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2000 Honda Insight: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2000 Honda Insight is rated at 53 combined MPG by the EPA[1], and NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on file for it[2]. Electrical faults and headlight failures stand out in the complaints we read, and one headlight recall applies[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 24 owner complaints for this model year[2]. One mentions injuries. None mention a crash, a fire or a death[2]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.
The biggest group is the electrical system, with 7 complaints and a median mileage at failure of 53,000[5]. Exterior lighting follows with 5 complaints and a median of 165,000 miles[6]. Smaller groups are seat belts (3)[7], unknown or other (3)[8], air bags (2)[9], power train (2)[10], engine (2)[11] and visibility (2)[12].
What owners describe in the complaint samples we read:
- Electrical. In a sample of 7 electrical complaints[5], 3 describe the large battery that helps power the car losing its charge, assist or power. Owners describe weak acceleration, a charge gauge that no longer matches reality, and in one case a car stranded in the dark[5]. One describes an electronic control module that failed three times and blanked the dashboard, power windows and power steering[5]. Two describe headlights going out[5].
- Headlights. In a sample of 5 exterior lighting complaints[6], all 5 describe low beams failing while driving. Owners switched to high beams to keep going. All 5 also mention the recall, and owners say the dealer or Honda would not cover a repair because the car was listed as already repaired or not covered[6].
- Seat belts and air bags. In the 3 seat belt complaints we read, owners describe a belt retractor or belt mechanism that failed, in one case leaving the belt unusable[7]. In the 2 air bag complaints we read, owners describe the driver air bag going off while driving and the driver losing control[9]. The one injury count on this page comes from the air bag group[9].
These samples are small. They show what owners describe. They do not show how often each problem happens.
Recalls
NHTSA lists one recall for this model year.
- Headlight wire harness (04V086). Announced February 24, 2004[3]. A terminal on the low-beam wiring can overheat, which can make the low beams fail without warning. The recall notice says losing the low beams could lead to a crash. Dealers check the headlight switch and coupler for heat damage. They replace the switch and coupler if damage is present, or the switch and one pin if not. About 440,000 vehicles were potentially affected[3].
Several owners in the complaints say their car was told it was not covered, or that records showed a repair already done, so they were quoted a price to fix the problem again[6]. If you buy one, ask for proof the recall work was done.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 1.0L 3-cylinder Insight with a 5-speed manual at 49 MPG city, 61 highway and 53 combined[1]. The EPA estimates about $1,250 a year in fuel[1]. That estimate uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA has not rated this model year in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[13]. That means there are no crash test stars to compare with other cars.
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 24 | 1 |
| 2001 | 15 | 2 |
| 2002 | 12 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 | 0 |
| 2004 | 2 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 2 | 1 |
| 2010 | 119 | 10 |
| 2011 | 41 | 10 |
| 2012 | 59 | 8 |
| 2013 | 45 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 | 99 | 8 |
| 2020 | 31 | 6 |
| 2021 | 25 | 3 |
| 2022 | 33 | 3 |
NHTSA counts 24 complaints and 1 recall for 2000[4]. Among the early years on file, that is the most complaints. 2001 has 15, 2002 has 12, 2003 has 3, and 2004, 2005 and 2006 have 2 each[4]. 2001 has 2 recalls, one more than 2000[4].
The 2000 year does not have the most complaints overall. Several later years on file have more, including 2010 with 119, 2019 with 99 and 2012 with 59[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2000 Insight?
The fuel economy numbers are the main draw at 53 combined MPG[1]. The complaint record is small and shows no crashes, fires or deaths[2]. The samples we read point to the battery that helps power the car, other electrical faults and headlight failures[5][6]. Check that the headlight recall work was done[3], and ask about the battery before you pay. Crash ratings are not available for this model year[13].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Honda Insight?
- Electrical system complaints are the largest group with 7 of 24[2][5]. Headlight failures (5 complaints) are next[6]. Owners in the samples we read describe the hybrid battery losing assist and low beams failing[5][6].
- Does the 2000 Honda Insight have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one, 04V086, for a headlight wire harness that can overheat and make low beams fail[3].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2000 Honda Insight get?
- The EPA rates the 1.0L manual at 49 city, 61 highway and 53 combined MPG[1].
Facts and sources
- EPA rating for Insight, 1.0L 3-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 49 city / 61 highway / 53 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Honda Insight (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 04V086, filed February 24, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Insight model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 7 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 165,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records