2019 Honda Insight Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

A five-seat hybrid sedan on the Civic's platform, with a two-motor hybrid system. Not the same car as the 2010–2014 or 2000–2006 Insight.

Good

Ranks 1st of the 4 years of the 2019–2022 Insight we score.

Owner complaints: 98; 13 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 24.4; 34,839 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.97×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 30; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 Insight 2020 Insight →

Should You Buy the 2019 Honda Insight?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2019 Honda Insight is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 4 years of the 2019–2022 Insight we score.

The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (15 of 98 complaints). Owners also complain about the screen and audio and the fuel pump. 30 of the 98 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the air conditioning. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 70.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-016 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 71
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead15 complaints
Screen and audio: works on and off7 complaints
Fuel pump: damage6 complaints

How the 2019 Insight Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems30 complaints · average car: about 34	0.89×	−10
Everyday problems55 complaints · average car: about 47	1.2×	−5
Problems in the last two years10 complaints · average car: about 18	0.59×	−7
Recalls8 recalls · average car: about 5.0	1.4×	−7
Score		71

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 98 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Honda Insight, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 98.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
15 complaints (15%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system not working when needed and failed to deactivate. 11 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
7 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Fuel pump: damage
6 complaints (6%)
Damage and a failure. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Driver-assist camera and radar: warning lights
5 complaints (5%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Rearview camera: stopped working
5 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working and blurry image with wrong colors.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (4%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 133,000 miles.
A/C evaporator: a leak
4 complaints (4%)
A leak.
A/C condenser: a leak
3 complaints (3%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed.
Seat belts: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (3%)
Sticking or stiffness and a failure.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (3%)
Warning lights.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
3 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure.
A/C: heat felt in the cabin with A/C on
2 complaints (2%)
Heat felt in the cabin with A/C on and a feature that stopped working.
Adaptive cruise control: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed.

Show 11 more problems

Airbag warning light
2 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Engine: hesitation
2 complaints (2%)
Hesitation.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (2%)
High fuel use and full-tank range decline.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working.
Fuel system: unusual noises
2 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and a leak.
Instrument cluster: digital speedometer shows only km/h
2 complaints (2%)
Digital speedometer shows only km/h and problems that come and go.
Seats: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and rust or corrosion.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.

Reported Once (18)

Show the 18 problems reported once

EVAP system failure
Brake hold or auto hold: the car rolling away
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Cooling system failure
Cylinder head gasket failure
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Exterior lights: stopped working
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Interior trim: a fire
Accelerator pedal response (accelerates too fast, shakes) (cause not stated)
Driver assistance system (feature not named): fault code
Right side view camera: works on and off
Stall (cause not stated)
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2019 Honda Insight Compares With Other Years

The other Insight years of the 3rd generation, 2019 to 2022.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2022	Caution	69	1.4×	18.4	3	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021	Good	70	1.2×	19.2	3	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2020	Good	70	1.3×	20.3	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019 This year	Good	71	0.97×	24.4	8	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead

See every Insight year

2019 Honda Insight Recalls

Eight recalls cover the 2019 Honda Insight. The most recent was issued in May 2026: “Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel Pump May Fail, December 2023
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V158000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 9, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump May Fail, March 2021
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V215000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 25, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
BCM Software Malfunction/FMVSS 103/111
Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V771000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump May Fail, May 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V314000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

SRS May Become Disabled Due to Manufacturing Error
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash. In the event of a crash, if the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners do not function as intended, there would be an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V664000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 98% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Image Display Failure/FMVSS 111
If the rearview camera display does not show what is behind the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V629000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2019 Honda Insight Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension for the 2019 Honda Insight, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the air conditioning. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 21-016
A/C condenser leaks
The problem:
The A/C condenser can be defective from the factory. Corrosion can form tiny holes in it and let refrigerant leak out.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C condenser for free. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
The condenser must leak from corrosion or a factory defect. Leaks caused by foreign object damage are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, if the condenser leaks from a factory defect.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2019 Honda Insight NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened three investigations that cover the 2019 Honda Insight. One is still open and two others have closed.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including the Insight, the CR-Z and the Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
Automatic emergency braking activating by mistake in Insights and Passports
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in March 2024, looked at automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead in 2019-2022 Insights and Passports. Honda said some owners may not understand the system's limits. NHTSA reviewed 475 reports, with 3 alleging a crash and 2 an injury. In January 2025 it upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA25-002, adding 2023 Passports.
NHTSA PE24008 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Mar 7, 2024 to Jan 17, 2025
Unwanted automatic emergency braking in Insights and Passports
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in January 2025, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2019-2022 Insights and 2019-2023 Passports. NHTSA reviewed 475 reports, with 3 alleging a crash and 2 an injury. Many complaints say dealers could not reproduce the problem or called it normal. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Jan 17, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2019 Insight ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2019 Insight, from its eight recalls, a Honda warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel Pump May Fail, December 2023 NHTSA 23V858000
Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch NHTSA 23V158000
Fuel Pump May Fail, March 2021 NHTSA 21V215000
BCM Software Malfunction/FMVSS 103/111 NHTSA 20V771000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

21-016: A/C condenser leaks

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Automatic emergency braking
Screen and audio
Fuel pump
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Insight Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.