36% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 18, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Honda Insight has problems
59 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
36Engine1 crash/fire/injury
11Air bags
3Vehicle speed control
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Seats
1Power train
1Service brakes
1Structure
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 | 1 |
| Air bags | 11 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2012 Honda Insight recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Honda.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
71kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 engine complaints. 78% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles25under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Insight year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Insight median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'10'11'12'13'14'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Honda Insight safety ratings
2012 Honda Insight 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Honda Insight, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Insight owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Oil consumption issues. I can't drive my car 10 feet without dying. I was stuck in traffic when my car died from the issues. Look up TSB 15-015
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…
Own a 2012 Insight?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.