Research · Two Seaters

2005 Honda InsightRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2005 Honda Insight. Most complaints involve tires (1) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 47–52 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
47–52mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: tires
Fuel cost / yr
$1,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 Honda Insight as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2006 – Jan 2007
  1. Tires1
  2. Suspension1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Insight model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200034
200125
200224
200329
20042
20052
20062
2010119
201141
201259
201345
20145
201999
202031
202125
202233
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Tires

1 report
“TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARS A HUMMING IN HIS DRIVER & PASSENGER REAR RUN FLAT TIRES OF HIS 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH AN ODOMETER READING 30,000 MILES. HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE HONDA DEALER. ALTHOUGH THEY CAN HEAR THE HUMMING, THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *NM”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2007TiresODI 10178554

Suspension

1 report
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ABNORMAL NOISE WAS OBSERVED IN THE REAR AXLE. UPON INSPECTION, EXCESIVE WEAR WAS OBSERVED IN THE REAR TIRES. A VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL BUT A YEAR OLDER OWNED BY THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS IN THE REAR AXLE. NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN THE REAR AND THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED ALIGNMENT AT NO COST.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2006SuspensionODI 10162404
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
1.0L 3-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Insight
Man 5-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
485852$1,250171
Insight
Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
454947$1,350189
  • Insight
    Man 5-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L
    48 city · 58 hwy · $1,250/yr
    52
    mpg comb.
  • Insight
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.0 L
    45 city · 49 hwy · $1,350/yr
    47
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Honda Insight as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1599
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2005 Insight questions

How many recalls does the 2005 Honda Insight have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2005 Honda Insight problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (1), suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2005 Honda Insight get?

The EPA rates the 2005 Honda Insight at 47–52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026