2021 Honda Insight problems
The Honda Insight (ホンダ・インサイト, Honda Insaito) is a hybrid electric vehicle that is manufactured and marketed by Honda. Its first generation was a two-door, two passenger liftback (1999–2006) and in its second generation was a four-door, five passenger liftback (2009–2014). In its third generation, it became a four-door sedan (2018–2022). 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.
Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in Japan in February 2009 and in the United States on March 24, 2009. The Insight was the least expensive hybrid available in the US. In December 2010, Honda introduced a less expensive base model for the 2011 model year. The Insight was launched in April 2009 in the UK as the lowest priced hybrid on the market and became the best selling hybrid for the month.
The Insight ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for the month of April 2009, a first for a hybrid model. During its first twelve months after first available in the Japanese market, the second-generation Insight sold 143,015 units around the world. In July 2014, Honda announced the end of production of the Insight for the 2015 model, together with the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car and the Honda Fit EV electric car.
At the 2018 North American International Auto Show, Honda announced the third-generation Honda Insight prototype, based on the tenth-generation Honda Civic sedan. Unlike the previous Insight, it was a traditional sedan, not a five-door liftback. The third-generation Insight went on sale later that year.
In April 2022, Honda announced that the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June. It has been replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.
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Common 2021 Honda Insight problems
The Honda Insight, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, has had some issues in specific model years. While the 2021 model has received positive reviews, it is essential to be aware of potential problems that could arise.
One common issue with the Honda Insight is the battery system, which has been problematic in earlier models, particularly between 2000 and 2006.
The air conditioning system in some model years may pose problems, with some owners reporting inadequate cooling or malfunctioning components.
In the 2020 and 2021 models, there have been recalls related to the DC-DC converter, which may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
Another recall issue in 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles is a software error that may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and various systems, such as windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation.
In 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. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
In summary, while the 2021 Honda Insight has received positive reviews, it is essential to be aware of potential issues, such as battery system problems in earlier models and recalls related to the DC-DC converter and fuel pump. Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the common problem Honda Insight?
Problem: It is common on the Honda Insight for the fuel cap release switch to fail. The fuel cap release switch is located at the right hand side of the drivers side footwell and the problem is caused by corrosion, or failure of the release spring.
Why Honda Insight is not selling?
Fuel Economy
However, subsequent design changes to the model (including adding more seats) decreased the MPG, thus allowing the Prius to usurp it in terms of sales. The Insight never recovered, and earlier this month, Honda dealers announced they would no longer be ordering more Insights for their lots.
Is the Honda Insight a reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 16% for the Honda Insight, compared to an average of 9% for alternative fuel vehicles and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Why did Honda stop making the Honda Insight?
The End of a Classic Hybrid
Although the current Honda Insight is a 10th-generation Civic with styling tweaks and a hybrid powertrain, Honda wants to focus on using core models to increase hybrid volume. To further this goal, the company has announced that it will be investing in new, more efficient hybrid technology.
2021 Honda Insight car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Insight problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Air bags problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Honda Insight vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Honda Insight complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Honda Insight.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 19XZE4F56ME
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am urging your immediate attention to a safety issue affecting the 2021 Honda Insight. The vehicle’s infotainment system, which controls key safety features including the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), has failed. This malfunction prevents drivers from monitoring tire pressures, applying necessary software updates, and accessing navigation and hands-free features, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. The system's failure distracts drivers and compromises critical vehicle safety functions, warranting an urgent recall investigation. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 19XZE4F92ME
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I received the "important safety recall" letter in March 2024 from the Honda Automobile Division regarding the seat weight sensor circuit board. The letter said that in a crash, the airbags could deploy in a dangerous fashion. I have called my Honda dealer three times since that date. Today, Sept. 10, 2024, I was told again that the dealer did not have the parts to perform the repair, and that it had no idea when it would receive them. I called the national Honda number. Same answer. I called 888-327-4236 to see if NHTSA had more information, held on the phone, then provided my number for a call back. When the NHTSA returned the call, the line was choppy. Either the call dropped, or she hung up on me. She did not call back. I have waited patiently for five months. Neither NHTSA nor my local Honda dealer is able or willing to tell me when this safety issue will be resolved. What is the problem and what is NHTSA doing about it?
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 19XZE4F51ME
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Car emergency braking system engaged while there was nothing in front of the car. The automatic brakes were applied and the brake indicator flashed on the driver screen with no warning.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- VIN: 19XZE4F98ME
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: Summary American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 model year Insight vehicles. A capacitor in the printed circuit board of the front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and lead to an internal short circuit from the exposure to environmental humidity. Safety Risk In the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to the dealership and said that they are waiting for the parts from the manufacturer. It has been 4 months and have not heard back from the dealership nor from the manufacturer. The safety risk states in the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an infant in a child seat or child, increasing the risk of injury, which is very concerning. Please contact Honda manufacturer to get the parts ready and have it replaced at their earliest convenience.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-02
- VIN: 19XZE4F57ME
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: This has been happening with my two honda cads. I currently have Honda 2023 CRV and 2021 Honda Insight. the Collison Mitigation Braking System brakes really hard for no reason
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-06
- VIN: 19XZE4F99ME
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I previously reported this issue to NHTSA and was given the case number [XXX]. Here is my recent letter to Honda. RE: Case #[XXX] (I was informed that this case was closed) Although I did not agree that the adaptive cruise control issue was resolved, Honda closed the referenced case. I am writing to confirm that the issue is not resolved. I rarely drive the Insight but did so yesterday on a two lanes in each direction, limited access highway. Here are my experiences: On multiple occasions while driving at 60 mph in the right hand lane with ACC controlling the distance to the vehicle in front of me, the vehicle in front moved to the exit lane clearing the path in front of me. As the exiting vehicle slowed in the exit lane, the ACC applied the Insight's brakes, quickly reducing my speed to 30 mph in the driving lane. This sudden slow down exposed me to possible rear end collisions by following vehicles that were surprised by Insight's slowing in the driving lane. Once while driving at 70 mph in the passing lane with the ACC controlling the distance to the vehicle in front of me, the leading vehicle moved to the right lane, clearing the lane in front of me. When the Insight approached the vehicle that had moved to the driving lane and was then going at a slower speed, the Insight applied its brakes, quickly slowing the Insight to 40-50 mph. Again this sudden slowdown exposed me to a rear end collision by the vehicle behind me that was also going 70 mph. This is the same issue that I reported earlier. Despite the Honda dealer where I bought the vehicle servicing the ACC system under warranty, this unsafe issue still exists. It seems that the ACC is not "unlocking" from a leading vehicle when it moves to the right despite the path directly forward being clear. Please advise as to Honda's next step in resolving this safety issue. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-14
- VIN: 19XZE4F91ME
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Intermittently the car’s forward collision warning will flash and occasionally start applying the brake without any other vehicles or obstacles in front of me.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-12
- VIN: 19XZE4F91ME
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: driver side headlight failed. available for inspection upon request. can't drive without headlight on at nighttime or dark days. I haven't gone to dealer yet. not inspected by manufacturer yet. warning and message: headlight system problem. headlight performance may be reduced. see your dealer. First appeared on 12/12/22. and I was told by gateguard that my left headlight went out, complete off. there was no incident, I didn't even know that it was completely off.
LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-14
- VIN: 19XZE4F59ME
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Several times since purchasing this vehicle the blindspot warning has lighted when no vehicles are present. It has lighted while driving next to the k rail center barrier, driving in the middle lane of a 3 lane highway, also at night when no cars are around on a 2 lane road. It has also lighted while driving in the rain with no vehicles around.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-24
- VIN: 19XZE4F59ME
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Honda has a feature called "Traffic Sign Recognition System". With its mounted cameras the car is able to capture traffic signs while driving and display them on the dashboard. THE PROBLEM: the system is not very good at reading traffic signs and posts incorrect speed limits at times. I tried to turn this feature off but Honda does not have an option for that. Displaying the incorrect speed limit is a huge liability for the owner of the car if they decide to lend it to a friend or rent it out.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-31
- VIN: 19XZE4F99ME
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The recent NHTSA disclosure of issues with Honda's driver-assistance technologies causes me to write about the troubling performance of adaptive cruise control on my 2021 Insight. When following another vehicle on controlled access highways, the system works fine. However if the vehicle in front enters an exit lane and slows, my car is slowed to the point that the brakes are fully applied, causing vehicles behind me slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid rear-ending me. The ACC does not "let go" of the car in front of me.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-19
- VIN: 19XZE4F91ME
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I have had 6 times where the collision warning has slammed on the brakes when there is no vehicles on the road in front of me. This is very dangerous when vehicles are behind you. I'm afraid that this car is going to cause a reck and get me and my wife hurt. A device that is supposed to help you has the ability to get you hurt. The dealer said that they were unable to get it to do it, and that if I was afraid of it that I could turn it off. Dosen't that defeat the purpose of getting it in the first place. I think Honda is just trying to sweep it under the table. Who knows how many other vehicles they have out there with this problem.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19XZE4F50ME
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Honda Insight. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, a deer jumped in front of the vehicle causing the contact to hit the deer but none of the air bags deployed. The contact mentioned that the automatic brakes were engaged during the incident. No one was injured and a police report was filed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was awaiting an inspection. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-04
- VIN: 19XZE4F51ME
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 1/23/21. ON 2/4/21, I WAS DRIVING IN DOBSON, NC, WHEN THE POWER CONTROL UNIT (PCU) MALFUNCTIONED, LEADING TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS. I THEN BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVE AND STARTED ON MY WAY. AS I WAS DESCENDING A HILL, THE TRANSMISSION SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP WITH SOME BRAKING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO FLOW HONDA IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE PCU. WE PICKED UP THE CAR ON 2/9/21. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT FROM WINSTON-SALEM TO DURHAM, NC WITHOUT INCIDENT. SHE THEN DROVE ON I-40 TOWARDS OUR HOME IN RALEIGH, NC. WHILE TRAVELING ON I-40 AT 65 MPH, THE PCU MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN, AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. SHE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, AND THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE FROM TWO LANES OVER AND THEN COASTED TO THE EXIT TO SAFETY. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STARTED BUT WOULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK (IT COULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BUT WOULD REVERT TO PARK WHEN MY FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO CROWN HONDA OF DURHAM, WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-09
- VIN: 19XZE4F54ME
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS I'VE HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM EROR MESSAGE POP UP ON MY HOME SCREEN INSIDE OF THE CAR AND ON THE HONDALINK APP 12/09/2020 AND ON 12/18/2020. I WAS LEAVING WORK ON BOTH INCIDENTS. THE MESSAGE READS: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM OR THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOW. I THERE IS NO RESISTANCE FROM THE BARK PEDAL, DOWNSHIFT TO LOWER GEARS TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY STOP IN A SAFE PLACE AND CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. PART TWO: THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM. AVOID HIGH SPEEDS AND SUDDEN BRAKING. HAVE YOUR VEHICLES CHECKED BY A DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THE MESSAGE DISAPPEARS AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF BEING ON THE DISPLAY SCREEN. ALSO THE BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING MOSTLY WHEN I'M ABOUT TO TAKE OFF IN MOTION DURNING STARTUP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ON 01/15/2021. THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE BRAKE ERROR CODE THAT'S SHOWED UP BEFORE. THE TECH TEST DROVE MY CAR FOR 20 MILES AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. TODAY 01/16/2021 WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM THE STORE THE BRAKES SQUEAKED AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME WHEN I WAS BACKING THE CAR IN TO MY PARKING SPACE.
2021 Honda Insight recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Honda Insight.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: 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.
Negative 2021 Honda Insight car reviews
Positive 2021 Honda Insight car reviews
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I have been a loyal Honda owner for the past 13 years and have loved every one of them. Recently, I decided to purchase a new car due to my daily 80-mile round trip commute over the mountains and my 2005 CRV-SE getting old and thirsty. The main reason I chose this car was because of its impressive MPG, but the aesthetic was also a big bonus. I opted for the Touring Edition and my absolute favorite feature is the electric seats! As someone with old knees, I have the seat all the way up, which brings me to my only criticism of the car. At 5'6'', my big hair sometimes brushes the ceiling, which can be a bit annoying. However, this is a minor issue compared to how much I love everything else about the car. It is incredibly peppy and I have only driven in EV mode, even over mountains on the interstate with zero problems. Despite being a bit of a hard pedal pusher, I still get at least 46 MPG driving 70-75mph for most of my 65-mile daily commute. The cameras and adaptive cruise control are amazing assistants for night driving, making it a breathtaking experience. As someone who has never owned a hybrid before, I was worried that it wouldn't be powerful, but that is not a concern with this car. It is dynamic, beautiful, and reliable, all for the reasonable price of $27k. I highly recommend it!
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Love the car! It has a great drive and looks fantastic. I'm even getting better than projected MPG. However, there are a few areas that could use some improvement. Firstly, it would be great if the car came with a spare tire. Secondly, the road noise is a bit more than I would like, even with the standard Michelin green tires. Lastly, the passenger seat has no way to elevate or lower the seat. On a positive note, as of 7/8/22, the Insight is still running fine with no issues and I'm getting an impressive 55.5mpg!
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20K on 2020 Touring. I love driving this car because it gets an amazing 50MPG in the real world. When the engine note becomes irritating, I simply switch to sport mode and find relief. The driving dynamics are even better than my previous 2014 Accord Hybrid, which had 119K on the clock, albeit slightly more chop. Overall, I think this car would make a fantastic touring car for two people.
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It's a great car! The ride is so smooth and the technology is state of the art. Plus, being a Hybrid, it's great on gas and so much fun when riding in the HOV lane during rush hour on my way to work!!
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Love this car in every aspect. It's comfortable, economical, and fun to drive. I average 54 miles a gallon and I challenge myself to see if I can get better mileage every trip. The build quality is great and there are lots of neat gadgets. Overall, I give it an A++!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Honda Insight problems:
2021 Honda Insight Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Honda Insight? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2019+ Honda Insight Complaints, Issues & Problems | Gen 3 Insight ...
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Need advice : buying a used 2021 Insight EX : r/hondainsight
Aug 27, 2023 ... Hello all,. I'm planning to buy a used vehicle and I see several used 2021 Honda insight EX vehicles, 70-90k miles, priced at 16-17k USD.
2021 Honda Insight Problems, Issues & Complaints | Is it a Lemon?
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Honda Insight. Problems highlighted in consumer complaints to the NHTSA about the 2021 model are varied and cover issues ...
Other years of Honda Insight
Are you having problems with your 2021 Honda Insight?
Bobbie Thompson 2025-01-05
It's a nice car with great features, but the fuel efficiency could be better. Currently, I'm averaging 42 mpg, which is good compared to other cars, but it falls short of the EPA fuel efficiency projection. Additionally, the car sits quite low to the ground, which could be problematic for those with back or knee issues. Overall, I think the car is great, but addressing these concerns would make me more likely to recommend it to others.
Kennedy Rippin 2024-11-28
Good gas mileage. Although, I must say that the safety features are not up to the mark as compared to other cars I have owned. In case of even a little snow or rain, everything shuts down which can be quite frustrating. The time when you need the safety features the most is when you cannot depend on them. Additionally, the car sits quite low and there is a shield under the engine that keeps coming down. Honda has repaired it 4 times now and I do not have much confidence in their work.
Dock Sporer 2024-08-02
The car seems to have trouble staying in the lane when going around curves, even with the switches turned off. It's not my favorite vehicle, but perhaps it's just this particular one. It wouldn't be my first choice for a car.
Alessandro Kuphal 2024-05-10
There is a convenient ‘brake hold’ system. However, if you take off your seatbelt, it switches to parking break and requires you to release it in order to drive again, even if you have already put the seatbelt back on.