The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle that was first introduced in 1999 as a two-door hatchback. The second generation of the Insight, released in 2008, was a four-door sedan with a more mainstream design.
While the Honda Insight has generally received positive reviews for its fuel efficiency and low emissions, it has also had a number of reported problems.
Some common issues that have been reported by Honda Insight owners include transmission problems, issues with the hybrid system, and problems with the vehicle’s suspension.
It is important for Honda Insight owners to be aware of these potential problems and to address any issues as soon as they arise in order to maintain the reliability and performance of their vehicle.
2008 Honda Insight Problems
1. Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery failure
The IMA battery is an essential component of the Honda Insight’s hybrid powertrain. It is responsible for storing and supplying electricity to the hybrid system, and it is also what allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode.
When the IMA battery fails, it can cause problems with the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency, and it may also cause the hybrid system to shut down completely.
This can be a costly problem to fix, as the IMA battery is a specialized and expensive component.
2. Shudder from Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Some Honda Insight owners have reported experiencing a shuddering or shaking sensation while driving, particularly when accelerating or when the transmission is under load.
This can be caused by issues with the CVT, which is the type of transmission used in the Honda Insight. CVT transmissions use a system of pulleys and belts to continuously vary the transmission ratio, and problems with this system can cause the transmission to perform poorly or fail altogether.
3. Software update for IMA computer
Some Honda Insight owners have reported that their vehicles have required a software update in order to fix issues with the hybrid system.
These updates may be necessary in order to address problems with the IMA computer, which is the computer that controls the hybrid system in the Honda Insight.
Software updates may be necessary in order to fix issues with the hybrid system, such as problems with the IMA battery or problems with the electric motor.
It is important for Honda Insight owners to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest software in order to ensure that the hybrid system is operating correctly.
4. Check engine light due to binding gas cap
Some Honda Insight owners have reported that the check engine light has come on due to a problem with the gas cap. The gas cap is a vital component of the vehicle’s fuel system, and it is responsible for sealing the fuel tank in order to prevent fuel from escaping.
When the gas cap becomes binding or stuck, it may not be able to seal the fuel tank properly, which can cause the check engine light to come on. This problem may be caused by a variety of factors,
such as dirt or debris getting stuck in the gas cap, or the gas cap becoming damaged or worn out over time. In order to fix this problem, the gas cap may need to be replaced or repaired.
5. EVAP solenoid failure due to road salt
The EVAP (evaporative emission control) system is a vital component of the Honda Insight’s emission control system. It is responsible for capturing and storing fuel vapors that are produced when the vehicle is running,
and it helps to reduce emissions by preventing these vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Some Honda Insight owners have reported that the EVAP solenoid, which is a valve that controls the flow of fuel vapors in the EVAP system, has failed due to exposure to road salt.
Road salt is often used to help melt snow and ice on the roads during the winter months, and it can be corrosive to the EVAP solenoid if the vehicle is frequently driven in areas where road salt is used. In order to fix this problem, the EVAP solenoid may need to be replaced.
6. Software update for IMA computer
Some Honda Insight owners have reported that their vehicles have required a software update in order to fix issues with the hybrid system. These updates may be necessary in order to address problems with the IMA computer,
which is the computer that controls the hybrid system in the Honda Insight. Software updates may be necessary in order to fix issues with the hybrid system, such as problems with the IMA battery or problems with the electric motor.
It is important for Honda Insight owners to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest software in order to ensure that the hybrid system is operating correctly.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery failure | Replace the IMA battery |
| Shudder from Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | Repair or replace the CVT transmission |
| Software update for IMA computer | Perform a software update to address issues with the hybrid system |
| Check engine light due to binding gas cap | Replace or repair the gas cap |
| EVAP solenoid failure due to road salt | Replace the EVAP solenoid |
| Suspension problems | Repair or replace any damaged suspension components |
| Hybrid system issues | Repair or replace any faulty components of the hybrid system |
| Transmission problems | Repair or replace the transmission |
2008 Honda Insight Recalls
| Recall | Description | Models Affected |
| 21V900000 | Second Row Center Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Does Not Properly Secure Child Seat | 4 models |
| 21V215000 | Low Pressure Fuel Pump In Fuel Tank Fails Causing Engine Stall | 14 models |
| 20V798000 | DC-DC Converter Shuts Down Preventing 12 Volt Battery From Charging | 3 models |
| 20V771000 | Various Body Control Malfunctions Due To Software Concern | 2 models |
| 20V314000 | Engine Stalls Due To Fuel Pump Failure | 8 models |
| 19V500000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 19V502000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
Recall 21V900000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that are equipped with a second row center seat belt automatic locking retractor. The problem with these seat belts is that they may not properly secure a child restraint system, which can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the second row center seat belt assembly, free of charge.
Recall 21V215000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that are equipped with a low pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank. The problem with these fuel pumps is that they may fail, which can cause the engine to stall while driving.
This can increase the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 20V798000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that are equipped with a DC-DC converter. The problem with these converters is that they may shut down, preventing the 12 volt battery from charging.
This can result in a loss of drive power, which can increase the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will update the software, free of charge.
Recall 20V771000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that are equipped with a software concern that may cause various body control malfunctions. These malfunctions may include inoperative windshield wipers, defroster,
rearview camera, or exterior lighting. These problems can increase the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will update the software, free of charge.
Recall 20V314000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that are equipped with a fuel pump that may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 19V500000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that have had the driver’s air bag inflator replaced. The problem with these inflators is that they may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can result in serious injury or death to the driver or other occupants. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the driver’s air bag inflator, free of charge.
Recall 19V502000:
This recall affects certain models of the 2008 Honda Insight that have had the passenger air bag inflator replaced. The problem with these inflators is that they may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can result in serious injury or death to the driver or other occupants. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/problems/honda/insight
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Insight/
All Honda Insight years we talked –
Hi David, Thanks for your thorough explanation, Could you advise me if driving a 2009 Honda Insight Hybrid it after has run out of gas to point where it lost drive and had to be towed would damage the Hybrid battery,
A short time later the IMA light came on with fault code POA7F ?
Kind Regards
Based on the limited information provided, running a 2009 Honda Insight hybrid until it runs completely out of gas and needs to be towed could potentially damage the hybrid battery system.
The IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) light coming on with a P0A7F code shortly after indicates there is likely an issue with the hybrid battery and related systems.
Some key points:
1. Running the hybrid battery to an extremely low state of charge by fully depleting the gas tank can damage the battery cells.
2. Hybrid batteries rely on gasoline engines to regularly recharge them. Running out of gas interrupts this process.
3. Towing a hybrid when it has a low/zero state of charge on the battery risks further damage as the wheels spin the electric motors without battery input.
4. The P0A7F code indicates a problem was detected in the hybrid battery voltage or current sensors. This could be from depletion or an actual malfunction.