Model year guide

2002 Honda Insight

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Honda Insight is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2002 Honda Insight — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Honda Insight at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints24
Combined50 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Honda Insight recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #04V086000 · 24/02/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AP…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Honda Insight common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electronic Stability Control
Make sure the stability/traction-control light cycles at startup and no fault stays lit.

2002 Honda Insight MPG & running costs

Combined50 mpg
City47 mpg
Highway54 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,225

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Honda Insight costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,125
Fuel only$6,125
Per mile$0.08

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Honda Insight trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.0L 3-cyl 65 hp

2002 Honda Insight vehicles on record

Other Honda Insight model years

2002 Honda Insight — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Honda Insight have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2002 Honda Insight. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Honda Insight?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, power train, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Honda Insight get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Honda Insight at about 50 mpg combined (47 city / 54 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.