Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda insight. While driving at any speed, the oil indicator illuminated and "check oil" displayed on the instrument panel. The check emission warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic who diagnosed that the piston and rings had to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure…
2012 Honda Insight engine problems
moderate 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 34 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Honda Insight, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 12 mileage-bearing engine complaints filed against the 2012 Honda Insight by each odometer reading. Median failure: 95,000 mi.
10% have failed by58,000 mi
Half the fleet by95,000 mi
90% have failed by130,200 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Honda Insight we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 34.
Owners have filed 34 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
The car has only 83000 miles. We bought the vehicle 2 months ago from the estate of an individual that passed away. We were driving the vehicle and the gas pedal stopped working. Prior to this happening, we noticed no oil leak from the car. Per the manual we were checking oil level everytime we filled car up and would top it as it would be lower. We were driving the car on the highway and when…
Oil consumption and shaking
Within the warranty period I noticed that car is consuming unusual quantity of oil (around 58,000 miles). A warning light came on 'check emission system'. I pulled the dipstick and there was barely any oil on the tip. I put 2 quarts of oil into the engine and it still did not reach the top fill line. The car only holds 3.5 quarts. The 'low oil light' never came on, how much oil has to…
I am consuming to much oil. I did not know that there was a problem til after I bought car and the check emission light came on. I thought it was because I didn't not screw my gas cap on tight enough. Then I went to a local store to have them check my oil and they said I had none, and checked my mileage, they said I should have had oil in there at the mileage number it was at. So I have taken the…
Car quite running on busy interstate I managed to get off nearest exit almost got hit by several vehicles.had to have towed to auto shop that had replaced 8 spark plugs 8 monthes earlier. Automotive shop replaced plugs 8 plugs said they where under warranty but found no compression in cylinders.
My Honda insight 2012 is burning oil. After an oil change I drive around 3500 mile and the red engine oil warning light comes on. First time it happened I took the car ,like 3-4 years ago, to the dealer. They replaced the piston rings under warranty but it did not solve the problem. I am dealing with this problem for the last around 3-4 years. It always happens after around 3500 mile, I get the…
About two months ago, my car began fluttering after I started the engine and began accelerating. The power felt reduced as well. Like most people's first instinct, I began checking the oil and noticed the oil appeared low especially considering that I had received an oil change not long before this occurred. Since then I've head to check the oil incessantly and am constantly adding oil to…
Car has 95,000 miles. High oil consumption. All 8 spark plugs have to be changed every 3-4000 miles. Very expensive. The problem is the spark plugs get fouled, and burnt up, so there is no electrode left. When that happens the car immediately slows down to 5 MPH. I almost got killed and run over by a tractor trailer last sat. 10/29/16 on interstate 81 south by new milford, pa. He was right on my…
This car is the absolute worst car I have ever owned. The oil consumption is outrageous and the car only has 89k miles on it. It also burns through spark plugs like crazy, I've probably put close to 500 dollars into it at least just in oil and spark plugs this year alone. In the two years I have owned it, it has left me stranded in strange neighborhoods, parking lots, at my job, and at my home…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Honda Insight?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Honda Insight?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 34 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 59,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 72,429. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Honda/Insight.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.