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    GREEN CHOICE

    Honda Clarity

    EPA Range: 48 miles
    EPA MPG: 42 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Clarity has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Honda Clarity has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Honda Clarity owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Blowing hot air. Compressor leak was covered by dealer under Hondas extension of warranty. All good, repair was free and done in a day."

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "AC failed, was bad compressor. Found out that Honda had extended the warranty. Total replacement for no cost."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "The compressor leaked Freon and needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Recall addressed poor performance"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Since the recharge did not seem to fully recover the AC performance, I am speculating that the compressor may need servicing."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Automatic climate control

    "When hot outside the A/C did not cool the interior properly"

    Anonymous, (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Condenser

    "Condenser stopped working and was a known problem so they fixed for free. Had to bring it back because did not fix problem"

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Evaporator

    ""AC stopped blowing cold air. Took it into dealer because in 2023 the AC condenser had already been replaced. This time I was told the evaporator was leaking freon. It was going to be $2,000 to repair. However, the dealer spoke with a Honda Rep and agreed to split the cost with me so I paid $1000.""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "We hit a small rock on the road (like the ones that cause windshield cracks) and it perforated the AC radiator (which I think is called the evaporator)"

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "The AC stopped working and my mechanic did a recharge that seem to fix it although it does not appear to be working as well yet as before the problem occurred."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    ""They replaced the condensor after deciding that was the leaker, however, I was back in a few months with only half full refrigerant. They were unable to find the leak, charged it and said to bring it back if/when it's down again and they'll give me a loaner as it will take longer to remove the dash to check the evaporator.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "The punctured evaporator I told you about earlier caused a leak in the AC refrigerator fluid"

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Low battery-would not start vehicle. Required numerous jumps over a 3 month period. Replaced battery."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Electric)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "One rear brake light went out- waiting to repair."

    Anonymous A., OH (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    ""Daytime running lights quit one evening when my wife was driving behind me, they said it was a single unit (headlights and DRLs), which is obviously not correct as I can buy either component. This car is quite rare except in CA and service depts don't see them often. Just two days ago, a stranger asked if it was a new 2025 model as he'd never seen one...and that's happened before.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Headlights

    "Headlight got a leak and shorted out. New part was 1800. Got new part for 1000 and had it installed"

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    "Random glitch in system when it switches from battery to gas where it loses power and revs. It's a known issue with 2018 Claritys and Honda does not have/will not fix it."

    Anonymous A., GA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    EV Charging

    Won't charge at home; won't work with some public chargers; won't fully charge; charge connection; charge port door.

    What Owners Say

    Won't fully charge

    "Coolant pump for HV battery failed. Later hose failed and coolant for HV battery leaked out."

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Im a long time Honda buyer and this is reminiscent of when my clear coat failed on my Civic SI. The clear coat is failing on the bumpers (front and back) and the wing. A bit on the roof as well."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel door or charge port door

    "My fuel door (the gas one) sticks and has been slowly breaking over the last few years. Theres a weird pressurization of the gas tank and I have to wonder if that impacts / is related to its slow degradation"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Frequently and intermittently the regenerative braking paddle doesn't work. Because of its intermittent nature, the dealer hasn't been able to investigate.""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA

    NA
    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Charging
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 18, 2023
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V858000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2490460
    EQUIPMENT
    Apr 18, 2019
    A failure of the water pump can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. Internal components may corrode and cause the water pump to fail.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4N.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V315000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1082
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Dec 20, 2018
    A loss of power can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles previously repaired under recall 18V-068. The previous software remedy may have been incomplete. As a result, the fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have a partial or complete loss of power.
    What should you do:
    Honda has notified owners, and dealers will update the FC-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is A3O.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V921000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1082
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