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2021 Honda Insight

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Insight do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 24.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 24 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

4 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2025
Service Brakes

The brake servo control unit feel simulator which reduces the simulation force provided to the brake pedal during emergency or failed conditions and is a key component of realizing a Regenerative Braking System. It provides a good pedal feeling to a driver, improves energy recovery and ensures braking security. My safety has bee…

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The brake servo control unit feel simulator which reduces the simulation force provided to the brake pedal during emergency or failed conditions and is a key component of realizing a Regenerative Braking System. It provides a good pedal feeling to a driver, improves energy recovery and ensures braking security. My safety has been put at risk as that part is integral to my brake system (including the hybrid function) e.g. my car was in reverse and the brakes were not responding and had to leave my car. I towed my car to a local independent service provider and they confirmed via the OBD-II scanner that confirmed my break servo control feel simulator is bad and would need to be replaced. After doing research, the brake servo part is made in Japan by a company called Nissin. The part has been recalled in Japan and UK due to failures in similar hybrid models. The brake servo serves many functions including ensures consistency, mimics traditional braking, and provide the driver with a natural-feeling brake pedal, especially because the system relies on both regenerative braking and hydraulic friction brakes. For about 3 days I received a cluster of warning signs from my car such as traction control, brake system, brake, steering malfunction, and ACC. Given that this part directly affects braking capability and overall vehicle safety, I am deeply concerned that my safety has been compromised as the life of the part is supposed to last the life of the car (about 150,000 miles) . I respectfully request an immediate investigation, and would like to know whether this issue is covered under an existing or pending recall campaign. If not, I'd like to submit this to the recall campaign in the U.S. Please advise on the next steps for inspection, replacement, and ensuring my vehicle is safe to drive. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11699002

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesUnknown Or Other

This has been happening with my two honda cads. I currently have Honda 2023 CRV and 2021 Honda Insight. the Collison Mitigation Braking System brakes really hard for no reason

NHTSA ODI #11544903

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2022
Exterior LightingService BrakesUnknown Or Other

driver side headlight failed. available for inspection upon request. can't drive without headlight on at nighttime or dark days. I haven't gone to dealer yet. not inspected by manufacturer yet. warning and message: headlight system problem. headlight performance may be reduced. see your dealer. First appeared on 12/12/22. and …

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driver side headlight failed. available for inspection upon request. can't drive without headlight on at nighttime or dark days. I haven't gone to dealer yet. not inspected by manufacturer yet. warning and message: headlight system problem. headlight performance may be reduced. see your dealer. First appeared on 12/12/22. and I was told by gateguard that my left headlight went out, complete off. there was no incident, I didn't even know that it was completely off.

NHTSA ODI #11497733

2,000 miles · Jan 16, 2021
Service Brakes

ON TWO OCCASIONS I'VE HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM EROR MESSAGE POP UP ON MY HOME SCREEN INSIDE OF THE CAR AND ON THE HONDALINK APP 12/09/2020 AND ON 12/18/2020. I WAS LEAVING WORK ON BOTH INCIDENTS. THE MESSAGE READS: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM OR THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOW. I THERE IS NO RESISTANCE FROM THE BARK PEDAL, DOWNS…

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ON TWO OCCASIONS I'VE HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM EROR MESSAGE POP UP ON MY HOME SCREEN INSIDE OF THE CAR AND ON THE HONDALINK APP 12/09/2020 AND ON 12/18/2020. I WAS LEAVING WORK ON BOTH INCIDENTS. THE MESSAGE READS: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM OR THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOW. I THERE IS NO RESISTANCE FROM THE BARK PEDAL, DOWNSHIFT TO LOWER GEARS TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY STOP IN A SAFE PLACE AND CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. PART TWO: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM. AVOID HIGH SPEEDS AND SUDDEN BRAKING. HAVE YOUR VEHICLES CHECKED BY A DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THE MESSAGE DISAPPEARS AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF BEING ON THE DISPLAY SCREEN. ALSO THE BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING MOSTLY WHEN I'M ABOUT TO TAKE OFF IN MOTION DURNING STARTUP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ON 01/15/2021. THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE BRAKE ERROR CODE THAT'S SHOWED UP BEFORE. THE TECH TEST DROVE MY CAR FOR 20 MILES AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. TODAY 01/16/2021 WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM THE STORE THE BRAKES SQUEAKED AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME WHEN I WAS BACKING THE CAR IN TO MY PARKING SPACE.

NHTSA ODI #11388438

Official recalls

3

26V332000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

May 21, 2026

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

24V064000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Feb 1, 2024

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

20V798000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software; Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter

Dec 17, 2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.

Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA25002 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

Opened Jan 17, 2025 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the investigation is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE24008 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

Opened Mar 7, 2024 · Closed Jan 17, 2025

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the Engineering Analysis is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the Engineering Analysis is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Forward Collision Avoidance

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the Engineering Analysis is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.