2020 HONDA INSIGHT Complaints and Recall Information
The 2020 HONDA INSIGHT has 9 complaints and 293 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report unexpected automatic braking or "phantom braking" while driving, causing abrupt stops without the presence of obstacles. Some also report issues with multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously and systems such as brakes, Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance failing to function intermittently.
Common Issues- Phantom braking. The vehicle unexpectedly activates the automated braking system at highway speeds without any obstacle, causing abrupt deceleration and potential safety risks.
- Warning lights activation. Several unknown warning lights illuminate after starting the vehicle, including brake system warnings.
- Brake system failure. Brakes intermittently fail to function as intended alongside other driver-assist systems like Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance.
- Driver-assist malfunctions. Cruise Control, Lane Departure, and Forward Collision Avoidance systems fail intermittently, impacting vehicle safety features.
- Battery failure. Diagnosed by dealers after system malfunctions, associated with failures in brake pedal simulator and other electrical components.
- Loose engine splash plate. The engine splash plate detaches and drags under the vehicle, creating road debris and fire hazards while also affecting vehicle control.
A substantial number of recalls affect the 2020 HONDA INSIGHT. These recalls address defects in fuel delivery systems, electrical modules, and driver visibility components. Affected systems include the fuel pump, Body Control Module software, battery charging systems, and various safety-related electronics.
Recalls- Fuel pump failure. (NHTSA recall 23V858000) Approximately 2,490,460 vehicles including the 2020 Insight are recalled due to a fuel pump inside the tank that may fail, causing engine stalls and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge.
- Body Control Module software. (NHTSA recall 20V771000) About 737,233 vehicles affected by intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication among systems controlling windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, and power windows. Malfunctions increase crash risk. Dealers will update the BCM software at no cost.
- Fuel pump assembly defect. (NHTSA recall 20V314000) Around 135,995 vehicles including 2019-2020 Insights have low-pressure fuel pumps that may fail, causing engine stall. The fuel pump assembly will be replaced for free.
- Fuel pump expansion recall. (NHTSA recall 21V215000) Affecting 624,552 vehicles, including 2019-2020 Insights, the low-pressure fuel pump may fail causing engine stall. Dealers will replace the pump free of charge.
- Battery charging system software. (NHTSA recall 20V798000) About 27,838 vehicles, including 2020-2021 Insights, may experience DC-DC converter shutdowns that prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, risking loss of drive power. Dealers will update software free of charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs or unresolved safety defects related to braking, fuel systems, or electrical components should consider reviewing their rights under applicable state lemon laws. Persistent issues with these recalls or complaints may trigger additional consumer protections.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT Summary
2020
Model Year
9
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
4016078
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
2490460 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
624552 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
135995 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
27838 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
737233 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2122788FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2122787SERVICE BRAKES
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2112738FORWARD 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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2112737SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2112736ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2106775STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2062705FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2062704FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
2020 HONDA INSIGHT
ID: 2062703SERVICE BRAKES
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.