Thinking about buying a used Honda Insight (2009–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 20 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, transmission, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
20
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$1,800
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Honda Insight faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure
CriticalOccasionalElectrical $1,200–$3,200 to fix
The GP4/GP5 Insight uses a column-type electric power steering unit with the assist motor mounted directly on the steering column beneath the dashboard; this location exposes the motor's brush gear and reduction gearbox to heat cycling from the cabin and vibration transmitted through the column. Motor brush wear or worm-gear scoring causes the EPS control unit to detect an overcurrent or torque-sensor mismatch, triggering a full EPS shutdown and requiring the driver to manage heavy, unassisted steering — a significant hazard at parking speeds and during slow manoeuvring.
Symptoms to notice
EPS warning light (steering wheel with exclamation mark) illuminated on the instrument cluster
Intermittent or permanent loss of power steering assist, making the wheel very heavy to turn
Grinding or notching sensation through the steering wheel at low speeds
What to check
Turn the steering lock-to-lock at walking pace with the engine running and check for any intermittent heaviness, grinding, or a notching sensation through the wheel. Check the instrument cluster for an EPS warning light (steering wheel icon). Scan for DTC codes P0090, C0071 or Honda-specific EPS fault codes in the body electronics module.
Where to look: Steering column assembly, under dashboard on the driver's side
Ask the seller
“Has the EPS warning light ever come on, even briefly?”
“Does the steering ever feel heavier than normal, particularly at low speed or when parking?”
02CVT Belt Judder on Light Throttle
MinorCommonTransmission $350–$1,800 to fix
The ZE2 Insight HMCA CVT unit develops shudder and judder under light throttle inputs, particularly when pulling away gently from rest or during low-speed cruise conditions. The primary cause is degraded CVT fluid that loses friction modifier properties with age and mileage, combined with steel push-belt slip as pulley clamping pressure reduces. Contaminated or incorrect fluid accelerates push-belt fatigue and pulley face wear. In advanced cases the judder becomes a persistent drivetrain shudder felt under any light load input and does not resolve with fluid replacement alone.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or judder felt through drivetrain under light throttle application
Vibration transmitted through floor when pulling away gently from rest
Low-speed oscillation during gradual acceleration
Drivetrain noise intensity varying with throttle position
Symptoms worsen in cold weather or immediately after extended idle
What to check
Test drive applying gradual throttle from rest to confirm shudder onset at speed range and throttle percentage. Check CVT fluid colour — should be translucent red, not brown or black. Verify fluid change history using Honda-specified CVT fluid. Inspect for fluid leaks at CVT case mating joints and selector shaft seal. Honda recommends fluid replacement every 40,000 km in NZ/AU conditions.
Where to look: CVT transaxle unit in front engine bay, left side of engine assembly
Ask the seller
“When was the CVT fluid last changed and with which fluid specification?”
“Have you noticed any vibration or shudder at low speeds under light throttle?”
“Has the transmission ever been serviced at an authorised Honda dealer?”
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18 more documented faults on the Honda Insight
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 20 documented faults for the Honda Insight, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and transmission. A Honda Insight with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Honda Insight?
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We've catalogued 20 known faults for the Honda Insight, covering electrical, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Honda Insight?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Insight fall between $350–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 20 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Honda Insight?
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Yes. A Honda Insight inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.