The 2001 Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle that was known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, like all vehicles, it is not immune to problems and issues.
Some common problems that have been reported by owners of the 2001 Honda Insight include transmission issues, faulty oxygen sensors, and problems with the hybrid system.
Other issues that have been reported include problems with the suspension, brakes, and electrical system.
It is important for owners of the 2001 Honda Insight to be aware of these potential problems and to address them promptly in order to maintain the reliability and safety of their vehicle.
2001 Honda Insight Problems
1. Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery failure
The IMA battery is a key component of the hybrid system in the 2001 Honda Insight. It provides power to the electric motor and helps to improve fuel efficiency.
Some owners of the 2001 Honda Insight have reported that the IMA battery has failed prematurely, which can cause problems with the hybrid system and potentially lead to a breakdown.
2. Shudder from CVT transmission
The 2001 Honda Insight is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to provide smooth and efficient transmission of power from the engine to the wheels.
However, some owners have reported a shuddering or jerking sensation while driving, which can be caused by problems with the CVT. This issue can affect the performance and drivability of the vehicle.
3. Software update for IMA computer
Some owners of the 2001 Honda Insight have reported problems with the hybrid system, which may be related to the computer that controls the IMA system. In some cases, a software update may be required to fix these issues.
It is important to have any software issues with the IMA computer addressed promptly in order to ensure the proper functioning of the hybrid system.
4. Check engine light due to binding gas cap
The check engine light is a diagnostic tool that alerts the driver to potential problems with the vehicle. In some cases, the check engine light may be triggered by a binding or stuck gas cap.
This can occur when the gas cap is not properly sealed, which can cause a vacuum leak and trigger the check engine light. In order to fix this issue, the gas cap may need to be replaced or tightened to ensure a proper seal.
5. EVAP solenoid failure due to road salt
The EVAP (evaporative emission control) system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. One of the components of the EVAP system is the solenoid, which controls the flow of vapors.
Some owners of the 2001 Honda Insight have reported that the EVAP solenoid has failed prematurely due to exposure to road salt.
Road salt can corrode the solenoid and cause it to fail, which can lead to problems with the EVAP system. It is important to have the EVAP solenoid replaced if it fails in order to ensure the proper functioning of the EVAP system.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery failure | Replace the IMA battery |
| Shudder from CVT transmission | Repair or replace the CVT transmission |
| Software update for IMA computer | Install the latest software update for the IMA computer |
| Check engine light due to binding gas cap | Replace the gas cap or tighten it to ensure a proper seal |
| EVAP solenoid failure due to road salt | Replace the EVAP solenoid |
| Transmission issues | Repair or replace the transmission as needed |
| Faulty oxygen sensors | Replace the faulty oxygen sensors |
| Problems with the hybrid system | Have the hybrid system checked and repaired by a mechanic as needed |
| Suspension problems | Repair or replace any damaged suspension components |
| Brake issues | Repair or replace any damaged brake components |
| Electrical system problems | Have the electrical system checked and repaired by a mechanic as needed |
2001 Honda Insight Recalls
| Recall Number | Recall Description | Affected Models |
| 02V196000 | Seat occupant may not be properly protected in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of personal injury. | 2 models |
| 04V086000 | Unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash. | 2 models |
Recall 02V196000:
This recall affects certain 2001 Honda Insight vehicles that were manufactured from April 2000 to June 2001. The issue is related to the seat occupant protection system, which may not function properly in the event of a collision. This could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
In order to fix this issue, Honda will need to perform a software update on the seat occupant protection system computer. This recall was issued on July 26, 2002, and Honda notified owners of affected vehicles by mail.
Owners can check to see if their vehicle is affected by this recall by contacting Honda or checking online resources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall database.
Recall 04V086000:
This recall affects certain 2000-2002 Honda Civic and Insight vehicles that were manufactured from August 1999 to July 2002. The issue is related to the low beam headlights, which may unexpectedly go out while driving. This could increase the risk of a crash.
In order to fix this issue, Honda will need to replace the low beam headlight relay. This recall was issued on March 1, 2004, and Honda notified owners of affected vehicles by mail.
Owners can check to see if their vehicle is affected by this recall by contacting Honda or checking online resources such as the NHTSA recall database.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2001-honda-insight/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Insight/2001/
All Honda Insight years we talked –
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