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2010 Honda Insight: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2010 Honda Insight has 119 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and every one of its recalls in our data involves the front air bags[1][2]. It is rated 41 MPG combined by the EPA[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 119 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 21 mention a crash and none mention a fire. The complaints report 11 injuries and 2 deaths in total[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags[4] | 57 | 11 |
| Brakes[5] | 17 | 12 |
| Structure[6] | 15 | 1 |
| Speed control[7] | 8 | 5 |
| Electrical system[8] | 7 | 1 |
| Engine[9] | 7 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting[10] | 7 | 0 |
| Seat belts[11] | 6 | 4 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts for the biggest groups. Here is what owners describe.
- Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints[5], 9 describe the engine revving or the car surging forward while the driver was braking, often at low speed in a parking space or at a light. 3 describe the car slow to stop or not stopping[5].
- Speed control. All 8 complaints we read describe unexpected acceleration, often while braking at low speed[7]. Some of these are the same reports as in the brakes sample.
- Air bags. In a sample of 12, 6 are owners waiting for a recall part that was not yet available, and 4 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[4].
- Structure. In a sample of 12, 6 describe weather stripping, trim or moulding coming loose, and 3 describe rust on the body or rear frame[6].
This is a small sample, so it shows what kinds of problems owners report. It does not tell you how often they happen.
Recalls
All ten recalls below are for frontal air bags. Each remedy is free of charge when it is available. Newest first.
- Passenger inflator (19V502). June 2019. The inflator can explode as the gas material ages in heat and humidity, and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death. Honda replaces the inflator[12].
- Driver inflator (19V500). June 2019. Same explosion risk on the driver side. Honda replaces the inflator[13].
- Passenger air bag installation (19V378). May 2019. A replacement inflator may have been installed wrong, so the air bag may not deploy properly. Dealers inspect it and replace the module if needed[14].
- Passenger inflator (18V661). September 2018. Inflator explosion risk with metal fragments. Honda replaces the inflator[15].
- Passenger air bag installation (18V268). April 2018. A replacement air bag may have been installed wrong and could deploy improperly. Dealers inspect it and replace the module if needed[16].
- Passenger inflator (18V042). January 2018. Inflator explosion risk with metal fragments. Honda replaces the inflator[17].
- Passenger inflator installation (17V545). August 2017. One dealership may have installed replacement inflators wrong, so the air bag may deploy improperly. Dealers replace the module[18].
- Remedy pending
Passenger inflator (17V030). January 2017. The inflator can rupture and send metal fragments at occupants. Honda sent an interim notice and said it would send a second notice when parts are available, so this remedy was not yet available when listed[19]. - Passenger inflator (16V346). May 2016. Inflator rupture risk with metal fragments. Honda replaces the inflator, and the recall began in March 2017[20].
- Driver inflator (16V061). February 2016. The driver air bag can be hurt by moisture over time, and the inflator could rupture with metal fragments. Honda replaces the inflator, and the recall began in March 2017[21].
The recall wording covers other Honda and Acura models too, and several recalls apply only to cars sold or registered in certain states. This car is named in each one. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see which are still open on your car.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 2010 Insight at 40 MPG city, 43 highway and 41 combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,650[3][22]. That is the same for both listings we have, one described as Automatic (AV-S7) and one as Automatic (variable gear ratios)[3][22]. The fuel cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this car as not rated[23]. That means there is no star score to compare. It does not say the car is safe or unsafe.
Engine and size
The EPA lists a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine rated at 98 hp[24]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[25].
How 2010 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's counts for the Insight show 2010 with 119 complaints[2]. That is more than any other listed year, ahead of 2019 with 99 and 2012 with 59[2]. 2010 and 2011 each have 10 recalls, the most listed[2]. Later years such as 2014 have far fewer complaints, at 5[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they are a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2010 Insight?
The EPA rates it at 41 MPG combined[3]. The weak spots are the recall history and the complaint record. Before you buy, confirm with the VIN that every air bag recall has been completed, because all ten involve the air bags[12][21]. Ask about brake feel and low-speed surging on a test drive, since owners in the sample we read describe both[5][7]. No fire complaints are on file, but the complaints report 2 deaths in total[1]. The air bag recall check is the most useful step before buying[12][21].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Honda Insight?
- Air bags lead the complaints with 57 of 119[1][4], followed by brakes with 17[5]. In a small sample, owners describe surging while braking[5].
- Does the 2010 Honda Insight have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls, all for frontal air bags[2][12]. Check your VIN for open ones.
- How many MPG does the 2010 Honda Insight get?
- The EPA rates it at 40 city, 43 highway and 41 combined MPG[3][22].
- Which Honda Insight year has the fewest complaints?
- Among the years listed, 2004 and 2005 and 2006 each show 2 complaints, and 2010 shows the most at 119[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Honda Insight (21 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 11 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Insight model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Insight, 1.3L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 40 city / 43 highway / 41 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 57 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,796). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the brakes component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the seat belts component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 140,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V502, filed June 27, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V500, filed June 27, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V378, filed May 16, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V661, filed September 27, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V268, filed April 26, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V042, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V545, filed August 31, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V030, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V346, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V061, filed February 3, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Insight, 1.3L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 40 city / 43 highway / 41 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Honda Insight with 1.3L 4-cylinder: rated 98 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, INSIGHT LX/EX: length 172 in, width 67 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 2,723 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov