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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Great car! I love how it combines Honda's quality gas engine with an electric vehicle (EV) mode that allows you to drive 100% electric for up to 48 miles per charge. On my last (7 gallon) tank of gas, I got an impressive 148 miles per gallon. Plus, I buy renewable energy at a great rate of 5.5 cents/kwh, which converts to about $1.84/gallon in an mpg calculation. This is such a sweet deal for a real car, not a tiny clown car!
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I absolutely love this car! It has been such a joy to drive and own. Despite the skirts on the rear wheel wells, which some people seem to like, there is really nothing to dislike about it. We were fortunate enough to receive a $7500 tax credit, and since December, we have driven over 5000 miles and only had to fill up the 7-gallon tank about 8 times. I have found that when driving on the highway, putting the car in HV mode actually improves overall MPG, leaving the battery charged for when I'm doing more city or stop-and-go driving. It's a bit strange to see the distance left going up as I coast or slightly brake, but who could hate that? The car is very comfortable inside, although it does annoy me a little that there is no driver-side lumbar support, but nothing is perfect. My only real regret is that we didn't get it sooner. As a very happy customer, I highly recommend this car!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Honda Clarity!
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The Honda Clarity is an exceptional car that I have owned for 4 1/2 years now. It has proven to be one of the best cars I have ever purchased, and I have driven over 6000 miles on just 21 gallons of gas. The car's battery averages 47 miles, which allows me to drive on EV for 85% of my trips. Even in the winter, when battery range drops, I still get around 35 miles of EV range. On HV, the car gets an impressive 42 mpg. The Clarity is a comfortable car that seats 5 people and has a spacious trunk. Although it is not a sports car, it hugs the road well. The deals on this car are amazing, making it one of the least expensive sedans on the market. If you are looking for a used PHEV, the Honda Clarity is the one to get. It is a hidden gem that is better than most PHEVs on the market.
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I live 12 miles away from my workplace, which makes for a 24-mile round trip. This distance is easily covered by the Clarity's all-electric range of about 50 miles in the summer. I received my Clarity on Feb 28, 2019, and it has quickly become our go-to car for long trips where we would otherwise use gasoline. Even in Hybrid mode, it still gets over 50mpg, usually 60mpg (unless the battery is depleted). Since I use the all-electric mode for my daily commute and local errands, I've averaged nearly 190mpg in the first 5500 miles. I'm thrilled to have a car that helps me reduce emissions and it's also very comfortable and responsive! Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my Clarity.
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?
Blaze Heaney 2025-11-11
I've had the car for 2.5 months and I absolutely love the quiet ride, handling, technology, and gas mileage. However, I have experienced a concerning issue three times now. When the car switches from battery to gas, it loses power and the engine revs really high, almost like it's in neutral. This is a very dangerous situation and I'm hoping Honda can address it. I've already taken it to the dealer once, but they couldn't replicate the issue. After doing some research online, I found that many other Honda Clarity owners have experienced the same problem. I hope Honda can fix this issue soon, as some have even described harrowing experiences. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Mark Reynolds 2025-11-09
Overall, the car performs nicely, is very comfortable, roomy, and has adequate storage space. However, I have noticed a decrease in the charging capacity of my 2020 Clarity hybrid. When I first purchased the car, I could charge it to 46 miles and get 46 miles of travel. However, after 8 months, it now only charges to 35 miles and provides 35 miles of travel. Despite taking the car to the dealer twice, they have reported no problems. As a knowledgeable and experienced driver, I am confident that this issue needs to be addressed and resolved.
Shayne Berge 2025-11-03
This car worked great for about 3 weeks. It ran almost completely on battery, my commute to work is only about 10 miles each way. However, I noticed that the engine started switching over to gas when there were still at least 20 miles left on the battery. I took it to the dealer, but they told me that it's supposed to switch between gas and battery like an Insight or a Prius. Although I was disappointed, I appreciate the dealer's explanation. I'm still learning about this PLUG IN HYBRID and how it works. I'm sure with time, I'll get used to it. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'm looking forward to exploring more of what this car has to offer.
Terrance Dickens 2025-08-19
In my first review, I asked the question: 'Why won't Honda ship the Clarity to Minnesota?' Now, after driving almost 10,000 miles, I have found the answer to be the cold weather. Even when parked in my attached garage, my car only charges to 30 empg, which is a significant decline from warm weather charging. However, I still manage to drive most days from the suburbs to the city and back without using any gasoline. Strategic grocery shopping where free chargers are available can help boost my range, but increasingly I have to switch from EV to HV mode. Despite this, my total gas consumption is only 30 gallons in 9600 miles, which is still not bad at all. However, the burning is significantly higher in the winter, just because my overnight charge is so much less. Traction isn't great, probably because of the manufacturer's tires, and the inability to shift to a lower gear without triggering regenerative braking has made it impossible to attack steep, slippery streets. Thankfully, my area is largely flat. I have learned that when approaching an ice-covered intersection, using the regenerative braking paddles brings me to a stop far safer and faster than just applying the brakes. When I accelerate while burning gas, the engine whines like it's a two-cylinder. Switching to Sport mode helps with this, but then I am burning more gas. Despite this, it's still a comfortable ride in most conditions, and there is plenty of back-seat space and a very generous trunk.
Mike Gibson 2025-07-11
If you happen to experience the issue of high revs and the engine turning on constantly while on EV mode, it can be frustrating. Unfortunately, Honda may deny responsibility for this issue. Additionally, cold temperatures can cause the engine to turn on more frequently and decrease the range, even in warmer climates like California. As someone who used to be a big Honda fan, I am disappointed with the way they are treating those of us who are experiencing these issues. However, I remain hopeful that they will address these concerns in the future.