2021 Honda Insight: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Honda Insight? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 23 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.
2021 Honda Insight Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Honda Insight trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 Honda Insight Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Honda Insight has 23 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Insight
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 23
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 52
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 55 / 49
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Honda Insight Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Honda Insight?
The 2021 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Honda Insight
Inspection Focus
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Honda Insight, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Honda Insight are concentrated in the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system, with a smaller number of uncategorized issues and brake system complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with collision avoidance technology, though the low complaint volume limits strong conclusions.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for the largest share of complaints.
- Uncategorized issues and brake system complaints are also notable.
- Only one crash-related complaint was reported.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Honda Insight Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Insight. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Insight. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
There is a massive hood flutter when large vehicle drive towards me going above 50mph. It feels and looks like the hood is not latched correctly and going to open into my windshield. This has happened since I purchase the vehicle new in 2021
Went in for a typical servicing. They noted that the downstream O2 sensor was damaged by rodents. The vehicle, with around 14k has always been stored in a weather tight garage, never stored outside. There has been no rodents in the building since I owned it from 1999. This is…
I received a 2021 Insight Seat Weight Sensor Safety Recall in September 2025 saying that recall replacement parts were now available at Honda Dealers. Ever since I received this notice, none of the Atlanta area Honda dealers are able to remedy the defect in my vehicle due to lack…
Under certain circumstances, the portion of the PCU that controls charging of the 12 volt accessory battery malfunctions, sending the PCU into a "fail safe" mode, preventing battery charging and activating warning displays for the driver. This has caused my vehicle to stall while…
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 recove…
While my wife was driving my car on a busy road. The servo brake control unit/ pedal simulator broke making it near impossible to stop the car. She had to crash the car into a parking block. And Honda import/export is uncooperative and dismissive of the fact that my wife and daug…
On two (2) occasions, the "collision mitigation braking system" braked with no reason. It has happened on a quiet and straight line residential street with no other moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or any other obstruction in view. After one second or so of braking, it retu…
On at least two occasions the automatic emergency braking system has activated with nothing in front of the vehicle. Several instances when cresting a steep rise in the road the forward collision warning system has activated the "BRAKE" warning light.
I am urging your immediate attention to a safety issue affecting the 2021 Honda Insight. The vehicle’s infotainment system, which controls key safety features including the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), has failed. This malfunction prevents drivers from monitoring tire …
I received the "important safety recall" letter in March 2024 from the Honda Automobile Division regarding the seat weight sensor circuit board. The letter said that in a crash, the airbags could deploy in a dangerous fashion. I have called my Honda dealer three times since that…
Car emergency braking system engaged while there was nothing in front of the car. The automatic brakes were applied and the brake indicator flashed on the driver screen with no warning.
Summary American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 model year Insight vehicles. A capacitor in the printed circuit board of the front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and lead to an internal short circuit from the exposure to environmental humidity. S…
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
I previously reported this issue to NHTSA and was given the case number [XXX]. Here is my recent letter to Honda. RE: Case #[XXX] (I was informed that this case was closed) Although I did not agree that the adaptive cruise control issue was resolved, Honda closed the referenced…
Intermittently the car’s forward collision warning will flash and occasionally start applying the brake without any other vehicles or obstacles in front of me.
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. …
Several times since purchasing this vehicle the blindspot warning has lighted when no vehicles are present. It has lighted while driving next to the k rail center barrier, driving in the middle lane of a 3 lane highway, also at night when no cars are around on a 2 lane road. It h…
Honda has a feature called "Traffic Sign Recognition System". With its mounted cameras the car is able to capture traffic signs while driving and display them on the dashboard. THE PROBLEM: the system is not very good at reading traffic signs and posts incorrect speed limits at …
The recent NHTSA disclosure of issues with Honda's driver-assistance technologies causes me to write about the troubling performance of adaptive cruise control on my 2021 Insight. When following another vehicle on controlled access highways, the system works fine. However if the …
I have had 6 times where the collision warning has slammed on the brakes when there is no vehicles on the road in front of me. This is very dangerous when vehicles are behind you. I'm afraid that this car is going to cause a reck and get me and my wife hurt. A device that is sup…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Honda Insight.
2021 Honda Insight Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Honda Insight. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Honda Insight Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Honda Insight reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Insight?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (8 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints). #3: Brake System (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Honda Insight?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Honda Insight?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Honda Insight, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Honda Insight have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Honda Insight. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Honda Insight?▾
The 2021 Honda Insight shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Insight reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Honda Insight based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.