Is the 2021 Honda INSIGHT reliable?

The 2021 Honda INSIGHT has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda INSIGHT?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (10 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda INSIGHT?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Honda INSIGHT?

The 2021 Honda INSIGHT gets 52 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $923. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Honda INSIGHT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Honda INSIGHT is approximately $1,586/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Honda INSIGHT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda INSIGHT has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 50. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: 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 supposed to help you ha. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

10 complaints

28%

• 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 supposed to help you ha
• 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 vehicle in front ent
• 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 whil

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 supposed to help you ha”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER17/12/2020

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.

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Honda INSIGHT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$923

Per month

$77

Per mile

7.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$873/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$980/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda INSIGHT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,586

Full coverage / month

$132

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1586

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda INSIGHT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 INSIGHT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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 supposed to help you ha
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
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 t
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: ON TWO OCCASIONS I'VE HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM EROR MESSAGE POP UP ON MY HOME SCREEN INSIDE OF THE CAR AND ON THE HONDALINK APP 12/09/2020 AND ON 12/18/2020. I WAS LEAVING WORK ON BOTH INCIDENTS. THE MESSAGE READS: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM OR THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOW. I THERE IS NO RESISTA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 1/23/21. ON 2/4/21, I WAS DRIVING IN DOBSON, NC, WHEN THE POWER CONTROL UNIT (PCU) MALFUNCTIONED, LEADING TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS. I THEN BA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)