Avoid: 2019, 2018 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2017
5 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 5 model years, the Honda Clarity has 227 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2018 drew the most complaints (160), 2017 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Honda Clarity vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2018 (160 complaints). Lowest: 2017 (5).
Mixed sentiment with a strong positive bias among long-term owners who appreciate the vehicle's core value proposition.
Recurrent and costly failures of both the evaporator and condenser components, described as a "ticking timebomb" in used vehicles. Repairs reported in the $2,500 USD range.
Complete failure of the main hybrid battery pack preventing the vehicle from starting or running, requiring replacement. One report of failure at approximately 65,000 miles.
Issues with Android Auto voice navigation cutting out when music is playing; auto day/night mode for the display not functioning; system requiring resets.
Inadequate fluid distribution, particularly on the driver's side wiper blade, leaving the top third of the windshield dry. Dealer service often states it is "to spec.".
Intermittent failures to charge, especially on Level 2 chargers, sometimes putting the vehicle into a "limp mode." Difficulty in diagnosing and repairing.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Clarity. Individual model years are broken down above.
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