2020 Honda Insight Safety Report

The 2020 Honda Insight presents a mixed safety picture, excelling in crash test performance but showing concerning patterns in driver-assist system malfunctions and critical component failures. With a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 5 stars in Frontal, Side, and Rollover tests, the vehicle demonstrates strong passive safety. However, its 28 total complaints, despite no reported crashes or deaths, include 2 injuries, indicating some active safety system issues can lead to hazardous situations. A significant concern is the high number of complaints related to the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, accounting for 6 of the 28 complaints. Multiple reports describe 'phantom braking' incidents where the vehicle unexpectedly slams on its brakes at highway speeds or in clear intersections, causing sudden deceleration and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. This issue is severe enough to have caused injuries in some instances. Additionally, there are 5 recalls, with three specifically addressing fuel pump failures that can lead to engine stalls, and two others concerning electrical system issues (DC-DC converter shutdown and Body Control Module software errors) that can result in loss of drive power or critical system malfunctions like inoperative wipers or exterior lighting. These recalls highlight potential critical failures that could compromise safety. Beyond the driver-assist and recall-related issues, other complaints point to problems with the 'STRUCTURE' (3 complaints), including a vibrating hood and a loose engine splash plate, and 'POWER TRAIN' issues (2 complaints), including transmission problems and loss of acceleration. The recurring nature of fuel pump recalls (three separate campaigns) for this model year underscores a persistent manufacturing defect. While the vehicle's crashworthiness is top-tier, the prevalence of active safety system malfunctions and critical component recalls suggests that owners may face unexpected and potentially dangerous operational issues.

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Honda Insight boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant 'phantom braking' issues and multiple critical recalls for fuel pump and electrical system failures. Prioritize checking if all recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the forward collision avoidance system and powertrain.