2021 Honda Clarity 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 2021 Honda Clarity problems
The 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is a vehicle that has garnered some attention due to certain issues reported by its owners. One common problem is the check engine light, which can be caused by various factors. A loose or dead battery is one possible reason, as the battery plays a crucial role in the car's functionality. Without a properly working battery, the car may not start, and essential features like headlights, radio, and phone charging may be affected. Another potential cause for the check engine light is a malfunctioning catalytic converter, which is responsible for converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide during the combustion process. A damaged catalytic converter can negatively impact engine performance, fuel economy, and even lead to overheating issues.
Another issue that has been reported is related to the Honda Clarity's A/C system, which has been described as having poor design and failing annually. This can result in significant repair costs for the vehicle's owners, potentially reaching thousands of dollars per year. The A/C system's poor design and frequent failures have raised concerns among those considering purchasing a used Clarity, as the expenses associated with these issues can outweigh any savings on gasoline.
The Honda Clarity's reliability has also been questioned, with some owners reporting multiple visits to the dealership for various repairs. These issues include software updates for over-reporting of EV range, wheel bearing replacements, and A/C condenser core replacements. The frequent need for repairs has led some owners to question Honda's commitment to engineering a reliable automobile and standing behind their product.
In addition to these issues, the Honda Clarity FCV, which was discontinued in 2021, faced challenges due to a lack of infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles, including a low market demand for fuel cell vehicles, a dearth of hydrogen fuel stations, and a lack of government subsidies for fuel cell vehicles. This lack of infrastructure contributed to the Clarity FCV's failure in the market.
In summary, the 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has been associated with several issues, including check engine light problems, A/C system failures, and reliability concerns. These issues have led some owners to question Honda's commitment to engineering a reliable automobile and standing behind their product. The Honda Clarity FCV, which was discontinued in 2021, faced challenges due to a lack of infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles.
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 is Honda discontinuing the Clarity?
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.
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.
Is there a recall on Honda Clarity?
2021 Honda Clarity Recalls
There have been no safety recalls issued from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2021 Honda Clarity complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Honda Clarity.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2021 Honda Clarity car reviews
Positive 2021 Honda Clarity car reviews
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I've been the proud owner of a 2019 Clarity for over a month now, and have driven it for about 2,800 miles. So far, I haven't encountered any issues - the car works exactly as expected! I use the electric mode for my daily commute and have taken a couple of extended road trips in HV mode. I'm happy to report that I'm averaging more than 100 mpg so far, and that number only goes up with more EV commuting weeks under my belt. It's worth noting that early bugs that you may have read about online for the 2018 model (such as charging problems and software glitches) appear to have been worked out for the 2019 model. The only exception I've experienced is that preconditioning via the HondaLink app became unavailable for two separate stretches of about a week until being fixed by app updates; it seems to be working now. (Hence 4 stars for technology, as well as for the awkward volume control universally mentioned in other reviews.) I'm happy to say that I've had zero issues with the car itself. With pricing and rebates available (I'm in NY), the deal is simply too good to pass up! This car offers so much in terms of technology and features for about $23K out the door. Just make sure to read up on how the drive options work; the few complaints I've seen in reviews appear to stem from a lack of understanding of how best to use the car. (For example, don't drive the battery down to 10% unless you are arriving at a charger imminently; instead, use HV mode well before getting to that point.) I'm happy to report that after more than a year of ownership and 15,000 miles, I still love the car and have zero regrets. I haven't had any problems - the car just works. I intend to continue owning this car for the long term. Battery life is unchanged, and I get mid-50s in upstate NY summer and mid-30s in the heart of winter for miles of range per full charge. My year-round average is probably around 45 miles of range per charge. Gas mileage in hybrid mode on the highway is around 42-44 mpg. Early problems with the app and remote preconditioning have largely gone away as the app has been updated.
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I've been driving my Clarity for 2300 miles now and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The advertised 48 miles of electric range has been surpassed as I'm getting around 55 miles, and the advertised 48 mpg of hybrid has been exceeded as I'm getting over 50 mpg. The interior is very quiet, spacious, comfortable and stylish. The only two things I don't like are the rear fenders over the rear tires style and the fact that the side mirrors don't fold in automatically when you park. However, I'm still very happy owning this car, and after 24k miles, everything is still as good as day one.
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Hello! I hope you're doing well. I noticed that you've been driving a Volt for 3 years, but unfortunately, your other car was totaled and you needed to buy a new one. I'm glad to hear that you've found a great replacement in the Honda Clarity! In my opinion, it's the best choice among all plug-in hybrid options. Not only does it have a similar electric and total range as the Volt (about 47 miles and 400 miles, respectively), but it's also incredibly spacious and comfortable. The tech is impressive, the seats are incredibly comfortable, and the ride is very smooth. Plus, it's great for the environment! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
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I'm currently at 1,900 miles and still have over half a tank of gas left. The mileage is incredible, and I can go up to 5,000 miles on a single tank of gas (7 gallon tank). I plug in at work for free, so my electricity cost is low. Charging at home usually costs me $1.40, and I can travel 50-60 miles per charge. My daily work commute is 56 miles, and I make it 99% of the time on all electric. I love this car because it's quiet, spacious, fast enough, and gets crazy gas mileage. I also own a Volt, but the Clarity PHEV is better in most ways. I have had no mechanical issues with it, and it still performs like new even after 56,000 miles. The PHEV Clarity is one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market. It's really saving me money with $6 gas in California. I can literally go months before I have to refill its small 7-gallon gas tank. As complex as this drive train is, it runs perfectly so far.
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Big Red (as I call her) suffered damage when she was rear-ended in September 2023. We were apart for 3 months while they found parts, but I battled the insurance company and they put her back together. Now, 90 days and $13k later, she is back and better than ever. The comfort, reliability, looks and quality remain true. As she is the Crimson Sunrise Red, a full detail was part of her time in 'rehab', and the compliments just keep coming. If you're looking for a car that's been well-maintained and is available at a decent price, now is the perfect time to discover what a full-size dose of Clarity can do for you.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Honda Clarity problems:
Honda Clarity Complaints, Issues And Problems | Honda Clarity Forum
Have an issue with your 2018+ Honda Clarity? Share your complaints and discuss all related problems.
Honda Clarity Battery: FAQs, Replacement Guide & Common ...
Dec 4, 2020 ... I'm sure this isn't easy on you. Did you have any issues prior to the dead battery or no?
The Worst EV company ever | Honda Clarity Forum
Jan 25, 2023 ... Let me know if this problem is common among Honda clarity cars. If it is common, there may be a chance to have a class action lawsuit. Like.
Emissions System Problem | Page 2 | Inside EVS Forum
They would probably have been happy to keep the loaner and you'd be happier driving your Clarity. Jul 10, 2021 ...
2018 Honda Clarity reliability is very poor. | Honda Clarity Forum
Jan 3, 2024 ... I sold my 2021 Clarity touring last month. 56k miles and never a problem. Yes, the guess o meter is not accurate. Don't use it as gospel - its a ...
Other years of Honda Clarity
Are you having problems with your 2021 Honda Clarity?
Chandler Greenfelder 2024-09-27
Leased a Fuel Cell Clarity, great car. However, Honda could improve their customer service by providing loaner cars when hydrogen stations are offline. Additionally, a recall took over 3 months to fix, which could be improved. It is important for Honda to ensure their CS reps are knowledgeable and able to provide better solutions. In contrast, Toyota proactively provides loaners to their customers.
Javonte Bartell 2024-09-23
The Clarity is a great car with a stunning exterior and an interior that surpasses many higher priced models. It comfortably accommodates five adults with ample leg room. The electric engine is powerful and quiet, providing good torque. However, the range is limited, especially in the Northeast during winter. The gas engine can be noisy and the transmission has been problematic. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, the issue was not resolved. The gas engine struggles to switch gears resulting in high RPMs between 15 to 35 mph. Unfortunately, there is no manual shift button to alleviate this issue. Despite these challenges, the Clarity is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable hybrid. However, I am considering other options such as a Tesla or a Toyota Hybrid. Thank you for considering my feedback.
Johnathan Jacobs 2024-09-19
I've been driving Hondas since 1991, starting with an Accord and then a Civic. I was initially drawn to their reliability, as well as their comfortable and tight handling. Recently, I was considering a plug-in or all-electric vehicle and test drove a Clarity. Unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of handling, so I decided not to purchase it.
Edwardo Pouros 2024-06-05
I leased a Honda Clarity Fuel vehicle and unfortunately experienced several issues with it. The hydrogen tank, fuel stack, water pump, and main circuit board all had recalls, which caused me to spend countless hours dealing with Honda customer service. While the representatives were friendly, they were not always able to provide me with the assistance I needed in a timely manner. I found it frustrating that they would promise to call me back within 24 to 48 hours, but then expect me to be available to answer their call at any time. It would have been much more convenient if they had offered alternative methods of communication, such as email or chat. Additionally, I was disappointed to find that the call back number they provided was often not answered, leading to a frustrating game of phone tag. Overall, I had a difficult time dealing with Honda's customer service and would caution others to consider this before leasing a vehicle from them.
Percy Casper 2024-04-09
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2020 Clarity Touring that I bought last September with 45,000 miles. I noticed that the car's MSRP shows it has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is true, but it only gives a warning when one of its tires is low. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the tire pressure to each tire. Additionally, I've found that the main battery only allows for 39-40 miles after being fully charged, rather than the advertised 48. Just wanted to give you a heads up!