This page covers 4 recalls, 23 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 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
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 Honda Insight centers on the forward collision avoidance system, which draws the most reports by a clear margin. Owners describe the system triggering unexpectedly, phantom braking events where the car applies the brakes without an apparent obstacle, sometimes in highway driving. A smaller cluster of brake complaints involves pedal feel concerns, with some owners noting an inconsistent or unusual sensation under braking, which ties into how the regenerative braking system modulates pedal response. Seat complaints appear in a couple of reports but don't form a clear pattern at this volume. A few isolated reports mention hood flutter at highway speeds when large vehicles pass, described as the hood appearing to lift or flex noticeably. The forward collision system complaints are the most consistent thread, with multiple owners describing unintended activation as the primary concern they brought to dealers.
23
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2021 Honda Insight has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger seat sensor, which can misread occupant weight and cause the passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly during a crash, raising the risk of injury.
On the hybrid system side, the DC-DC converter can shut down unexpectedly, cutting off the charge to the 12-volt battery. When that battery drains, the vehicle can lose drive power entirely while moving, leaving the driver without propulsion in traffic. There is also a fuel system concern: the fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving, with no warning beforehand, which creates a crash risk especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors 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 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.
