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Honda InsightModel year report

2010 Honda Insight Problems

Compared with other Honda Insight years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 3.3× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2013

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
119filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
40,000miles, 56 complaints with mileage
Recalls
10campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
41 mpgcombined, 1.3L 4-cyl · hybrid FWD · 40 city / 43 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Honda Insight (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2010 Insight most often write about two things: the open Takata airbag inflator recalls and a pattern of low-speed unintended acceleration or lurching, often when braking or parking. A smaller but consistent group describes brake pedal feel problems (soft, spongy, or pedal to the floor) and rear tail light assemblies that fail unit-by-unit; complaints also mention rear frame and subframe rust on cars driven in salt-belt states.

  1. Vehicle speed control

    Low-speed lurching or unintended acceleration

    • 16 complaints (13%)
    • median 29,750 mi at 2.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2019

    Complaints describe the car surging or lunging forward at very low speed, typically while parking, creeping in traffic, or when the brake is applied. Some owners say the engine revs up as the brakes are pressed, and a few report the car rolling back on an incline after the brake is released. Dealers often could not reproduce the condition, and in some cases told owners nothing was wrong. Mostly reported under about 45,000 miles, frequently in parking lots and stop-and-go or uphill situations.

    What to check: Test drive at crawling speed in a lot and on a hill, feeling for any surge or rollback when releasing and reapplying the brake. Ask whether the car has had any throttle or hybrid control software work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Honda Insight hybrid - unpredictable acceleration combined with locking of the brakes caused the car to move forward at an accelerated rate with no control, twice in a short time span. First incident was dec.2011, second in jan. 2012. This did not happen in previous 1 1/2 yrs. I owned the car. I had an accident the first time going very slowly up a hill at 10:am with clear roads. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10461696, filed 2012-06, 40,000 miles

    “I was driving on an road with no traffic and came upon a red light. As I applied the brakes, I experienced an acceleration surge while braking. I could feel the brakes working but the engine began to rev up and was trying to overpower the brakes. In desperation I pushed the shifter into neutral (n). The engine continued to rev for a moment then returned to normal. Then I was able to proceed and the Insight acted normal.”

    NHTSA complaint #10692022, filed 2015-03, 42,400 miles
  2. Air bags

    Takata airbag inflator recalls and parts delays

    • 56 complaints (47%)
    • median 80,796 mi at 6.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2023

    Owners describe receiving recall notices for the driver and passenger front inflators, then waiting months for parts or being passed between the manufacturer and the dealer. Several reports describe inflators that deployed with unusual force in a crash, and some note the airbag warning light coming on afterwards or while the car sat waiting for the repair. A few owners also mention side curtain airbag resistance codes that were not part of the recall. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to over 175,000 miles, in cars of any age.

    Recall 19V500000Recall 19V502000Recall 19V378000Recall 18V661000Recall 18V268000Recall 18V042000Recall 17V545000Recall 17V030000Recall 16V346000Recall 16V0610005 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for proof that both driver and passenger inflators were replaced under recall, and check the airbag warning light at startup. Confirm current recall status by VIN before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The inflators were replaced 3/24/16 and 7/29/16. On 7/5/17 my son was hit by a man running a red light. To make a long story short, my son suffered numerous injuries including being knocked out by the airbag and continues to suffer from the concussion - I know the old airbag/inflator would have been worse. Also, the seatbelt bruised his chest and the doctor thought he had heart damage. Echocardiogram showed everything was fine - just bad chest bruise. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11144706, filed 2018-11, 180,000 miles

    “Takata recall. I received a recall notice rfom Honda of america in march 2016 warning of the takata problem. They stated that replacement parts would be available in the summer of 2016 and that I would receive a further notice when they were available. I have not yet received that letter. So I called Honda of america and they could not tell me if parts were available. They passed the buck by telling me to call my dealer. I did so and found that parts were available. So I have scheduled the replacement . …”

    NHTSA complaint #10926426, filed 2016-11, 50,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    Brake pedal soft or going to the floor

    • 18 complaints (15%)
    • median 41,700 mi at 3.2 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2019

    Owners report the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy, sometimes sinking almost to the floor, and describe the car continuing to roll for a couple of seconds when braking over a bump. In several accounts the pedal was pressed fully and the car did not stop, resulting in a collision. Some complaints note dealership inability to duplicate the condition even with regular servicing. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 130,000 miles, often during low-speed stops and while braking over uneven pavement.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Press the pedal firmly and hold it at a stop to feel for sponginess or sinking, and ask for brake fluid service records; a Honda dealer message describes a search for cars with a soft or spongy pedal.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While approaching a red light at a low speed of 35 MPH or less, I began to apply the brakes which did not engage. I hit the driver who was stopped in front of me. The impact caused front end damage and the air bag to deploy and required a trip to the er I am seeking assistance from my dealership and/or Honda.”

    NHTSA complaint #10347480, filed 2010-08, 5,800 miles

    “Approaching stop sign at low rate of speed-I applied brakes and instead of stopping car reved up and went forward into path of oncoming car. Other person received minor injuries,I received bruises and soreness (2 of my airbags deployed) my car is a total loss,complete front bumper off,frame bent,hood bent”

    NHTSA complaint #10748902, filed 2015-08, 41,000 miles
  4. Exterior lighting

    Rear tail light assembly failures

    • 6 complaints (5%)
    • median 48,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2013–2018

    Complaints describe sections of the LED tail light assembly flickering or burning out, sometimes with no dashboard warning. Owners say the individual LEDs cannot be replaced and the dealer quotes a full assembly, and several mention being told by other drivers that the tail lights were out. Typically reported between about 40,000 and 85,000 miles.

    What to check: With the lights on, walk around the rear and check every LED segment on both sides for dark or flickering spots, and confirm whether either assembly has already been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Initially was notified that part of the drivers side tail light was out. Night time tail lights consist of 9 LED lights in an l shape. At that time 3 of the 9 bulbs had failed. Tried to purchase replacement bulb and was informed the entire tail light assembly had to be replaced and wasn't covered under warranty. Dealership said they would research and contact me. Never heard back. On 2/8/2015 was driving at night and another car pull up beside me at a light and informed me I had no working tail lights. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10683197, filed 2015-02, 60,000 miles

    “Two tail lights assembles failed. Entire unit at $400+ per unit at dealer plus labor. Purchased replacement units on internet for $225. Individual LED's not replaceable.owner replaced units. Advised by other moterest at stop light in city.”

    NHTSA complaint #10785696, filed 2015-10, 48,000 miles
  5. Body and structure

    Rear frame and subframe corrosion

    • 5 complaints (4%)
    • typically at 14.0 yrs old
    • filed 2023–2026

    Owners in states that use road salt report heavy rust on the rear frame rails and at the rear trailing-arm and suspension mounting points. Some say the car was judged unable to pass inspection because of the corrosion, with the concern that a rear wheel could collapse over a pothole. Others describe exterior trim and paint issues on the roof and hood. Reported on cars registered in Ohio, Pennsylvania and similar states for many years, mostly at higher ages rather than specific mileage.

    What to check: Get underneath and inspect the rear frame rails and trailing-arm mounts for flaking rust or thinning metal, especially on a car with a salt-belt history, and check whether it currently passes state inspection.

Buying note. Have any 2010 Insight checked for open airbag recalls by VIN first, then look carefully at the rear structure for rust and test the brakes and low-speed manners on a road test in a lot and on a hill. Records showing the recall work and regular brake service are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 119 consumer complaints for the 2010 Honda Insight. 56 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 11 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 71 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Honda Insight model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Engine cooling (3), Other or unknown (3), Steering (3), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Seats (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “My complaint is about my car I had an accident on september 26, 2018, in binghamton ny. My airbag was deployed, the seatbelt was damage, and also the front bumper. After I had the accident I received a recall paper and when I verified the number I found I had a recall. I called and talked to them, I also send the first complaint. They sent me an application I filled it out and sent it back. When I call they said to me they still working on it. I recently received another recall paper I called just to be inform about everything. * (recall related incident) ts”

NHTSA complaint #11205376, filed 2019-05, 140,000 miles

Brakes: “As I was going to park my 2010 Insight into a parking spot between two cars, the car suddenly lunged out of control hitting the car on my left, then proceeded to slam into a metal barrier in front of the spot, then flew up on the right side and slammed down onto the car on my right. I had no use of the brakes or control of the car. The metal barrier broke the car from moving--had it not been there my car would have dropped to the level below onto parked car--it could have been fatal. I live in ca and this is deemed my fault--although it was beyond my control. …”

NHTSA complaint #11257092, filed 2019-09, 59,000 miles

Body and structure: “There is obviously an issue with the paint used by Honda. Our other car - a toyota - which is 3 years older and same color kept in same conditions is looking just fine - however the paint on our Honda's roof and hood has disintegrated. It looks awful. When picking up my car after a tire rotation at costco - a gentleman recommended I contact Honda. I did. They basically said - oh well, too bad. We'll make a note of it in case something comes up.”

NHTSA complaint #11088840, filed 2018-04, 50,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “Unexpected acceleration when braking. While attempting to stop at a traffic light I experienced an acceleration surge while braking. This happened numerous times on this trip. Almost every time when I was coming to a stop and I applied the brakes the engine would increase rpms. This gave me an opportunity to analyze what was going on with the car. The revving of the engine was directly affected by braking. Simply removing my foot from the gas pedal and coasting did not result in the engine surging. …”

NHTSA complaint #10692034, filed 2015-03, 67,500 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

61% of the 56 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,953 and 59,000 miles.

25%0–1016%10–2520%25–5023%50–755%75–1007%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (56 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 40,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’11’13’1542’17’19’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Honda Insight. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Insight · sedan FWDnot rated5 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2010 Honda Insight version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Insight FWD1.3L 4-cyl · hybridCVT404341$1,650
Insight FWD1.3L 4-cyl · hybridCVT404341$1,650

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 10 recalls for the 2010 Honda Insight → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 71 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 71 bulletins →

Other model years of the Honda Insight

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20223342,500355244 · TypicalRising
2021254,250355244 · TypicalRising
2020315,750655281 · MoreFalling
201910119,6008552100 · MoreRising
2014510,0003—41—Not enough data
20134560,0006—4129 · FewerStable
20125969,0008—4119 · FewerFalling
20114122,70010—4055 · TypicalFalling
201011940,00010—41100 · MoreRising
200212101,8391—53—Not enough data
20011569,0002—53—Stable
20002451,0001—53—Stable

All Honda Insight model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Honda Insight?

Owners of the 2010 Insight most often write about two things: the open Takata airbag inflator recalls and a pattern of low-speed unintended acceleration or lurching, often when braking or parking. The issues reported most often: Low-speed lurching or unintended acceleration; Takata airbag inflator recalls and parts delays; Brake pedal soft or going to the floor.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Honda Insight have?

NHTSA recorded 119 consumer complaints for the 2010 Honda Insight as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Honda Insight is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 57 complaints (48% of the total), followed by brakes with 18.

Has the 2010 Honda Insight been recalled?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Honda Insight get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Honda Insight (Insight, 1.3L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 41 mpg combined, 40 city and 43 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,650 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Honda Insight reported?

Among the 56 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,953 and 59,000 miles; 61% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.