2021 Honda Insight: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Honda Insight: 3 recalls, 25 owner complaints and up to 52 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #20V798000 · 2020 · 27,838 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V064000 · 2024 · 750,114 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall.
Airbags Vehicle recall #26V332000 · 2026 · 98,892 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Honda Insight has 25 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Insight model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 32). Complaints peaked in 2025 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 4,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (31 complaints, 6 recalls), 2022 (33 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 | 49 | 52 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Honda Insight.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Honda Insight have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Honda Insight. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Honda Insight problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (8), other / unknown (6), brakes (4).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Honda Insight get?
EPA ratings run up to 52 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Honda Insight repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.