NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
This page covers 6 recalls, 29 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Honda Insight.
52 mpg combined
4.5 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2020 Honda Insight, the dominant complaint theme centers on the forward collision avoidance system. Owners frequently report unprompted automatic braking, commonly called phantom braking, where the system activates at clear intersections or on open roads with no obstacle present. Several reports also describe the forward collision, lane departure, and cruise control systems failing simultaneously, sometimes accompanied by warning lights. Powertrain complaints are a smaller but recurring cluster, with owners noting battery drain that can leave the car unable to start. A handful of structural reports mention the engine splash guard coming loose at highway speeds, with the plate dragging underneath the car. A single report mentions intermittent notchiness in the steering at high mileage.
29
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Honda Insight has 6 recalls, the most serious involving a passenger seat sensor that can misread occupant weight and cause the front passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
The Insight also has multiple fuel pump concerns. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank can fail and cut fuel delivery to the engine, causing the car to stall while driving. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why more than one recall addresses the same underlying pump failure.
On the hybrid system side, the DC-DC converter that keeps the 12-volt battery charged can shut down unexpectedly. When this happens, the 12-volt battery drains and the car can lose drive power entirely, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate or maintain speed in traffic.
Rounding out the electrical issues, a software error in the body control module can disrupt communication between that module and other vehicle systems. Depending on which systems are affected, the windshield wipers, rear defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lights may stop working intermittently or altogether, reducing visibility and the ability of other drivers to see the car.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The DC-DC converter can shut down, stopping the 12-volt battery from recharging. This may cause loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power converter unit software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software problem in the Body Control Module causes communication failures with other vehicle systems, potentially disrupting windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, power windows, and warning systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Body Control Module software at no cost to restore proper system communication.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, which could prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.