MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Honda Insight

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Honda Insight

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
24Complaints
3Investigations
ABOUT THE HONDA INSIGHT

The Honda Insight is a compact hybrid sedan that ran from 2019 through 2022, targeting fuel-conscious commuters who want a practical, technology-forward alternative to the Civic or Corolla. Positioned squarely in the mainstream compact segment, the Insight blends hybrid efficiency with a conventional four-door silhouette, appealing to urban and suburban buyers who prioritize sensible, low-drama transportation.

VERDICT

The 2021 Honda Insight earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Insight as a refined, comfortable compact hybrid that punches above its price point in interior quality and ride composure. Most praise its smooth hybrid powertrain and easy daily drivability. Some note that it lacks the sportier edge of segment rivals, but the overall consensus frames it as a sensible, well-rounded choice for practical-minded buyers.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15110

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 are expected to be mailed July 6, 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

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, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 8Unknown Or Other 5Service Brakes 4Air Bags 3Seats 3Electrical System 3

Other Insight years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15110), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Honda Insight 2021. Class rank 10 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure