Honda Insight reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Honda Insight is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 127 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 118 of 442, and 31.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (5.8% of tests).
Ranked 118 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 8,631 Honda Insights aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Honda Insight is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
31.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,400
Typical age at test: 13 years
Honda Insight MOT failure rate by age
Most common Honda Insight MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working5.8% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.9% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1% of tests
What the Honda Insight fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.0% | About average |
| Suspension | 8.1% | ▼ 48% less often |
| Brakes | 6.6% | ▼ 35% less often |
| Tyres | 6.4% | ▼ 18% less often |
| Visibility | 5.1% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.3% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Steering | 1.6% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | ▼ 30% less often |
| Wheels | 0.9% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.6% | ▼ 87% less often |
What MPG does the Honda Insight do?
Official economy for the Honda Insight ranges from 61.4 to 83.1mpg across the 11 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2014). A typical petrol version manages 83.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Honda Insight?
Any Honda Insight first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Honda Insight registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carHonda Insight specs and running costs
Official figures for 11 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2014.
Fuel types
Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
61.4–83.1 mpg
CO2
80–105 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight 1.3 IMA HE, HE-TAutomatic · listed 2014 | Hybrid | 68.9 mpg | 96g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA HS, HS-T, HXAutomatic · listed 2014 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA ES ES-T EXCVT · listed 2012 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 105g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA SE SE-TCVT · listed 2012 | Hybrid | 64.2 mpg | 101g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA HE HE-TCVT · listed 2012 | Hybrid | 68.9 mpg | 96g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA HS HS-T HXCVT · listed 2012 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA S 5 doorCVT · listed 2010 | Hybrid | 64.2 mpg | 101g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA SE 5 doorCVT · listed 2010 | Hybrid | 64.2 mpg | 101g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA ES 5 doorCVT · listed 2010 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 105g | £20 |
| Insight 1.3 IMA ES-T 5 doorCVT · listed 2010 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 105g | £20 |
| Insight InsightM5 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 83.1 mpg | 80g | £20 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Honda Insight costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 83.1mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Honda InsightBuying a used Honda Insight?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Honda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Honda Insight reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Honda Insight is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 127 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Honda Insight?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 5.8% of tests.
›What MPG does the Honda Insight do?
Official economy for the Honda Insight ranges from 61.4 to 83.1mpg across the 11 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2014). A typical petrol version manages 83.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Honda Insight?
Any Honda Insight first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Honda Insight registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
›How many Honda Insights fail their MOT?
31.2% of Honda Insights aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Honda Insight combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.