2002 Honda Insight recalls and problems

The 2002 Honda Insight has 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
12
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Honda Insight vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Honda Insight recalls

Recall 04V-086: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 24, 2004 · 440,000 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: 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.

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 april 5, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.

2002 Honda Insight problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting8
Electrical System2
Tires1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 104,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Honda Insight complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · at 278,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2016
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.
Exterior Lighting · at 104,000 miles · reported Jul 25, 2014
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 NHTSA campaign number: 04v086000 (Exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 104,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 95,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2013
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 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
Exterior Lighting · reported Dec 6, 2011
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 NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting · at 99,678 miles · reported Dec 29, 2010
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 updated 03/07/11

Other Honda Insight years

Compare all Honda Insight years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Honda Insight have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Honda Insight: 04V-086 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (8 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 104,000 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.