2020 Honda Insight

The 2020 Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan that offers excellent fuel economy and a comfortable ride. It is powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option. People like the Insight for its fuel efficiency, refined interior, and smooth hybrid system. Common dislikes include the somewhat uninspiring driving dynamics and limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline.

Electric Motor

1.5L Atkinson Cycle Four-Cylinder Engine + Electric Motor

• Hybrid Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced electric-only driving range, decreased fuel economy, and the hybrid system warning light illuminating. Some owners report premature battery degradation, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the hybrid battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• Juddering/Shaking at Low Speeds
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing juddering or shaking, especially at low speeds during acceleration or deceleration. This can feel like the transmission is struggling to find the right gear ratio.
  • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) has resolved this issue for some owners. In more severe cases, replacement of the CVT may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 for software update, $4,000 - $6,000+ for CVT replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can freeze, crash, or become unresponsive, requiring a reboot. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Software updates from Honda can sometimes address these issues. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 for software update, $500 - $1500+ for head unit replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Parking Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The parking sensors may fail to detect objects, trigger false alarms, or become completely inoperative. This can affect safety during parking maneuvers.
  • Solution: Inspection and replacement of faulty parking sensors or related wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattling noises coming from the dashboard, door panels, or rear deck. These noises can be distracting and indicate loose trim pieces or components.
  • Solution: Identifying and securing the source of the rattle. This may involve adding padding, tightening screws, or replacing damaged clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the complexity and dealer cost)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported windshields that are prone to cracking, even with minor impacts. This could be due to stress or imperfections in the glass.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Honda Insight generally experiences a moderate number of issues, with the most common being related to the hybrid battery, CVT transmission, infotainment system, and various electrical components. While some issues can be resolved with software updates or minor repairs, others, such as hybrid battery or CVT replacements, can be costly. Overall, the issues are not extremely severe but are important to consider when evaluating the reliability and long-term ownership costs of the vehicle.