VehicleVerdict

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 196 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.1 times the median Clarity Plug-In Hybrid year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 5 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (39), engine (25), and driver assistance (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

196

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years?

Clarity Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted196 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 196 complaints2019: 66 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3920%
Engine2513%
Driver Assistance2513%
Transmission1910%
Electrical System189%
Other189%
Speed Control126%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Brakes105%
Lighting95%
Airbags42%
Seat Belts21%
Body & Structure21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Steering11%

Does the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V858000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Here is an update to the issue I had raised with your office in March-April 2026: Honda Van Nuys performed the 35,000-mile routine maintenance on the Honda Clarity on February 24, 2026. At that time, Honda Van Nuys recommended (and I approved) that they clean the throttle. The odometer read…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 18, 2026 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH, WHEN HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING FAILED TO ALERT THE CONTACT OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 15, 2021 · crash

“I FILLED THE SEVEN GALLON GAS TANK YESTERDAY, AND THE DASHBOARD RANGE DISPLAY CALCULATED THE RANGE OF THE CAR ON GAS POWER AS 871 MILES. I HAVE BEEN DRIVEN MOSTLY ON ELECTRIC BATTERY POWER, BUT WITH ONLY SEVEN GALLONS OF GAS IN THE TANK, THAT RANGE IS ABSURD. NEW DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLES MIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 30, 2018

“WHEN VEHICLE IS IN ANY MODE THAT REQUIRE THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, IT PERSISTENTLY GETS STUCK IN A HIGH REV, HIGH RPM, STATE AT ANY SPEED. THIS CAUSES POWER FLUCTUATIONS AND EXTREME ENGINE NOISE. THIS CREATES CHALLENGING AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO THE SENSITIVE STATE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 2, 2018

“MOSTLY ALL THE TIME, THE ENGINE KICKS IN (CHARGE MODE) EVEN THE BATTERY IS AT FULL CHARGE. MOSTLY ALL THE TIME, HIGHWAY DRIVING OR JUST PICKING UP.. THE ENGINE IS AT ECO MODE, THE GAS ENGINE IS WORKING AT HIGH RPM. SOUNDS JUST LIKE A REGULAR ENGINE CAR AT 8RPM SOUND. SPEED AT 65MPH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 3, 2018

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 196 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 5 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years. It is one of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (39 complaints), engine (25 complaints), driver assistance (25 complaints).

Does the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.