NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Insight Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Insight scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda Insight achieved a perfect score in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This comprehensive achievement in federal testing underpins its Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100. The standard inclusion of crash-avoidance technology across all trim levels further strengthens this model's safety profile. Prospective owners should note the presence of three active recall campaigns.
The 2021 Honda Insight holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda Insight ranks 10 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 10 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Insight?
The 2021 model year represents the peak of the Insight's measured safety performance in the MotorCaliber Index, reaching 96/100 and climbing three points from the 2020 model's 93/100, both within the Exceptional band. That three-point gain was driven by a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this trim. The one area holding the Index below a theoretical ceiling is the defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20, a consequence of the three recall campaigns now attached to this model year. Two of those campaigns center on the occupant classification sensor that governs front passenger air bag deployment, a safety-critical function. The third targets the DC-DC converter shared with other 2020-2021 Honda hybrid models. The complaint picture adds nuance: 8 of the 24 unverified reports allege issues with the very forward collision avoidance system that earns full marks in the tech sub-score, a tension worth noting even though complaints are unverified allegations and not confirmed defects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Insight perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Insight achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in its overall safety rating from NHTSA. This assessment included 5-star scores across all individual categories: frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. The vehicle demonstrated a rollover risk of 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result. No star ratings are absent or not rated for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15110
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Insight have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2021 Insight. Two target the front passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, one spanning a broad Honda and Acura lineup and one covering a 2020-2022 Honda group. A third addresses the DC-DC converter in the propulsion system, shared with the 2020 CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available campaign descriptions.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER20V798000
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-12-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Insight?
NHTSA has logged 24 unverified owner complaints against the 2021 Insight. Alleged problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance (8 reports), Unknown Or Other (5), Service Brakes (4), Air Bags (3), Seats (3), and Electrical System (3). One alleged crash and one alleged injury are included in those unverified figures.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Insight?
Buyers considering a 2021 Honda Insight should prioritize a VIN check for open recalls. Three campaigns have been issued for the model year, including two addressing the occupant classification system and one for the DC-DC converter. These recall remedies are performed at no cost by any Honda dealer, regardless of prior ownership.
- The 2021 Insight's Safety Index of 96/100 is three points higher than the 2020 model's 93/100, marking the largest single-year Index gain across the Insight's recent history in the MotorCaliber dataset.
- Two separate recall campaigns, both issued after the model year closed, address the front passenger occupant classification sensor, meaning the air bag system's ability to detect a front passenger could be affected on unrepaired vehicles.
- The DC-DC converter recall issued in December 2020 applies specifically to 2020-2021 Insight vehicles and is the earliest of the three campaigns, so many examples may already have the remedy completed.
- Eight of the 24 unverified NHTSA complaints allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the single most reported component for this model year, which prospective buyers should ask about when reviewing a vehicle's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Insight places
The 2021 Honda Insight qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Insight safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Insight crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda Insight, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Honda Insight crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Honda Insight earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Insight have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda Insight. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda Insight?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Honda Insight. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Insight years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15110), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Insight 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 10 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.