Honda Insight
3rd Generation (2019–2022)
The Insight is Honda’s efficiency specialist — cheap to run on the right years, expensive when oil burn or IMA packs go wrong. This hub pulls reliability, tire fitment, and ownership data into one place.
- Reliability4.0 / 5RepairPal
- Ownership cost$Low
- Insurance$$Moderate
- Repair difficultySpecialtyHybrid
- Typical lifespan200k+ miWith proper care
Generations
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2010–2014, 2019
- Best years
- 2004–2006, 2020–2022
- Best powertrain
- Late 1st-gen IMA / 2020–2022 hybrid
- Avoid powertrain
- 2012–2013 oil-burn 2nd-gen
- Recommended tire
- Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Typical lifespan
- 200,000+ miles
Years to avoid
Trouble clusters in the entire 2nd generation (oil burn, IMA, Takata) and the 2019 launch year (phantom braking). Late 1st-gen and 2020–2022 cars are the safer used bets.
Engines
Which powertrains hold up — and which to walk away from.
- Solid
1st-gen IMA mild hybrid
2000–2006
Late 1st-gen years hold up once IMA pack health is verified; many examples clear 200k miles.
- Avoid
2nd-gen IMA (oil-control rings)
2010–2014 (esp. 2012–2013)
Excessive oil burn can lead to piston/ring jobs or full engine replacement. Confirm TSB 15-015 / bulletin 16-101.
- Mixed
3rd-gen two-motor hybrid
2019–2022
Mature and efficient on 2020–2022; 2019 still carries the worst phantom-braking complaint profile.
Transmissions
- Mixed
CVT (2nd gen)
2010–2014
Start-clutch shudder from a stop shows up on some cars — test-drive carefully from cold.
Transmission guide - Solid
eCVT / hybrid drive (3rd gen)
2019–2022
Two-motor hybrid drive is generally durable when fluid and 12V battery are maintained.
Ownership metrics
- Fuel economy
- Excellent hybrid MPGCore reason to buy an Insight.
- Annual repair cost
- ~$392Well under the all-vehicle average.
- Reliability score
- 4.0 / 5RepairPal rating; skip known bad years.
- IMA / hybrid battery
- 6–10+ yearsBudget a pack replacement on older gens.
- Average lifespan
- 200,000+ miBest years with oil and pack discipline.
- Insurance cost
- Moderate ($$)Compact hybrid rates stay reasonable.
Factory tire sizes
| Size | Years / trims | Best all-season | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/55R16 Typical 3rd-gen OE size — confirm on the door sticker. | 2019–2022 common OE Base / EX sedan |  All-weather daily driver for 3rd-gen Insights. | Live prices |
| 215/50R17 | Select 3rd-gen trims Touring-style wheels | Michelin Defender 2 Long-wear touring pick when you prioritize tread life. | Live prices |
Recommended tires
Common OBD-II codes
All codesRecalls
Takata airbag inflators
2010–2014
Confirm open Takata campaigns by VIN before buying any 2nd-gen Insight.
Check recallsOil-consumption warranty extension
2012–2013
TSB 15-015 / bulletin 16-101 — ask for documented oil-consumption test and piston/ring repair.
AEB / phantom braking
2019 (esp.)
Honda Sensing sudden braking complaints peak on the 2019 launch year — test thoroughly.
Maintenance
| Interval | Service |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000–7,500 mi | Engine oil and filter Critical on 2012–2013 oil-burn cars. |
| Every 30,000 mi | Cabin and engine air filters |
| As needed | IMA / hybrid battery health check Watch for IMA light and lost auto-stop. |
| Pre-purchase | Rodent wiring inspection (3rd gen) Soy-based insulation attracts chewing. |
Should you buy one?
Buy late 1st-gen or 2020–2022 cars with service history. Skip the entire 2nd gen and the 2019 unless oil TSB and Sensing behavior check out.