2001 Honda Insight: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Honda Insight first registered in 2001: we looked at the 147 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 147 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2001 Honda Insight MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2001 Honda Insight MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes36% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Honda Insight
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Honda Insight?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Honda Insight compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 810 | Tyres 22% |
| 2013 | 1,324 | Tyres 25% |
| 2012 | 3,731 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 5,128 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2010 | 8,324 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2009 | 6,218 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Honda Insight cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score