Honda L13A
The engines of this line are considered reliable and have virtually no weak points.
Honda Insight engines
The Honda Insight is a Japanese compact hybrid vehicle from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Years of issue 1999-2014. The second generation of the model began to be produced in 2009. The car was assembled in Japan. The 1st generation car is a 2-seater hatchback, which in the 2nd generation becomes a 5-door and 5-seater. Insight has both left- and right-hand drive modifications and is well distributed in the CIS.
The Honda Insight was offered with 3 engines between 2011 and 2022 (3 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.3 to 1.5 liters, power output from 85 to 132 hp. All of them use a timing chain. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda LEA (about 300,000 km).
Honda Insight engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Insight 2 (ZE2) 2011–2014 | |||||||
| Honda LEA | 2011–2014 | 1.5 L R4 | 99–124 hp | petrol | chain | 3.6 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda Insight 3 (ZE4) 2018–2022 | |||||||
| Honda LEB | 2018–2022 | 1.5 L R4 | 132 hp | petrol | chain | 3.6 L | ~300,000 km |
| Other Honda Insight engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Honda L13A | 2001–present | 1.3 L R4 | 85–99 hp | petrol | chain | 3.6 L | ~275,000 km |
Honda Insight engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Honda Insight?
Honda Insight 2 (ZE2) (2011–2014): Honda LEA; Honda Insight 3 (ZE4) (2018–2022): Honda LEB.
Which Honda Insight engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Honda Insight engines are: Honda LEA — about 300,000 km; Honda LEB — about 300,000 km; Honda L13A — about 275,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Honda Insight engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda L13A — 3.6 L (5W-30); Honda LEA — 3.6 L (5W-30); Honda LEB — 3.6 L (5W-20).
Does the Honda Insight have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Honda L13A, Honda LEA and Honda LEB.
Was the Honda Insight available with a diesel engine?
No, all Honda Insight engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Honda LEA
A very reliable engine: 300,000 km without major repairs is not unusual.
Honda LEB
There is little information about failures so far; forums mostly discuss minor noises and vibrations.
Models with the same engines
- Honda Fit/Jazz 3 shared engines
- Honda City 2 shared engines
- Honda Civic 2 shared engines
- Honda Freed 2 shared engines
- Honda Brio 1 shared engine
- Honda CR-Z 1 shared engine
- Honda HR-V/Vezel 1 shared engine