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2002 Honda Insight problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Honda Insight is lights, typically around 104,321 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Insight model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
86/100
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
61
Worst area
Lights
Fuel economy
47-53mpg

The worst 2002 Honda Insight problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Lights
    8
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Honda Insight

Headlights 7

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported February 24, 2004 · 440,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash.
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.

Recall number 04V086000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Honda Insight

Defect investigations

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Honda Insight 61

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 61 bulletins for the 2002 Honda Insight

2002 Honda Insight fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.0L 3‑cyl HybridFWD45-4849-5947-53

What 2002 Honda Insight owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 7, 2016 · Lights · 278,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Lights · 104,000 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v086000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 104,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2013 · Lights · 95,000 miles · MA

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

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Lights · OR

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Lights · 99,678 miles · NY

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

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Lights · 104,321 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 honda insight. While driving approximately 50 MPH at night, the high beams were activated. When the contact attempted to activate the low beam lights, they completely dimmed. The vehicle was returned to her residence and her husband replaced the bulbs and checked the relay. Her husband thought that the relays needed to be replaced; however, when the dealer inspected the vehicle, they stated that the relays were not defective. The cause of the failure has not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that there was a recall; however, her vehicle was not included. They also stated that they would reimburse her if another recall was opened and was related to her VIN. The current mileage was 104,565 and failure mileage was 104,321. Updated 11-25-08 *bf the swtich on the steering column was replaced. Updated 11/26/08.

Filed Jun 17, 2008 · Electrical · CO

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.

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Lights · 900,000 miles · CA

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...

Filed Oct 2, 2003 · Electrical · TX

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Honda Insight before you buy

Compare the 2002 Honda Insight

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Honda Insight

Is the 2002 Honda Insight reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2002 Honda Insight, fewer than a typical Insight model year.

What is the 2002 Honda Insight year score?

The 2002 Honda Insight scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Insight: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Honda Insight?

Lights, with 8 complaints, typically around 104,321 miles. Next is electrical (2).

How many recalls does the 2002 Honda Insight have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Honda Insight lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V086000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Honda Insight get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Honda Insight range from 47 to 53 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.0L 3-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 45-48 city and 49-59 highway.

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