2021 Honda Insight

25 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 17, 2026Port ST Lucie, FLUnknown or other

   The Honda infotainment screens have a history of "Phantom Touches". I have replaced my infotainment system once under warranty. The problem is that while out in sunlight the vehicle's infotainment system will randomly beep and change screens and functions on its own as bands of sunlight enter via the windshield or side windows. It is extremely distracting and things like switching music souces from blutooth source to radio, cutting in and out, swapping to the default screen saver, vehicle settings screens in the middle of turning in traffic are inherently hazardous. The Insight's windshield is already factory tinted at 70% VLT. Adding an IR rejecting window film will reduce the light passed below my state's ([XXX]) legal threshold. 90% VLT window film is not widely available and would still drop my VLT to 63% effective. This is an ongoing problem across models and years for at least 8-9 years. The infotainment center is already set at the 'normal' touchscreen sensitivity (vs. the more sensitive option). Covering the infortainment center screen with a piece of cardboard eliminates the distraction and phantom touches, but it also blocks safety warnings and my backup camera screen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11765752
2. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure Jun 8, 2026150,000 milesIrvington, NJAir bags1 injured

   The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger-side air bags suddenly deployed without impact. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags cracked the front windshield and injured the driver's arm. The police arrived at the scene, but no police report was filed. The contact was unsure whether the driver had received medical attention. The contact's daughter had someone drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11742632
3. Filed Apr 11, 2026Failure Apr 10, 2026Mt Sterling, OHBody

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11730558
4. Filed Jan 23, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2025Portland, ORFuel/propulsion system

   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 a presumptuous statement I refuted, but they wouldn’t take off, and I felt this is a warranty or recall item. There are lots of speed bumps in the North Portland neighborhood, which may have caused the problem by cable scraping. I believe they documented it as rodents to escape their extended warranty contract requirements. I purchased an O2 sensor, which my independent said I don’t need to use it after taping the scrape as there’s no electronic issues being reported in the system. I would like this investigated and them pay for the sensor I apparently don’t need to install.

   NHTSA complaint 11712835
5. Filed Dec 26, 2025Failure Dec 19, 2025Stone Mountain, GASeats

   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 of parts, contrary to the notice saying parts are available.

   NHTSA complaint 11707122
6. Filed Nov 24, 2025Failure Nov 21, 2025Chino Hills, CAEngine

   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 driving, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. Other honda hybrids during this year have been recalled but not by my VIN number, however I am having the exact same issue. Below has me give a specific date but this happens almost every morning.

   NHTSA complaint 11701339
7. Filed Nov 12, 2025Failure Nov 10, 2025Miami, FLService 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 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 complaint 11699002
8. Filed Oct 31, 2025Failure Sep 30, 2025Tamuning, GUElectrical system

   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 daughters lives were jeopardized due to the part malfunctioning

   NHTSA complaint 11696866
9. Filed Jul 23, 2025Failure Jul 22, 2025Eugene, ORAutomatic emergency braking

   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 returned to normal. It is available for inspection. I have not spoken to the local Honda dealer about it, and there were no adverser repercussions. There were no prior warnings of any system malfunction.

   NHTSA complaint 11675632
10. Filed Jan 22, 2025Failure Jun 21, 2023Fairborn, OHAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11637606
11. Filed Sep 12, 2024Failure Sep 12, 2024Fairhope, ALUnknown or other

    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 pressures, applying necessary software updates, and accessing navigation and hands-free features, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. The system's failure distracts drivers and compromises critical vehicle safety functions, warranting an urgent recall investigation. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

    NHTSA complaint 11614324
12. Filed Sep 10, 2024Failure Mar 1, 2024Palm Desert, CAAir bags, Seats, Unknown or other

    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 date. Today, Sept. 10, 2024, I was told again that the dealer did not have the parts to perform the repair, and that it had no idea when it would receive them. I called the national Honda number. Same answer. I called 888-327-4236 to see if NHTSA had more information, held on the phone, then provided my number for a call back. When the NHTSA returned the call, the line was choppy. Either the call dropped, or she hung up on me. She did not call back. I have waited patiently for five months. Neither NHTSA nor my local Honda dealer is able or willing to tell me when this safety issue will be resolved. What is the problem and what is NHTSA doing about it?

    NHTSA complaint 11613881
13. Filed Jun 14, 2024Failure Jun 14, 2024Centerton, ARAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11594370
14. Filed Jun 4, 2024Failure Jun 4, 2024Oak Park, ILElectrical system, Seats

    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. Safety Risk In the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to the dealership and said that they are waiting for the parts from the manufacturer. It has been 4 months and have not heard back from the dealership nor from the manufacturer. The safety risk states in the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury, which is very concerning. Please contact Honda manufacturer to get the parts ready and have it replaced at their earliest convenience.

    NHTSA complaint 11592410
15. Filed Sep 16, 2023Failure Sep 2, 2023Tustin, CAAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakes, Unknown 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 complaint 11544903
16. Filed Apr 7, 2023Failure Apr 6, 2023Concord, MAAdaptive cruise control

    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 case. I am writing to confirm that the issue is not resolved. I rarely drive the Insight but did so yesterday on a two lanes in each direction, limited access highway. Here are my experiences: On multiple occasions while driving at 60 mph in the right hand lane with ACC controlling the distance to the vehicle in front of me, the vehicle in front moved to the exit lane clearing the path in front of me. As the exiting vehicle slowed in the exit lane, the ACC applied the Insight's brakes, quickly reducing my speed to 30 mph in the driving lane. This sudden slow down exposed me to possible rear end collisions by following vehicles that were surprised by Insight's slowing in the driving lane. Once while driving at 70 mph in the passing lane with the ACC controlling the distance to the vehicle in front of me, the leading vehicle moved to the right lane, clearing the lane in front of me. When the Insight approached the vehicle that had moved to the driving lane and was then going at a slower speed, the Insight applied its brakes, quickly slowing the Insight to 40-50 mph. Again this sudden slowdown exposed me to a rear end collision by the vehicle behind me that was also going 70 mph. This is the same issue that I reported earlier. Despite the Honda dealer where I bought the vehicle servicing the ACC system under warranty, this unsafe issue still exists. It seems that the ACC is not "unlocking" from a leading vehicle when it moves to the right despite the path directly forward being clear. Please advise as to Honda's next step in resolving this safety issue. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

    NHTSA complaint 11515959
17. Filed Jan 21, 2023Failure Jan 14, 2023Asbury Park, NJWarnings

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11502908
18. Filed Dec 16, 2022Failure Dec 12, 2022san francisco, CAExterior lighting, Service brakes, Unknown 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 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 complaint 11497733
19. Filed Nov 14, 2022Failure Nov 14, 2022Granbury, TXBlind spot detection

    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 has also lighted while driving in the rain with no vehicles around.

    NHTSA complaint 11493465
20. Filed Oct 27, 2022Failure Oct 24, 2022Toluca Lake, CAUnknown or other

    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 times. I tried to turn this feature off but Honda does not have an option for that. Displaying the incorrect speed limit is a huge liability for the owner of the car if they decide to lend it to a friend or rent it out.

    NHTSA complaint 11491121