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ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Research · Two Seaters
2006 Honda InsightRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2006 Honda Insight. Most complaints involve engine (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 47–52 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
47–52mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2006
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2007 – Sep 2016
- Engine1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
1 report
“THE RECALL CAMPAIGN DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZED A RECALL RELATED AUTHORIZATION ISSUING CASE NO. [XXX] WHERE THE DEALERSHIP ROCK HONDA 909-770-8400 REPLACING THE CONTROL UNIT PART NO( IK100PHM-A03) PAID BY ME. SAME ISSUE RECURRING ANOTHER CASE NO ISSUED [XXX] DEALER STATING PARTS NEEDED ARE 37820PHM408 ECM MODULE AND 1 D010PHMA01RM BATTERY.THE HONDA NOW ARE SAYING THAT THEY ARE ONLY LIABLE FOR THE SOFTWARE UPDATE ONLY EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL SPECIFIES THE AND USAGE THE VERBATIM OF THE ECM UNIT THEREBY THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE FACT THAT THE RECALL WHICH RELATES TO THE ECM TIMER RELATES DIRECTLY TO EMISSION CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS A SAFETY WARNING AND MALFUNCTIONS OF THE TIMERS BEING CAUSED N THE SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND MODULE REPLACEMENT ID'S REQUIRED PER DEALER CONCLUSION TO EFFECTIVELY USE OF THE UPDATED SOFTWARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MODULES N TIMERS SPECIFICALLY THIS BEING A MOTORCYCLE 3 CYLINDER CAR, THE AMERICAN HONDA STATES THAT THEY ARE ONLY LIABLE FOR THE SOFTWARE UPDATE N NOTHING ELSE EVEN IF IT IS THE ECM AND THE TIMERS THAT ARE DEFECTED OR NOT EFFECTED BY THE UPDATED SOFTWARE WHERE THE PARTS WERE NOT UPDATED N THE SOFTWARE…”
Air bags
1 report
“I HAVE A 2006 HONDA INSIGHT. WE ARE DUE WITH OUR FIRST CHILD IN SEPTEMBER 2007. WE WILL NEED THE VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILD TO AND FROM DAYCARE. OUR DEALER HAS REFUSED TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG TO MAKE THE CAR SAFER FOR AN INFANT IN A CARSEAT. I WOULD LIKE ADVISE/AUTHORIZATION ON HOW TO PROCEED TO MAKE OUR CAR SAFE FOR OUR SOON TO BE BORN INFANT. *JB”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
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 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Man 5-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 48 | 58 | 52 | $1,250 | 171 |
| Insight Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 45 | 49 | 47 | $1,350 | 189 |
- 52mpg comb.
- 47mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Honda Insight as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 1845
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2006 Insight questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Honda Insight have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2006 Honda Insight problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), air bags (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2006 Honda Insight get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Honda Insight at 47–52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026