Honda Insight MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 9,133 MOT tests on the Honda Insight carried out in 2023. 30% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Insights passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (70% passed, +9.5 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2001 models fared worst (65%, +6.6 points). Tested cars had covered 114,851 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.4% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 9,133
- First-time pass rate
- 70%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −1.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 114,851
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Insight?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Insight MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 311 | 78% | 72% | +6.8 points | 104,809 |
| 2013 | 526 | 78% | 68% | +9.3 points | 117,589 |
| 2012 | 1,291 | 73% | 66% | +7.4 points | 121,279 |
| 2011 | 1,768 | 71% | 63% | +7.7 points | 123,109 |
| 2010 | 2,835 | 70% | 60% | +9.5 points | 111,728 |
| 2009 | 2,100 | 67% | 59% | +7.5 points | 107,535 |
| 2001 | 69 | 65% | 59% | +6.6 points | 151,811 |
Why the Honda Insight fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Insight | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.4% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 6.9% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 5.7% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.5%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
- 5not working on dipped beam2.2%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 7projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%
- 8inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.8%
- 9ball joint excessively worn1.7%
- 10excessively binding1.3%
Common Insight MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Insight, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 12.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.2% |
| has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced | Lights and electrics | 6.1% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.8% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.3% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.9% |
Tips to help your Insight pass
Based on where Insights most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.4% of Insight tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.6% of Insight tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Insight ULEZ compliant? See the Honda Insight ULEZ check, or view all Honda models.
Other Honda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 9,133 first MOT tests of the Honda Insight carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 9,133 first MOT tests of the Honda Insight.
What is the Honda Insight MOT failure rate?
In our data, 30% of 9,133 first MOT attempts on the Honda Insight ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Honda Insight fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.4% of tests), suspension (6.9% of tests), brakes (6.6% of tests).
Which Insight year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 70% passed first time, +9.5 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2001, at 65% (+6.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Honda Insight covered at its MOT?
The average was 114,851 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 104,809 miles and 2001 cars 151,811.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Honda Insight?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.7% of Insights failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Insight's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 9,133 Insights in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 78% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Insight's MOT history
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