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Honda · Compact · 2019–2022 Custom Search

Honda Insight ZE4

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Insight ZE4 is available with one engine variant at 98 hp.

1.5L i-MMD e:HEV · Petrol Hybrid· 153 PS
2019 2022

1.5L i-MMD e:HEV — Honda's dual-motor hybrid system, fourth generation. Engine runs in Atkinson cycle, primarily drives the generator — propulsion is mostly handled by the electric motor. In city traffic predominantly electric, the engine kicks in barely noticeably. No conventional transmission, no shift shocks. Lithium-ion battery instead of NiMH like the predecessor — significantly more durable. Limited long-term data (market launch 2020), but the e:HEV architecture has been proven in Japan since 2013. No systematic engine weaknesses known so far.

  • !! 12V auxiliary battery drains during extended standstill

    The Jazz GR e:HEV draws current from the 12V auxiliary battery even when parked. After as little as 10–15 days without driving, the voltage can drop to critical levels.

    Symptoms: Vehicle won't start after several days of standstill, 12V battery deeply discharged
    100–300 $
    Ad Honda Jazz GR 12V batterye:HEV auxiliary battery drain
  • ! Reversing camera and infotainment: software bug

    Early production Jazz GR models had documented software bugs that caused the reversing camera or infotainment to freeze. Honda issued software updates.

    Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes or goes black, reversing camera shows no image
    0–0 $
    Ad Honda Jazz GR software updateJazz e:HEV camera bug fix
  • ! Adaptive cruise control disengages below 30 km/h

    The adaptive cruise control on the Jazz GR e:HEV disengages below 30 km/h by design. In stop-and-go traffic the driver must brake manually.

    Symptoms: Adaptive cruise control disengages automatically below 30 km/h, driver must brake manually
    0–0 $
    Ad Honda Jazz GR ACC limitation

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Infotainment freezes

Display sporadically freezes or reboots. Typical Honda issue on the 10th gen Civic platform.

Symptoms: Display black, touch unresponsive, reboot needed
Ad infotainment Honda Insight
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Insight ZE4 (2019–2022) — 3 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Body, Steering. Considered reliable: LEB8 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV).

What to watch out for with the Honda Insight? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Insight ZE4 have? +
The Honda Insight ZE4 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Insight ZE4? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: LEB8 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV). The most reliable engine is the LEB8 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the LEB8 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV).
Which Honda Insight ZE4 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Insight ZE4. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Insight ZE4 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Insight ZE4 — rated: "Decent". {description} The Insight is a Civic with hybrid power — 153 hp combined, CVT, under 50 mpg. No driving fun, but an honest commuter with Honda reliability.
Is the Honda Insight ZE4 worth buying used? +
The Honda Insight ZE4 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Insight ZE4? +
The Honda Insight ZE4 is available with engine variants from 98 to 98 hp. Petrol: LEB8 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee