2002 Honda Insight: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Honda Insight: 1 recall, 12 owner complaints and up to 53 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V086000 · 2004 · 440,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Honda Insight has 12 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 16 Insight model years for complaints (well below the 32 average). Complaints peaked in 2008 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 101,839 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (15 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (3 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L 3-cyl hybrid | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 | 59 | 53 | Regular |
| 1.0 L 3-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 45 | 49 | 47 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Honda Insight.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 Honda Insight have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 Honda Insight. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Honda Insight problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (8), electrical (2), tires (1).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Honda Insight get?
EPA ratings run up to 53 mpg combined (1.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Honda Insight repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.