HONDA INSIGHT (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1300cc Hybrid
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
Check a specific HONDA INSIGHT
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this HONDA INSIGHT
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 82% of HONDA INSIGHTs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,333 miles.
Got a HONDA INSIGHT you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,333
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 HONDA INSIGHT has 59,333 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Looking at a specific HONDA INSIGHT?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2021 sits between the two at 82%.
HONDA INSIGHT by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Honda Insight
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2021 HONDA INSIGHT
The 2021 HONDA INSIGHT is a small family car with a 1300cc hybrid engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 97% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,333 miles at 5 years old, HONDA INSIGHT owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 HONDA INSIGHT Fuel Costs
The 1300cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 HONDA INSIGHT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HONDA INSIGHT Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA INSIGHTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 HONDA INSIGHT
At 5 years old, the HONDA INSIGHT offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 HONDA INSIGHT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 HONDA INSIGHT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA INSIGHT(2021) | 82% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2019) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
| VOLVO XC40(2021) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
| MINI COUNTRYMAN(2019) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Honda Models
Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.
HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
HONDA JAZZ
2009 · 1300cc Petrol
HONDA CR-V
2007 · 1998cc Petrol
TOYOTA YARIS
2019 · 1497cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
VOLVO XC40
2021 · 1470cc Hybrid
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Honda Insight.
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific HONDA INSIGHT
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a HONDA INSIGHT? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data