Model year guide

2020 Honda Insight

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Honda Insight is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 85 on record.

2020 Honda Insight — representative photo
Representative photo

2020 Honda Insight at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints31
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined52 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2020 Honda Insight recalls 6

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger NHTSA Campaign #26V332000 · manufacturer #Refer to Comments · 21/05/2026

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…

Fix: 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. T…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #23V858000 · manufacturer #KGC, KGD · 18/12/2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #21V215000 · manufacturer #Multiple Codes · 25/03/2021

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software NHTSA Campaign #20V798000 · manufacturer #K9E · 17/12/2020

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.

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.

Electrical System:body Control Module:software NHTSA Campaign #20V771000 · manufacturer #X95 · 10/12/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a …

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X95.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #20V314000 · 28/05/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2020 Honda Insight common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2020 Honda Insight safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 9.3% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 Honda INSIGHT 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2020 Honda Insight MPG & running costs

Combined52 mpg
City55 mpg
Highway49 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,300
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume98 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,500 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Honda Insight costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,500
Fuel only$6,500
Per mile$0.09

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
183.5 in
Width
74.0 in
Height
55.5 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,047 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Honda Insight. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking Open

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration.Hond…

NHTSA #EA25002 · Forward Collision Avoidance · opened Jan 2025

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking Closed

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration.Hond…

NHTSA #PE24008 · Forward Collision Avoidance · opened Mar 2024 · closed Jan 2025

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 50

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 50.

Service Bulletin - The ACC system error message comes on while driving when outside temperatures are low/near freezing due to snow and ice getting stuck to the front of the millimeter wave radar. This can cause DTC P2583-76 (Temporary stop of Integrated Driver…

Bulletin A21-068 · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2023

Service News - If an Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem comes back on when the vehicle is driven in freezing conditions, inform the customer it is likely due to snow or ice buildup on the radar. Advise the customer of the following procedure to clean the f…

Bulletin A21080A · Forward Collision Avoidance, Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following re…

Bulletin ATI&03272023904 · Parking Brake · Mar 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following re…

Bulletin ATI&03102023904 · Parking Brake · Mar 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following re…

Bulletin ATI&02232023903 · Parking Brake · Feb 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements:…

Bulletin ATI&02072023904 · Parking Brake · Feb 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below.

Bulletin ATI&01182023903 · Parking Brake · Jan 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below.

Bulletin ATI&01032023902 · Parking Brake, Suspension, Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following re…

Bulletin ATI&12132022901 · Parking Brake · Dec 2022

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2018-2022 Accord Hybrids, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids & 2019-2022 Insights that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following re…

Bulletin ATI&11282022907 · Parking Brake, Equipment · Nov 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the INSIGHT FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 6

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 Honda Insight. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recall no. 2024-059. If the weight sensor fails, the SRS warning light would turn on in the instrume…

Transport Canada #2026251 · May 2026

Fuel System

Issue: This recall is for low-pressure fuel pumps installed on certain vehicles or sold at dealerships as a replacement part. On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall replac…

Transport Canada #2024262 · May 2024

Fuel System

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2024-262. Issue: This recall is for low-pressure fuel pumps installed on certain vehicles or sold at dealerships as a replacement part. On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a s…

Transport Canada #2023679 · Dec 2023

Fuel System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This is an expansion of Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-236. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a cr…

Transport Canada #2021182 · Mar 2021

Powertrain

Issue: On certain vehicles, the DC-DC converter may shut down in cold temperatures due to a software error. If this happens, the 12-V battery would stop charging and a warning light would turn on in the instrument cluster. If you continue to drive with this warning on, the 12-V battery can discharge and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wh…

Transport Canada #2020626 · Dec 2020

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the Body Control Module (BCM) could cause different systems and warnings to stop working. This can include: the window defrosting/defogging system, windshield wipers, turn signals and lights, rearview camera display, and power windows. Safety Risk: Vehicle systems that stop working suddenly could increase the risk of a crash or…

Transport Canada #2020611 · Dec 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Honda Insight

The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric car manufactured and marketed by Honda. Its first generation was a three-door, two-seat liftback coupé (1999–2006) and its second generation was a five-door, five-seat liftback (2009–2014). In its third generation it was a four-door sedan (2018–2022), and in its fourth generation it became a five-door crossover SUV (2026–present). It was Honda's first model with Integrated Motor Assist system and the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability for the length of its production run.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2020 Honda Insight vehicles on record

Other Honda Insight model years

2020 Honda Insight — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Honda Insight have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2020 Honda Insight. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Insight?

Across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance, electrical system, power train.

What is the 2020 Honda Insight safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2020 Honda Insight an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Honda Insight get?

The 2020 Honda Insight has a U.S. EPA estimate of 52 mpg combined (55 city / 49 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.