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As more automakers move toward hybrid and electric-driven vehicles, the 2020 Honda Insight has grown in popularity. The newest model is hailed as a “hybrid of style and efficiency” by the automaker. Yet, customers can’t stop complaining about the defective electrical system, faulty engine and malfunctioning forward collision avoidance system.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021 2022
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Honda Insight
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Steering | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Back Over Prevention |
Problems with the Electrical System
With the hybrid technology, the electrical system must be in exceptional working order for everything to remain smooth, but that’s not the case.
One NHTSA complaint states, “While driving on the interstate where speed limit is 70 miles per hour, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw smoke coming out of the back of my car. I then saw warnings flashing from my dashboard saying, ‘AC Malfunction,’ ‘LKAS Malfunction’ and then another warning flashed saying, ‘Low Oil Fluid – Stop Car Do Not Drive.’ I coasted car to the side of the interstate and got out of the vehicle and called a towing service.”
There have been other major electrical problems. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V798000 states that nearly 28,000 vehicles are equipped with a defective DC-DC converter that can shut down during operation, leading to the loss of power. Without drive power, occupants are at risk for an accident. Plus, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V771000 goes on to discuss how 737,000 vehicles have a software error that’s running the Body Control Module. It can lead to malfunctions across the entire car, from the rearview mirror to the exterior lighting and windshield wipers. At this point, it might be better to list the electrical components that are actually working since the list is much smaller and easier to deal with.
Problems with the Engine
The engine isn’t shaping up to be that exciting either, with defects running rampant.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact stated that when accelerated to go up a small hill, the vehicle failed to accelerate. … contact stated that the vehicle stay stuck at 40 mph, the contact also stated that the speedometer bouncing up and down 42-20 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle takes 15 minutes to go up one speedometer. The contact called [dealer] and informed them of the failure, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment. … contact stated on another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the road, a flicker noise occurred, the vehicle stalled. … contact stated that she pushed the start button two or three times to engage the engine.
The vehicle was able to drive. In addition, the contact also stated that there was failure with the radar sensor, it built up with snow causing the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] where a test drive was completed with the contact and with her foot on the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to accelerate. … contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle battery had to be above 50 degrees to get enough power when the weather drops. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred.”
It appears there are multiple engine and fuel system issues to be aware of as well. For example, NHTSA Campaign Number 21V215000 states that over 600,000 vehicles may have a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail. If this happens, the engine can stall, leaving people at risk of a collision if other cars aren’t paying attention to what’s happening. At this point, drivers might be considered leaving the insight sitting on the side of the street, leading someone else to enjoy the “hybrid of style and efficiency.”
Problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance
A final issue that customers are dealing with is the failing forward collision avoidance system, which must run properly to protect occupants.
Here’s one more NHTSA complaint that explains the problem. “The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake engaged erroneously. … contact stated that the failure was intermittent. … contact stated that there was no object or vehicle nearby during the failure. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he has not contacted the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 33,000.”
While there isn’t a recall for any of these problems, there have been service bulletins written by Honda. Service Bulletin #A21-068 talks about how the ACC system might not work properly if the outside temperatures drop to or near freezing. The question is, do owners in the northern states know of this defect or are they surprised with it every winter? Beyond that, do dealers tell them this is simply a “normal” condition and there’s nothing to worry about. That seems to be the norm with Honda, which is why so many people are choosing to jump ship with all of the new “insight” given.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Honda pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Power Train, Suspension, Wheels |
| Date | Mar 05, 2023 |
| State | MO |
| Description | I believe the tire, wheel or suspension system failed while driving on the highway, causing me to hit my head on the driver's window and lose cosciousness. I skidded into a concrete barrier on the right side of the highway and was found unconscious at the scene. The damage to the passenger side body of the vehicle is minor and does not match the catastrophic failure of the wheel, leading me to believe the wheel failed and caused the crash, not that the crash resulted in the damage to the wheel. The vehicle is currently at a tow lot and available for inspection. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved, but I was injured and could have easily been killed, or injured and killed others as it is a busy highway, especially during rush hour when this occurred. Inspection by the insurance company is pending. The police did not investigate as a safety incident because they immediately said on site that almost all single vehicle accidents are drug/alcohol related and treated it like a dui stop. I passed field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer on scene and blood work at the hospital showed no drugs or alcohol in my system. I am missing time and memories starting about 5 minutes before the crash and for about 30 minutes after as a result of my concussion, I do not remember much besides a feeling that my car was falling, then I remember being woken up by the cop asking if I was under the influence. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Dec 14, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | On september 16, 2022, I was in an accident where a driver hit me on the rear passenger side. I went a through a green light of an intersection on the mopac n feeder road and duvall. Either both our lights were green or the other driver was dishonest and his was red. Every airbag deployed. Based on the impact, it would be highly unlikely to sustain a cracked sternum. The impact was to the right and slightly behind me. I have requested information from honda america on the airbags and they refuse. They further insulted me by telling to go to a dealership. After this, honda is the last car I would purchase or lease. Having worked at dealerships for many years, I am certain honda knows, as well as I do, that the dealer cannot or will not give me compete information on the airbags. My car was maintained and in amazing condition. The last time I was at first texas honda for service, the advisor brought it around because they were very busy. He said he was stunned it had 125,000 miles on it. It drove like it was brand new. Please see photos and reports. If you need any further information, please let me know. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 10, 2022 |
| State | NH |
| Description | Driving down highway at highway speed and car shot 52 failure codes. Car lost power and crawled to side of road. Nearly got rear ended multiple times trying to remove vehicle from roadway. Engine permanent codes u0111 u012d u0110 u12a5 u1206 u1205 anti lock brakes permanent codes u040168 can gateway permanent codes u0029-00 electric power train traction motor control module permanent code u1204 u12a5 u1205 u0100 u012d u1206 u0111 electric power steering permanent codes u0416-68 electric servo brake - permanent codes u0029-00 u0401-68 integrated driver support system - permanent codes u0418-92 c0023-f0 u0100-f1 u0122-f1 u0100-00 c0031-62 c0034-62 c003a-62 u0416-68 tire pressure monitoring permanent codes u040168 obdii codes u1204 u12a5 u1205 u0100 u012d u1206 u0111 obdii permanent codes u1206 u12a5 u1205 u0111 u012d u0110 over 41 codes documented and honda says there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Aug 06, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was driving at 65-70 mph on a freeway, and all of a sudden the car speed dropped even my foot is on the gas pedal, the car slow down to 40mph when decided to pull over to the shoulder, barely enough time to get out of danger. The car engine shot down by its self, I could not move the vehicle to the far right ass I wanted too. The warning light on dash board indicated in red " power system " bottom of it in white light " power system problem do not drive" then a minute later, the warning light changed to a red logo of a battery 12 volt battery charging system problem do not drive. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 27, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | On july 22, 2022 I was driving my honda insight 2020. I was on the highway, current mileage on vehicle 50,796 miles, my speed was normal at 65 mph when the car lost the ability to accelerate and it stalled. I was forced to make an emergency stop on the side of the interstate. Vehicle displayed on the dashboard "critical failure detected. Stop driving when safe" the acceleration on the car kept decreasing and when stop it displayed "power system problem. Do not drive." pulling to the side of the interstate was very scary because trucks were flying at about 80mph. I requested for tow company to pick me up but after hour wait, I gave up waiting on the tow truck. I restarted the vehicle and I was able to take off again. The fuel gas showed half of tank so I continue to drive. Forty miles later down the road, the same issue occurred again. I waited 30 minutes and since I was near a gas station I filled up the gas tank to full capacity. I drove another 100 miles (very skeptical) until I reached my final destination. During my drive I felt like the car had difficulties going into gear above 65mph. The following day I took the vehicle to the honda dealer, they said they couldn't pin point exactly what it is. Test show no issues on their diagnostic computer. However, the computer show a record of time and issue happening. They believe it is a fuel pump sensor relay. The vehicle senses I am out of fuel, which is not the case. Honda dealer will replace the sensor/relay and I will pay for it. The dealer states this vehicle is not part of a fuel pump recall. This issue needs to be addressed before it creates a scenario with fatalities, which can easily occur. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Mar 10, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I have had 2 occasions when I experienced inadvertent spontaneous braking. Both times there was no vehicle in front of me. Both times the car stopped completely while driving in the city between 25 to 35mph. Fortunately there was no vehicle behind me either time and I did not sustain any injuries. |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 01, 2022 |
| State | AL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 honda insight. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake engaged erroneously. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that there was no object or vehicle nearby during the failure. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he has not contacted the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 33,000. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Feb 28, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | In 3 instances the emergency braking system has activated when the car was being driven on the freeway and the lane was curving with no obstacles in front of the car in the lane but a semi truck in the next lane over in one instance and cars in the next lane over in the other instances. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Feb 25, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Two instances of braking system activating at highway speeds. In one instance, it was broad daylight, there was some traffic but nothing in my lane for a good distance, highway speed (approximately 65 mph) short sharp braking maneuver that dropped the speed approximately 10mph. I assumed there was some reflected light off of a sign that messed with the sensors, but the second instance was at midnight, same highway, same speed, no one else on the road. In these instances, with light traffic, there was no danger to my safety but if this happens again under heavier traffic, it could conceivably cause someone to rear end the vehicle. I have not been able to reproduce the problem. There might've been a flash on the dashboard warning the system was activated, but I couldn't say for sure. Vehicle is available for inspection. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control |
| Date | Nov 22, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | The contact stated 2020 honda insight. The contact stated while driving approximately 4-5 mph through a drive-thru, the cruise control set button was tapped and the speed increased to 25 mph without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 05, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | While driving on the interstate where speed limit is 70 miles per hour, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw smoke coming out of the back of my car. I then saw warnings flashing from my dash board saying: ac malfunction, lkas malfunction,and then another warning flashed saying - low oil fluid, stop car do not drive. I coasted car to the side of the interstate and got out of vehicle and called towing service. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Steering, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 03, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Damage to the power steering linkage cable and oxygen sensor caused all adas systems to be offline including power steering. If this unit were to be damaged just enough and fail while driving this will likely result in a crash/collision as the car becomes completely undrivable. Luckily so far, this has happened when the vehicle was parked and did not cause any injury. I feel the vehicle is unsafe until they fix this issue. It has happened 3 times now and nothing seems to be being done about this issue as of yet from honda. This was brought forward to honda's attention with no affirmation that this is a problem. It first happened in september last year and has happened two additional times since. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention, Electrical System, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 02, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 honda insight. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v771000 (electrical system, back over prevention, visibility/wiper, visibility, exterior lighting). The contact stated while approaching the vehicle on 3/1/2021, she noticed someone sleeping inside the vehicle. The contact stated while calling the police department, the person got away. A police report was filed. The contact stated her anti-theft alert failed. The contact associated the failure with the recall campaign. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer vacaville honda (751 orange dr, vacaville, ca 95687, (707) 449-5900) to diagnosed. The results were still pending. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,126. Consumer was notified transmission needed to be replaced, vehicle is currently not a year old. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 30, 2020 |
| State | PA |
| Description | When putting the car in reverse, the car is making very loud 'dong dong dong' noise. This issue also occurs when the car is in idle (stop for the traffic light). I am not sure if the noise is from the hybrid system, but the noise make one's ears very uncomfortable. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 15, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | ~tl-the contact owns a 2020 honda insight. The contact stated that when accelerate to go up a small hill, the vehicle failed to accelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle stay stock at 40 mph, the contact also stated that the speedometer bouncing up and down 42-20 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle take 15 minutes to go up one speedometer. The contact called honda of hackettstown, 48 us-46, hackettstown, nj 07840, and informed them of the failure, the dealer informed the contact to schedule an appointment. The contact stated on another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the road, a flicker noise occurred, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she pushed the start button two or three times to engaged the engine. The vehicle was able to drive. In addition, the contact also stated that there was failure with the radar sensor, it build up with snow causing the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to madison honda, 280 main st, madison, nj 07940, where a test drive was completed with the contact, and with her foot on the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle battery had to be above 50 degree to get enough power when the weather drop. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The contact call back the same dealer and was informed that a case manager would call her back. The failure recurred and the contact mention she almost get hit by another vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was informed that the second engine needed to be connected to the first engine. The dealer was unable to find a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximate unknown. Aw*dt consumer stated she does not drive the car anymore.*jb |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Dec 11, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Very occasionally the car collision avoidance systems kicks in erratically. The car brakes automatically to reduce speed substantially. This can be very dangerous because someone might hit from the back. This has happened to me on city streets as well as the highway. I think it might be due to the collison sensor missclassifying signboards or overhead bridges as humans or cars |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Nov 16, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Driving alone on road doing 30 mph the car slammed on the brakes and slowed to about 20 mph while flashing "brake" in instrument cluster. No other cars on this road at the time. There were shadows across the road from sun and trees. Since I always drive the speed limit, if there is someone following me, they are usually right on my tail. I don't want to be shot for "brake checking" some redneck in a pickup when it isn't even me doing the braking. Nhtsa isn't doing it's job by allowing this issue to continue. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Sep 27, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Acc on, traveling 75mph on ih-10 e; car two lengths in front of me, in rh lane, pulls off onto exit ramp, my car slams on the brakes and brings my car down to 45mph, if there had been someone behind me there would have been an accident. Same hi-way, car 1/2 car length in front on my left. We go around a sloping curve to the right, my car again slams on the brakes, and I had to jump on my gas peddle, as there was a car behind me this time. Complained to my service manager and was told this was normal! Nope, nothing normal about this situation! Accident waiting to happen. Their solution, don't use cruise control! |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Aug 27, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Right after a day of purchased and driving back home. We did hear windy noise was coming out from the front of the vehicle by the driver side and took it back to the dealership and they have helped fix it for now. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jul 19, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I bought a 2020 honda insight in march 2020. I have 8,000 miles on it and just the three weeks ago I started having transmission problems. The dashboard illuminated saying transmission problem, see dealership. It's brand new. I took it to the lodi honda and the codes were a stuck selonied. They said there was no damage. Ok, it did it a second time and I am ready to give it back. Please help me. Scared of getting stranded on the road. I was driving on the highway. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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