2018 Honda Clarity electric problems

honda logo

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.

2018 Honda Clarity electric

Social links

Common 2018 Honda Clarity electric problems

The 2018 Honda Clarity Electric has several common problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the low ground clearance of the car, which can cause damage to the bottom cover, muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, and lead to leaks. This problem can be particularly problematic when driving on uneven surfaces or in parking lots, as it can cause the car to scrape the ground.

Another common problem with the 2018 Honda Clarity Electric is the failure of the regular battery. This can cause the dashboard system to become erratic, with spurious notices, and eventually fail completely. When this happens, the car cannot be jump-started and must be towed to a service location, which can be inconvenient and expensive.

The charging process is also a common issue with the 2018 Honda Clarity Electric. While the car is generally considered to be reliable and economical, some owners have reported that the inconvenience of charging is a significant drawback. This can be particularly problematic for those who need to travel long distances or do not have access to a charging station.

In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the air conditioning system, which can fail annually and require expensive repairs. This can be a significant inconvenience, particularly in hot weather.

Finally, some owners have reported that the car can have a mind of its own, with the gas engine running for short periods of time even when the battery is fully charged. This can be confusing and frustrating, particularly for those who are not familiar with hybrid vehicles.

Overall, while the 2018 Honda Clarity Electric is generally considered to be a reliable and economical car, there are several common problems that owners have reported. These include low ground clearance, battery failure, charging issues, air conditioning problems, and unpredictable engine behavior.

2018 Honda Clarity electric engine

How long does a 2018 Honda Clarity battery last?

Your 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate laboriously depending on weather conditions type of battery, battery size, and driving habits.

Is Honda Clarity reliable?

In other words, the Clarity shares all its major drive components with other Honda vehicles. Those hybrid vehicles have been proven to be reliable so the Clarity should be as well. The big question mark is the traction battery, which is unique to the Clarity.

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.

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.

2018 Honda Clarity electric complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Honda Clarity electric.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Leave your review of 2018 Honda Clarity electric

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Honda Clarity electric problems:

Honda Clarity Complaints, Issues And Problems | Honda Clarity Forum
Honda Clarity Complaints, Issues And Problems | Honda Clarity Forum
https://www.clarityforum.com/forums/honda-clarity-complaints-issues-and-problems.561/

Have an issue with your 2018+ Honda Clarity? Share your complaints and discuss all related problems.

2018 Honda Clarity Reliability - Consumer Reports
2018 Honda Clarity Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/clarity/2018/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Climate System · Steering And Suspension · Brakes · EV Battery · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Engine Major.

The Worst EV company ever | Honda Clarity Forum
The Worst EV company ever | Honda Clarity Forum
https://www.clarityforum.com/threads/the-worst-ev-company-ever.2044/

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 ...

Honda Clarity Battery: FAQs, Replacement Guide & Common ...
Honda Clarity Battery: FAQs, Replacement Guide & Common ...
https://www.justanswer.com/honda/fm70u-2018-honda-clarity-hybrid-dead-battery-sitting.html

Dec 4, 2020 ... 2018 Honda Clarity hybrid had dead battery after sitting for 10 weeks (both my husband and I had Covid; he died - Answered by a verified ...

2018 Honda Clarity reliability is very poor. | Honda Clarity Forum
2018 Honda Clarity reliability is very poor. | Honda Clarity Forum
https://www.clarityforum.com/threads/2018-honda-clarity-reliability-is-very-poor.2293/

Jan 3, 2024 ... I love my 2018 Clarity which has given me zero mechanical problems since I bought it. The EV mileage has dwindled especially this winter but has ...

Other years of Honda Clarity electric

honda clarity electric 2019 photo
Clarity electric 2019
Honda

3

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda clarity electric 2020 photo
Clarity electric 2020
Honda

3

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda clarity electric 2017 photo
Clarity electric 2017
Honda

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda clarity electric 2018 photo
Clarity electric 2018
Honda

0

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2018 Honda Clarity electric?

Add car complaint
2018 Honda Clarity electric photo