2011 Honda Insight

The 2011 Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle powered by a 1.3L i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. The engine produces 88 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor adds an additional 100 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. The Insight is available with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Many owners have praised the Insight for its excellent fuel economy, which can reach up to 51 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission. However, the Insight has also received some criticism for its lackluster performance and uninspired interior.

Engine

1.3L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder with CVT

• Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported that their Insights are consuming excessive amounts of oil. This issue is most common in vehicles with higher mileage and may require the replacement of the piston rings or the entire engine.
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may consume more than 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings or the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Noise: A small number of owners have reported hearing a rattling or ticking noise from their engine. This noise is most often caused by a stretched or damaged timing chain.
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling or ticking noise is heard from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder with 6-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT

• CVT Failure: Some CVT failures have been reported, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage. The transmission may start to slip, hesitate, or shudder.
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT may slip, hesitate, or shudder during acceleration or shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the CVT.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V112000

6-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Failure: Some owners have reported that their Insight’s battery has failed prematurely. This issue is most common in vehicles that are driven infrequently or in extreme weather conditions.
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may fail to hold a charge or may lose power suddenly.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Condensation: Some owners have reported that the fog lights on their Insight develop condensation inside the lens. This issue is most common in vehicles that are driven in wet or humid conditions.
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation forms inside the fog light lens.
  • Solution: Replace the fog light.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard on some Insights has been known to crack prematurely. This issue is most common in vehicles that are exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat.
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Failure: The heater on some Insights has been known to fail prematurely. This issue is most common in vehicles that are driven in cold weather climates.
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater may not produce any heat or may only produce cold air.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2011 Honda Insight is a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, it is not without its problems. The most common issues reported by owners include oil consumption, timing chain noise, CVT failure, battery failure, fog light condensation, dashboard cracking, and heater core failure. These issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to factor them into your decision-making process if you are considering purchasing an Insight.