Why did Honda discontinue The Insight?

The Insight was discontinued because Honda elected to scale back a niche sedan in favor of its high-demand electrified crossovers and more competitive hybrids. In short, sales had waned, the model overlapped with stronger Honda hybrids, and the company chose to focus on vehicles with broader appeal and higher production efficiency.

A look back at the Insight's lineage

To understand the decision, it helps to see how the Insight evolved across three generations and how market dynamics shifted over time.

• First generation (1999–2006): Honda positioned the Insight as an ultra-efficient, affordable hybrid with a distinctive three-seat cockpit concept. It helped push public interest in hybrid tech but faced limited cargo space and higher price points that capped mass-market appeal.


• Second generation (2009–2014): A more conventional, mass-market hybrid hatchback built to rival the early Prius, yet it struggled with slow sales as consumer interest cooled and competing hybrids improved. Honda eventually phased it out as demand dwindled.


• Third generation (2019–2024): A Civic-based hybrid sedan aimed at delivering strong fuel economy without the sticker shock of pricier alternatives. While well-regarded for efficiency, it faced a crowded Honda lineup and competition from the Civic Hybrid and a growing suite of electrified crossovers.

Taken together, the Insight’s three generations illustrate a trajectory from a pioneering efficiency badge to a model that no longer fit Honda’s streamlined, high-demand lineup in a market leaning toward electrified SUVs and crossovers.

Why Honda chose to discontinue

Several interrelated factors converged to make the Insight less viable within Honda’s global strategy. Here are the core considerations the company publicly referenced or widely interpreted by industry observers.

• Market demand and product fit: The compact hybrid sedan segment never achieved the same volume as crossovers and larger hybrids, making the Insight a lower-priority model in a pragmatic lineup.


• Portfolio overlap and efficiency: Honda already offered multiple hybrids (notably the Civic Hybrid and various hybrids in the SUV family). The Insight overlapped with these models, adding complexity without proportionate revenue gains.


• Shift to electrified crossovers: Consumer preference has increasingly favored SUVs and crossover designs, where demand and profitability are stronger. Honda’s strategy prioritized these segments to maximize scale and leverage existing platforms.


• Cost and supply-chain considerations: Maintaining a dedicated hybrid sedan required separate tooling, marketing, and dealer support. Deregistering or winding down the model simplifies production and reduces per-vehicle costs across the electrified lineup.


• Regulatory and lifecycle economics: As emissions standards tighten, automakers favor platforms and powertrains that can be scaled across high-volume models. Consolidating the lineup around widely used architectures helps meet targets more efficiently.

In sum, the decision reflects Honda’s broader push to optimize its product portfolio around high-demand, scalable electrified vehicles rather than maintaining a relatively small, niche hybrid sedan.

What the move means for Honda's future lineup

With the Insight out of the lineup, Honda’s path forward centers on expanding electrified options in the segments with the strongest consumer pull. Here's what that shift typically entails for the brand strategy.

• A continued emphasis on Civic-based hybrids: The Civic Hybrid remains a core offering for buyers seeking efficiency in a compact package.


• Growth of electrified crossovers and SUVs: Models like the CR-V Hybrid, HR-V Hybrid, and other upcoming crossovers are key to achieving electrification targets and meeting demand.


• Expanded electrified powertrains across the lineup: Honda is likely to push plug-in hybrid and all-electric options where feasible to diversify choices and meet regulatory goals.

These moves aim to preserve Honda’s reputation for efficiency while aligning with consumer trends toward more versatile, higher-demand vehicles.

Summary

The discontinuation of the Honda Insight reflects a strategic realignment: sales for the compact hybrid sedan did not meet expectations in a market increasingly dominated by electrified crossovers, and Honda chose to concentrate its resources on higher-volume, more versatile vehicles. By phasing out the Insight and doubling down on Civic hybrids and electrified SUVs, Honda aims to maintain competitiveness, simplify production, and accelerate its electrification ambitions.

Will the Honda Insight come back?

In April 2022, Honda announced that the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June. It was replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.

What years of Honda Insight to avoid?

You should be wary of the 2010-2014 second-generation Honda Insight, as these models have been noted for issues like poor fuel economy, a lack of stability control on early models, and engine problems in the 2012-2014 years. The 2010 model year had significant recalls and electrical issues. 
Years to avoid

• 2010-2014: This second-generation model has been cited for several issues:
  • 2010: Recalled 10 times, with owner-reported problems including intermittent electrical issues and broken springs.
  • 2012-2014: Notorious for engine problems, specifically oil consumption due to a defective piston ring design.
  • 2010: Early models lacked electronic stability control as standard.
  • General: Driving experience is considered slow and noisy, and the interior has poor fit and finish. 

Considerations for other years
This video discusses the potential issues with the 2010-2014 Honda Insight, including engine and electrical problems: 59stravisp11YouTube · Nov 13, 2018

• Before 2010: Some owners have reported issues with the A/C in the 2010 or 2011 models. 
• 2019-2022: This later generation is considered more reliable, with the 2022 model having advanced safety features. However, the 2022 model has two NHTSA recalls. 
• 2020-2023: Some models in this range have a hybrid battery life of about 3 to 5 years, but this can vary depending on driving habits and environmental conditions. 
• General: Despite the improved reliability of later generations, hybrid components, particularly the hybrid battery, may need replacement after 100,000 to 200,000 miles. 

What is the common problem in Honda Insight?

Common problems for the Honda Insight include hybrid battery degradation, CVT transmission shudder, and issues with the automatic emergency brake system and headlights. Other frequent complaints involve the climate control system (specifically the AC compressor and blower motor), engine performance issues, and various electrical problems like blank display screens and charging faults. 
Hybrid and electrical system problems 

• Hybrid battery failure: This is a very common issue, leading to warning lights, reduced acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. 
• Electrical system faults: Owners report various issues, including error messages, battery charging problems, and faults with the 12V battery that can prevent the engine from restarting. 
• Automatic emergency brake: The system has been linked to problems and complaints, including false alerts and issues with forward collision avoidance. 
• Headlight problems: Dipped beam headlights can fail, sometimes due to heat damage to the switch or wiring. 
• Display screen issues: Blank screens, freezing, and reboots on the infotainment or navigation screen have been reported. 

Powertrain and engine issues 

• CVT transmission shudder: A common complaint is a shaking or shuddering sensation during acceleration, often due to a worn start clutch in the CVT.
• Engine hesitation or surge: This can be caused by issues like clogged EGR passages.
• Rough idle: A faulty EVAP emission control solenoid can cause the engine to idle roughly.
• Fuel system: Problems with the fuel cap and filler neck can trigger a "check engine" light. 

Other common problems

• Climate control: Issues with the AC compressor, blower motor, and refrigerant leaks have been reported. 
• Body and paint: Some models have experienced paint issues like chipping or peeling, and there have been reports of the hood vibrating or shaking at highway speeds. 
• Brake system: The regenerative braking system can sometimes feel spongy or less responsive. 
• Structural issues: Some owners have reported the hood flipping up while driving, or even a moonroof exploding. 

This video discusses common issues with the Honda Insight, including problems with the automatic emergency brake, CVT transmission, and the hybrid battery: 50sVerdier 400YouTube · Feb 4, 2022

Who lasts longer, Toyota or Honda?

Both brands have a history of producing vehicles with fewer major issues, longer lifespans, and lower repair costs compared to some other brands. According to a study published in April of 2023 by iSeeCars.com, eight of the top 23 longest-lasting vehicles are made by Toyota, while four of the top 23 are made by Honda.