2013 Honda Insight: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Honda Insight?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Honda Insight than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Headlights3× usual
  Honda Insight

  9.7% All 2013 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Link ball joint covers2.1× usual
  Honda Insight

  3.2% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2013 Honda Insight MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Honda Insight MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% 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.

• Suspension
  23% 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.

• Brakes
  23% 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 electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% 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 leaks
  5% 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 2013 Honda Insight

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2013 Honda Insight as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Honda Insight as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?