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2021 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.

70out of 100
Good

Ranks 2nd of the 4 years of the 2019–2022 Insight we score.

Owner complaints
25
2 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars
19.2
11,967 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car
1.2×
same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes
11
crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls
3
NHTSA crash rating
5★
overall, out of 5
Honda Insight, 3rd generation (2019–2022)
← 2020 Insight2022 Insight →

Should You Buy the 2021 Honda Insight?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Honda Insight is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd 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 (6 of 25 complaints). Owners also complain about adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. 11 of the 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 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 and the 2022 scores 69.

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 70
  • No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
  • 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
  • 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

  • Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead6 complaints
  • Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead2 complaints
  • Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own2 complaints

How the 2021 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
ItemVs averagePoints lost
Starting score100
Serious problems11 complaints · average car: about 8.51.3×−12
Everyday problems12 complaints · average car: about 111.1×−5
Problems in the last two years4 complaints · average car: about 5.90.74×−8
Recalls3 recalls · average car: about 3.80.86×−5
Score70

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 25 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Insight, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

  1. Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead

    6 complaints (24%)

    Hard braking with nothing ahead. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.

  2. Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead

    2 complaints (8%)

    Hard braking with nothing ahead. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.

  3. Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own

    2 complaints (8%)

    The system acting on its own.

  4. Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure

    2 complaints (8%)

    A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

  5. Screen and audio failure

    2 complaints (8%)

    A failure and problems that come and go.

  6. Brake pedal simulator: parts breaking or coming apart

    2 complaints (8%)

    Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.

Reported Once (9)

Show the 9 problems reported once
  • Airbags: no deployment in a crash
  • Brakes: warning lights
  • Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
  • Headlights: stopped working
  • Driver-assist camera and radar: wrong readings
  • Hood: vibration or shudder
  • Oxygen sensor: damage
  • Side blind zone alert: the system acting on its own
  • Shifter or park: stopped working

How the 2021 Honda Insight Compares With Other Years

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

YearRatingScoreVs averagePer 10k carsRecallsMost reported problem
2022Caution691.4×18.43Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021 This yearGood701.2×19.23Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2020Good701.3×20.36Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019Good710.97×24.48Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
See every Insight year

2021 Honda Insight Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2021 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.

2021 Honda Insight Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension for the 2021 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)

2021 Honda Insight NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened three investigations that cover the 2021 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 DP22005Opening 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 PE24008Opening 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 EA25002Opening report (PDF)Open since Jan 17, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 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 2021 Insight, from its three 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.

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.
  • Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning
  • 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.