DecodedCars2019 Honda Insight
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 55 city / 49 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 85% better than the average 2019 midsize car (28.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Honda Insight is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,047 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (55 city / 49 highway), 85% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel system.
What changed for 2019
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 1.3L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 41 to 52
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Insight →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 183.5 in | 74 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,047 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 / 49 / 52 | +85% | $1,300 | 170 |
| Insight Touring Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 45 / 48 | +71% | $1,400 | 184 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
28.1 MPG2019 Midsize Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Honda Insight 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2019 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Honda Insight (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (8)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- 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. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Mar 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V158000 · 448,613 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
- Risk
- An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Mar 25, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V215000 · 624,552 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V771000 · 737,233 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 · May 28, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V314000 · 135,995 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Sep 27, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V664000 · 118 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners do not function as intended, there would be an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SRS unit, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B2R, C2P, and Z2Q.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V629000 · 232,140 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Accord and 2019 Honda Insight vehicles. In certain scenarios, the back-up camera center display may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- If the rearview camera display does not show what is behind the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the display audio unit software, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K2G and V2F.
Not every 2019 Honda Insight is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
99Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
19,600 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Honda Insight buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 15 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 13 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Honda Insight. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Insight years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 33 |
| 2021 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 25 |
| 2020 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 31 |
| 2014 Insight | 41 | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2013 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 43 |
| 2012 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 57 |
| 2011 Insight | 40 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2010 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 80 |
| 2006 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →