2020 HONDA Insight

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Honda Insight faces significant reliability concerns, primarily stemming from its electrical and fuel systems. The peak failure range of 0-20k miles highlights a troubling early-life risk that potential owners should be aware of.

Key Factor:Severe electrical and fuel issues

📋Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls related to critical components like the fuel system and electrical system is particularly alarming for families, especially those with children in the back seat. A malfunctioning fuel pump can lead to stalling, resulting in dangerous situations on the road. Additionally, issues with the electrical system, such as the DC-DC converter failing to recharge the battery, could compromise vehicle performance at crucial moments while driving. Families need to prioritize vehicles that safeguard their loved ones, and these defects may undermine that safety commitment.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

Year-over-year safety trends for Honda suggest a generally solid reputation; however, the 2020 Insight's record reveals a concerning uptick in recalls and complaints. Vehicles designed for family use must inspire confidence regarding safety features, making this model's reported issues more troubling than one would expect from Honda.

Safety & Reliability Score

54/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-1.35
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 HONDA Insight

Model Year2020
MakeHONDA
ModelInsight
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul20
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

6 complaints (22% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 27 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(7%)
🟡Medium
10(37%)
🟢Low
15(56%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failures occurring between 0-20k miles, current owners should remain vigilant during early use phases of their vehicle ownership. This suggests that problems could arise shortly after purchase or during regular commuting routines—an unsettling scenario for families relying on this vehicle for daily transportation.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 8 of 27 complaints (30% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (50%)
20k-40k
1 reports (13%)
40k-60k
2 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (13%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Fuel Pump

Issue: Low-pressure fuel pump may fail, risking engine stalling.

Schedule an inspection of the fuel system immediately to assess pump integrity.

🔍

Request information about any existing recalls or repairs related to the fuel pump before purchasing.

Campaigns:20V12320V128
2

Electrical System

Issue: DC-DC converter may shut down unexpectedly causing loss of drive power.

'Monitor battery performance closely and consult your dealer regarding potential updates or fixes for electrical issues.'

🔍

'Inquire about any software updates made or recalls addressed regarding the electrical system.'

Campaign:20V145
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HONDA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 20V798000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 20V314000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 20V771000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Summary

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 stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.

Consequence

Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 21V215000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 23V858000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Insight.

INV-2020-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Insight performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 38,576

Consumer Complaints

27 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Insight.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning22%
Accident15%
Battery11%
Stall11%
Noise11%
Display7%
Crash/Accident7%
Acceleration Issues7%
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This 2020 Honda Insight performed “phantom braking” of the automated braking system when I was about to enter a clear intersection with no vehicles or obstacles in front of me. It activated the automated braking system and endangered my life and the lives of others over no real threat. This occurred 08/23/2025. The car is well maintained and does not have any service issues. This was completely random.

Electrical🔶 Medium
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. During the failure, the brakes failed to function as intended, and the Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance features failed to function as intended. The failure was intermittent. During the first failure, the vehicle was turned off and restarted after several minutes and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer also determined that the brake pedal simulator had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Body/Interior⚠️ High
STRUCTURE

I was driving home from vacation when my engine splash plate came loose from my car on the interstate. The splash plate fell down and dragged on highway creating friction under my car. The metal had fallen down and was chipping away creating dangerous debris to my car and other cars on the highway. Roadside service was no help, per usual. I was traveling alone. The splash plate had to be removed entirely to prevent a fire and more damage to my car. I couldn’t remove the splash plate on the side of the interstate. I drove 30-40 mph to get help to prevent further damage or loss of property and my life.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was driving down the highway, with no one in front of me, and my car alerted BRAKE and brought my car from 70 to an almost complete stop. This jerked myself and my passenger and caused a heat mark from the seat belt on my collar bone. It has done it multiple times since then. I'm terrified to be in traffic and for it to do this. This is most definitely putting my safety at risk, and the safety of others. I have not taken it to the dealership yet.

Safety Systems🔵 Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was driving on a two lane road driving over a small paved bridge going about 40mph with a car next to me and a car behind me nothing in front of me when my car did a hard phantom brake. No pre warning, the display did show BRAKE and it did beep. But everything was sudden. Luckily the car behind was able to slam on brakes. The car behind me continued to follow but was at least 4 car lengths away. I assume bc they didn't know why I braked.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Insight. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the vehicle had stalled on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start-up. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Body/Interior🔶 Medium
STRUCTURE

The whole hood vibrates while driving or when is windy, very noticeable at times. It was replaced once, almost a year ago but now it needs to be replaced again. same problem eventually the latches will be damaged creating a very hazardous situation. This vehicle has not been on an accident

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

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.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS

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.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common problems reported with the 2020 Honda Insight?'

'Common issues reported include failures in both the fuel pump and various electrical components. These malfunctions can potentially impact driving performance and safety, making it essential for owners to stay informed about recalls.'

'How does Honda ensure safety in their vehicles like the Insight?'

'Honda employs rigorous testing protocols during production; however, even established manufacturers encounter defects after release. The presence of recalls suggests ongoing improvements but requires attentiveness from owners regarding maintenance and recall resolutions.'

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official HONDA records to ensure no 5 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in HONDA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every HONDA recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Insight iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a HONDA specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.