How common are engine problems on the 2012 Honda Insight?

NHTSA lists 38 engine-related complaints out of 59 total complaints for the 2012 Insight, meaning engine issues account for 64% of all complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Honda Insight engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine problems reported on the 2012 Honda Insight.

What is the main engine complaint on the 2012 Honda Insight?

The dominant pattern is excessive oil consumption that fouls spark plugs, causing stalling or loss of power, with a median mileage at failure of 70,000.

Did anyone report a crash from the 2012 Insight engine issue?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires among the engine complaints for the 2012 Honda Insight, with 0 injuries reported.

How does the 2012 Insight compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2012 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among Insight model years listed, at 64%, compared to 71% for 2013 and lower percentages for other years.

2012 Honda Insight Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 38 of 59 total complaints (64%) for the 2012 Honda Insight, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. Most center on excessive oil consumption leading to fouled spark plugs and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. No related recalls are listed.

Engine complaints: 38; 64% of 59
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 70,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe excessive oil consumption, often losing a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles according to dealer checks.
Spark plugs foul out repeatedly, sometimes replaced multiple times within a year, due to oil burning past worn piston rings.
Vehicles stall or lose power suddenly while driving, including on highways, sometimes going into limp mode with no warning.
Dashboard warning lights (check engine, emissions, ABS) illuminate alongside rough running or shaking before a breakdown.
Some drivers report unintended acceleration or sudden lurching/jerking at low speeds in traffic.
One complaint describes a crash linked to a sudden high-speed lurch while driving at 22 mph in traffic.

When 2012 Honda Insight engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 3, 2015, latest Dec 18, 2024.

38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2015 to Dec 2024; peak Feb 2017 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Honda Insight

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Insight model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20050 (0%)
20061 (50%)
201013 (11%)
20116 (15%)
201238 (64%)
201332 (71%)
20140 (0%)
20198 (8%)
20206 (19%)
20212 (8%)
20222 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2012 Honda Insight?: NHTSA lists 38 engine-related complaints out of 59 total complaints for the 2012 Insight, meaning engine issues account for 64% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Honda Insight engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine problems reported on the 2012 Honda Insight.
What is the main engine complaint on the 2012 Honda Insight?: The dominant pattern is excessive oil consumption that fouls spark plugs, causing stalling or loss of power, with a median mileage at failure of 70,000.
Did anyone report a crash from the 2012 Insight engine issue?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires among the engine complaints for the 2012 Honda Insight, with 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2012 Insight compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2012 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among Insight model years listed, at 64%, compared to 71% for 2013 and lower percentages for other years.