2017 Honda Clarity electric problems
The Honda Clarity is a nameplate used by Honda on alternative fuel vehicles. It was initially used only on hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles such as the 2008 Honda FCX Clarity, but in 2017 the nameplate was expanded to include the battery-electric Honda Clarity Electric and the plug-in hybrid electric Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, in addition to the next generation Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Clarity production ended in August 2021 with US leases for the fuel cell variant continuing through to 2022.
Honda FCX Clarity (2008–2014)
History
The Honda FCX Clarity is based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept and only available as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity had electric car qualities such as zero emissions while offering five minute refueling times and long range in a full function large sedan. It was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle available to retail customers.
Production began in June 2008 with leasing in the U.S. commenced in July 2008. It was introduced in Japan in November 2008. The FCX Clarity was available for lease in the U.S., Japan and Europe. In the U.S., it was only available to customers who live in Southern California where several hydrogen fuel stations are available. FCX Clarity were leased for US$600 a month in 2010, including collision coverage, maintenance, roadside assistance and hydrogen fuel. There were around 10 others on lease in Japan and another 10 in Europe in 2009. One of the reasons for such a low number of cars in the U.S. was a lack of hydrogen filling stations. In 2014 Honda announced to phase out the FCX Clarity. From 2008 to 2015, Honda leased a total of 48 FCX units in the US.
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Common 2017 Honda Clarity electric problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2017 Honda Clarity Electric, several common problems have been reported:
- Battery Failure: Complaints include regular battery failures leading to erratic dashboard notifications and complete system failure. Owners have reported instances where the car needed to be towed to a service location due to the failure of the regular battery, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns.
- Charging System Problems: Owners have experienced issues with the plug-in charging system, resulting in error messages like "Plug-in Charging System Problem Range Limited" along with the "Power System" and "Check Engine" lights turning on. This problem can be related to unstable voltage when charging at public charging ports, leading to the automatic circuit cut-off protection from the car kicking in and preventing the system from charging properly .
- Recall for Electric Water Pump: A recall was issued for the 2017-2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell due to a potential failure of the electric water pump. This issue could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda initiated a recall to replace the water pump in affected vehicles to address this safety concern.
These problems reported by owners of the 2017 Honda Clarity Electric highlight various issues ranging from ground clearance challenges to critical component failures like the battery and water pump. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a smoother driving experience for Honda Clarity owners.
How long will a Honda Clarity battery last?
How often should you replace your 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested regularly for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a dependable level.
Why did Honda discontinue the Clarity plug-in?
According to Honda's official statement on why the Clarity FCV was being pulled from its line-up, it cited a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, a lackluster market reception, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.
Is Honda Clarity plug-in a good car?
Offered as either a plug-in hybrid or a hydrogen fuel cell, the 2021 Clarity is a very different kind of Honda. Despite its advanced methods of propulsion, the Clarity still functions quite nicely as a mid-size family sedan, and its fuel efficiency is beyond reproach.
Why won't my Honda Clarity charge?
Make sure the charging connector and inlet are clean. u If you find any contamination or foreign object in the connector or inlet, contact an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer. Make sure the charging cable is dry. u Check that there is no water in the immediate area, and that your hands are dry.
2017 Honda Clarity electric car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Clarity electric problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Honda Clarity electric vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2017 Honda Clarity electric complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Honda Clarity electric.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-15
- VIN: JHMZC6F34HC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AFTER CAR WAS CHARGED OVERNIGHT, WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY YELLOW WARNING LIGHT AND MESSAGE INDICATED CAR SHOULD BE TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE, AND A WARNING LIGHT THAT BATTERY WAS LOW AND WOULD TRANSITION TO LOW POWER MODE. THIS INFORMATION WAS IN CONFLICT WITH THE CHARGE INDICATOR WHICH ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DRIVABLE RANGE OF APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES. WHILE MANEUVERING OFF THE FREEWAY ALL POWER SYSTEMS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THIS WAS ON A DOWNWARD-SLOPING OFFRAMP WHERE THE FAILURE OF THE POWER ASSIST BRAKES AND STEERING MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER 21 DAYS AGO WITH 111 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AS OF TODAY (12/5/2017), DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Honda Clarity electric problems:
The Worst EV company ever | Honda Clarity Forum
Jan 25, 2023 ... Voltage fluctuation is part of electric grid that is governed by electric grid standards. Let me know if this problem is common among Honda ...
Plug-in charging system problem | Page 5 | Inside EVS Forum
2017 Honda Clarity Electric Charging Problem ... Chargers at other places I frequent have never given me a problem ... No problems at the one Charge ...
Honda Clarity Forum
Forum to discuss the Honda Clarity Electric EV. ... 2018+ Honda Clarity Complaints, Issues, Problems, Defects, TSBs and Recalls ... Honda Clarity 2017-2020 Fuel ...
Sell my 2018 Clarity or not? | Inside EVS Forum
So there's no car on the horizon that can replace a Clarity PHEV for what it is. I have one of the first 2017 Claritys. I've had problems with ...
Scary problem. | Honda Clarity Forum
Jan 23, 2019 ... I know slow charging NiCd, NiMh, and Li-iON batteries is a lower temp way of getting a full charge - wonder if it applies to the EV battery ...
Other years of Honda Clarity electric
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