2009 Honda Insight: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Honda Insights, from 2,052 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Honda Insights than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Headlights2.9× usualHonda Insight23.7% All 2009 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 3.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualHonda Insight7.8% All 2009 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Chassis rust or damage3.6× usualHonda Insight6.2% All 2009 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Corroded fuel pipes6.2× usualHonda Insight3.7% All 2009 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Body structure rust or damage2.8× usualHonda Insight4.5% All 2009 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
Engine oil leaks: 1.8% here, against 10.4% of all 2009 cars. Sub-frame: 1.2% here, against 7.7% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Honda Insight MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension37% 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.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Brakes31% 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.
- Rust and bodywork14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,215 | Lights and electrics 29% |
| 2011 | 1,674 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2010 | 2,729 | Suspension 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Honda Insights registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score