← 20122011 model year2010 →
⚡ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2011 Honda Insight: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2011 Honda Insight? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 40 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.

40
Complaints
3
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Injuries
—
Deaths
10
Recalls

2011 Honda Insight Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2011 Honda Insight trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

39
MPG City
39–39 range
41
MPG Hwy
41–41 range
40
MPG Combined
40–40 range
222
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
💰Saves $3,500 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2011 Honda Insight Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

11.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

11.3% probability

✓Stability Control: Standard○Forward Collision Warning: No○Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Honda Insight has 40 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2011 Honda Insight — key reliability facts
Make
Honda
Model
Insight
Model year
2011
NHTSA owner complaints
40
Crash-related complaints
3
Safety recall campaigns
10
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
40
EPA MPG city / highway
39 / 41
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Most Common 2011 Honda Insight Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
28
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:2
Injuries:2
#2
4
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
3
complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2011 Honda Insight?

The 2011 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Honda Insight

Inspection Focus

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and acceleration-related repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and check for any prior deployments or repairs.
  • Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or engine hesitation.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and acceleration-related repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and check for any prior deployments or repairs.
  • Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or engine hesitation.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2011 Honda Insight, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2011 Honda Insight are heavily concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Other issues include engine problems and unintended acceleration, but with far fewer complaints. The data is based on a single model year with low confidence due to limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Airbag Malfunctions represent the most reported component with 28 complaints.
  • Engine Problems and Unintended Acceleration each have fewer than 5 complaints.
  • There are 10 recalls associated with this model year, though specific recall details are not provided.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions are the dominant complaint, with 28 reports.
  • Engine Problems appear in 4 complaints.
  • Unintended Acceleration is noted in 3 complaints.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The total of 40 complaints for one model year is a small sample, limiting reliability. Recall details are not provided, so the severity of recalls cannot be assessed.

All 2011 Honda Insight Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Honda Insight. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions282——
Engine Problems4———
Unintended Acceleration31——
Wheel Issues2———
Seat Belt Issues21——
Transmission / Drivetrain11——
Electrical Faults1———
Hybrid Propulsion System1———
Structural Problems1———
Visibility/Wiper1———
Tire Issues1———
Suspension Failures11——
Headlight/Taillight Failures1———
Steering Defects1———
Seat-Related Issues1———

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Honda Insight. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

🔍

Showing 40 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsDec 25, 2020

ON 21 OCT 2020, WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT STEADY SPEED USING CRUISE CONTROL ON LEVEL GROUND. ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. LIMPED OFF HIGHWAY, UNABLE TO EXCEED 20 MPH. ERRATIC IDLE. CEL, CHECK EMISSIONS AND CHECK VSA DISPLAYED ON DRIVER'S INFORMATION DISPLAY. OCCURRED AT 147523…

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 30, 2016

TAKATA RECALL - PARTS TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE!

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 13, 2016

I GOT A NOTICE THAT BOTH AIRBAGS ON MY CAR WERE FAULTY AND THAT HONDA WOULD FIX THEM FOR FREE. THE PARTS DIDN'T COME IN FOR 3 OR 4 MONTHS. I WAS COMMUTING 400 MILES A WEEK FOR WORK AND ASKED THEM TO PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR ME UNTIL THEN. THEY WOULD FURNISH THE CAR BUT I WAS R…

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 12, 2016

TAKATA RECALL WE'VE BEEN NOTIFIED TWICE TO GET OUR CAR REPAIRED. WHEN CONTACTING DEALERSHIP, WE'RE TOLD THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR. WE LIVE IN MISSISSIPPI, WHERE THE CLIMATE IS HUMID AND HOT. WE UNDERSTAND THIS A HIGH-RISK ENVIRONMENT FOR A MALFUNCTION. WE WOULD L…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT F TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 25, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 21, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. DEALER SAID THE FIX WOULD OCCUR DURING THE SUMMER; SO FAR NOTHING. I WORRY EVERY TIME I DRIVE THAT I COULD BE KILLED BY A SAFETY DEVICE.

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 6, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V346000 AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF …

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 4, 2016

TAKATA AND PASSENGER RECALLS. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LAST MARCH, 2016 FOR AN AIR BAG RECALL. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, CAPITOL HONDA SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES THEY SAY THE WILL ORDER THE PART. I NEVER GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER. I CALLED THE MANAGER AND LEFT A VOICE MESSAGES, B…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 27, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LAST MARCH, 2016 FOR AN AIR BAG RECALL. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, JOHN EAGLE HONDA SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES THEY SAY THE WILL ORDER THE PART. I NEVER GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER. I CALLED THE MANAGER AND LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE, BUT NEV…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 12, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUF…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 AND 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RE…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 29, 2016

TAKATA RECALL OUR FAMILY VEHICLE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ON FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS. WE RECEIVED A LOANER CAR FROM UNIVERSITY HONDA DEALERSHIP IN DAVIS, CA, ON 07.20.2016 UNTIL OUR VEHICLE WAS FIXED. WE DROPPED OUR VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 07.30.2016 AND DEALER, ON…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 26, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RE…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 18, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL …

Transmission / Drivetrain💥 CrashAug 15, 2016

THIS MORNING (AUG 6, 2016), MYSELF AND MY DAD MET WITH AN ACCIDENT AND WAS DRIVING HONDA INSIGHT 2011 LX MODEL. NOTE THAT MY DAD WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. LET ME DESCRIBE THE ACCIDENT. I WAS ABOUT TO PARK MY CAR IN FRONT OF SPROUTS GROCERY STORE IN THE PARKING AVAI…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 10, 2016

TAKATA RECALL OUR FAMILY VEHICLE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ON FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS. WE RECEIVED A LOANER CAR FROM UNIVERSITY HONDA DEALERSHIP IN DAVIS, CA, ON 07.20.2016 UNTIL OUR VEHICLE WAS FIXED. WE DROPPED OUR VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 07.30.2016 AND DEALER, ON…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 2, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RE…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 25, 2016

"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS NOTIFIED IN MARCH ABOUT THIS RECALL AND THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN LATE SPRING EARLY SUMMER. NOW I SEE IT WILL BE LATE SUMMER EARLY FALL. I WANT HONDA TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR ME UNTIL THIS IS FIXED. I FEEL LIKE I'M PUTTING MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY …

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Honda Insight.

2011 Honda Insight Recalls

10 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Honda Insight. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

18V66100027/09/2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V26800026/04/2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V50200027/06/2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V50000027/06/2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V37800016/05/2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V54500031/08/2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V042000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V030000Oct 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V34600024/05/2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V061000Mar 2, 2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Compare Honda Insight Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2011 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2022202120202019201420132012201120102003200220012000

2011 Honda Insight Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2011 Honda Insight reliable?▾

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 40 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Honda Insight?▾

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (28 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (3 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Honda Insight?▾

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2011 Honda Insight?▾

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Honda Insight, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 40 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2011 Honda Insight have any recalls?▾

Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Honda Insight. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2011 Honda Insight?▾

The 2011 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Honda Insight reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2011 Honda Insight based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.