Common problems by part
Honda Insight steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 7,923 MOT tests · Updated
At 13 years, 1.1 in 100 MOT tests of the Honda Insight failed on steering, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 7,923 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 89 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 7 ages from 10 to 16 years, 34,023 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 13 years: 7,923 for the Honda Insight
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 13 years, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 13 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Honda Insight steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2,401 | 0.9 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 3,826 | 1.1 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 6,343 | 1.2 | 2.8 |
| 13 | 7,923 | 1.1 | 2.9 |
| 14 | 6,621 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| 15 | 4,851 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 2,058 | 2.2 | 3.4 |
All first-use years of the Honda Insight pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 13 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt: 4.4 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.7. Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (MOT minor defect)
Buying a Honda Insight? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt.
Check one Honda Insight, not the average
The figures here describe Honda Insight cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Honda Insight's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Honda Insight problems
- Honda Insight suspension problems
- Honda Insight brakes problems
- Honda Insight lights and electrics problems
- Honda Insight body and structure problems
- Honda Insight exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Honda Insight windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Honda Insight tyres problems
- Honda Insight road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Focus steering problems: 1.3 per 100 MOT tests at 13 years, against 1.1 for the Honda Insight (255,603 MOT tests)
- BMW 1 Series steering problems: 0.5 per 100 MOT tests at 13 years, against 1.1 for the Honda Insight (98,293 MOT tests)
- Honda Civic steering problems: 1.9 per 100 MOT tests at 13 years, against 1.1 for the Honda Insight (63,504 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Honda Insight have more steering problems than other cars?
1.1 in 100 MOT tests at 13 years, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 7,923 MOT tests).
How common are Honda Insight steering problems?
1.1 in 100 MOT tests at 13 years failed on steering, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 7,923 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 34,023 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare