If you’re considering a used Honda Insight, especially from the 2014 model year, you’re likely looking for a smart, fuel-efficient choice. Understanding the common 2014 Honda Insight problems is key to making a confident purchase. This model, part of the second generation, is generally reliable, but it has a few known issues that can affect your ownership experience.
We’ll look at the most frequent concerns reported by owners and mechanics. You’ll learn what to check for, what repairs might cost, and how to keep your Insight running smoothly for years to come.
2014 Honda Insight Problems
The 2014 Insight is a hybrid that offers excellent gas mileage, often reaching over 40 MPG combined. Its main competitors were the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid. While Honda built a durable car, several specific areas have shown to be more prone to trouble than others. Knowing these can help you avoid a problematic vehicle or prepare for necessary maintenance.
Most Common Mechanical Issues
These are the problems you’re most likely to encounter under the hood or with the car’s core systems.
Hybrid Battery Failure
The heart of any hybrid is its battery pack. The 2014 Insight uses a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, which is generally robust but doesn’t last forever.
* Symptoms: A sudden drop in fuel economy, the “Check Hybrid System” warning light on the dash, loss of power, or the car struggling to stay in electric mode.
* Typical Mileage: These batteries often last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but driving habits and climate can effect this.
* Cost: A full battery replacement from a dealer can cost $2,000 to $4,000. However, reconditioned packs or individual cell replacements are available from specialized shops for much less, sometimes under $1,500.
CVT Transmission Concerns
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is designed for efficiency. Some owners report issues, though it’s less problematic than some other CVTs on the market.
* Symptoms: Jerking or shuddering during acceleration, a whining noise, or delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive.
* Maintenance is Crucial: The single most important thing you can do is change the CVT fluid exactly as Honda recommends, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Neglecting this leads to most transmission failures.
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure
This is a very common and relatively inexpensive fix, but it causes noticeable problems.
* Symptoms: A rough idle, engine misfires (feeling like a shudder or jerk), loss of power, and a flashing Check Engine light. The car may feel like it’s struggling, especially under acceleration.
* Cause: The ignition coils on these engines are known to wear out prematurely. They are often replaced alongside the spark plugs.
* Cost: Fixing one coil and plug is usually under $200 at an independent shop. If multiple go bad, the price increases accordingly.
Interior and Exterior Problems
The issues inside and outside the cabin can affect comfort and convenience.
Dashboard Display Failures
The multi-informational display (MID) in the center of the dash is a common point of failure.
* Symptoms: Sections of the LCD screen go blank, pixels die creating black spots, or the entire display becomes unreadable. This can make it hard to see your fuel economy, hybrid system status, or audio information.
* Fix: The entire gauge cluster unit usually needs to be replaced or sent out for a specialized repair. This can cost several hundred dollars.
Power Door Lock Actuators
Faulty door lock actuators are a frequent annoyance.
* Symptoms: You hear a rapid clicking or buzzing sound from a door when using the key fob or door switch, but the lock doesn’t move. Sometimes, one door simply won’t lock or unlock with the others.
* Cost: Replacing an actuator involves removing the door panel. Parts are moderately priced, but labor adds to the total cost.
Headlight Lens Clouding
While not unique to the Insight, many 2014 models suffer from this.
* Symptoms: The plastic headlight lenses become yellowed, hazy, or cloudy. This severely reduces nighttime visibility and makes the car look older.
* Solution: You can often restore them with a headlight lens restoration kit for about $20-$30. In severe cases, the entire headlight assembly may need replacement.
Electrical and System Glitches
Hybrids have complex electronics, and a few gremlins can pop up.
12-Volt Auxiliary Battery Issues
The Insight, like all hybrids, has a standard 12-volt battery to power accessories and computers. When it gets weak, it causes confusing problems.
* Symptoms: Weird electrical behavior like flickering dash lights, difficulty starting (even though the hybrid battery is fine), or various warning lights appearing for no apparent reason.
* Prevention: Have this battery tested regularly and replace it every 3-4 years as preventative maintenance. It’s a simple and cheap fix that prevents a lot of headaches.
Key Fob and Immobilizer Problems
Some owners report intermittent issues with the keyless entry and start system.
* Symptoms: The car doesn’t always recognize the key fob when you try to push-button start, requiring you to hold the fob right against the button. Doors may not lock/unlock reliably.
* Troubleshooting: Always start by replacing the fob battery. If the problem persists, it could be a fault in the car’s antenna receiver or the fob itself.
What to Check When Buying a Used 2014 Insight
Before you hand over your money, take these steps to spot potential problems.
1. Get a Hybrid System Health Check: Ask a mechanic, preferably one with hybrid experience, to check the state of health (SOH) of the main hybrid battery. This requires a special scanner and gives you a percentage reading of its remaining capacity.
2. Test Drive Thoroughly: Drive in city traffic and on the highway. Listen for CVT whine, feel for any transmission shudder, and note if the engine idles roughly. Watch the hybrid system display to see if it smoothly switches between electric and gas power.
3. Inspect All Electronics: Turn the car on and off several times. Check every segment of the dashboard display for dead pixels. Test every power lock, window, and accessory.
4. Review Maintenance Records: Look for consistent oil changes and, most critically, proof of CVT fluid changes. A well-documented service history is a very good sign.
5. Check for Recalls: Use the VIN to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Ensure all recall work, such as potential software updates for the hybrid system, has been completed.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems
Proactive care is the best way to avoid the big repair bills.
* Follow the Severe Service Schedule: If you do a lot of short trips, idling, or driving in extreme heat or cold, follow the “severe” maintenance schedule in your manual. This usually means more frequent fluid and filter changes.
* Drive It Regularly: Hybrid batteries don’t like to sit for weeks on end. If you’re not driving the car, consider using a battery maintainer on the 12-volt battery, as a dead 12-volt battery can cause system-wide issues.
* Use the Parking Brake: The CVT’s parking pawl (the piece that locks the transmission when in Park) is small. Always engage the parking brake before letting off the brake pedal when parked, especially on inclines. This reduces stress on the transmission.
* Address Warning Lights Immediately: Don’t ignore the “Check Hybrid System” or “Check Engine” light. A small, inexpensive problem can quickly lead to damage to expensive components like the battery or inverter.
Is the 2014 Honda Insight a Reliable Car?
Overall, yes. When compared to other hybrids from its era, it has a strong reputation for reliability. Its major systems are generally durable. Many of its common problems, like ignition coils and door locks, are minor and affordable to fix. The hybrid battery is the main costly concern, but with proper care, it should last a long time.
The key is to go in with your eyes open. A well-maintained 2014 Insight can be a fantastic, economical used car. One that was neglected, however, could lead you to encounter several of these 2014 Honda Insight problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most expensive repair on a 2014 Honda Insight?
A: The most expensive common repair is replacing the entire hybrid battery pack, which can cost over $3,000 at a dealership. The CVT transmission is also a very costly component to replace if it fails completely.
Q: How long does the 2014 Insight hybrid battery last?
A: You can typically expect the original hybrid battery to last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Some fail earlier, and many last well beyond that with proper care and driving habits.
Q: Are parts for the Insight expensive?
A: Most routine maintenance parts (filters, brakes, ignition coils) are reasonably priced and shared with other Honda models. Hybrid-specific parts, like the battery or power inverter, are more expensive but available from both Honda and third-party suppliers.
Q: Is the 2014 Insight a good used car buy?
A: It can be an excellent buy if you find one with a verifiable service history and have it inspected by a mechanic. Its fuel economy is still great by today’s standards, and its overall running costs are low if the hybrid battery is in good health. Just be sure to budget for potential issues like the dashboard display or door locks.
Q: What’s the main difference between the 2014 Insight and a Toyota Prius?
A: The Prius generally gets slightly better fuel economy and has a more proven track record for extreme hybrid battery longevity. The Insight often feels more like a conventional car to drive and can be less expensive to purchase used. The Prius may have a slight edge in overall reliability, but a well-kept Insight is still a very sound choice.