VehicleVerdict

2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Clarity Plug-In Hybrid year — the 2019 model ranks #2 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 (12), engine (10), and speed control (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years?

Clarity Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted196 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 196 complaints2019: 66 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1218%
Engine1015%
Speed Control914%
Electrical System914%
Other711%
Driver Assistance46%
Transmission46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Brakes35%
Lighting23%
Seat Belts23%
Airbags12%

Does the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

20V326000Seat BeltsJune 4, 2020 · 128 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Z7L.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Currently the high voltage inverter is squealing, it is currently at the dealership. They have verified it is the inverter that is malfunctioning but they will not warrenty the repair because they are saying it needs to completely fail and throw a code. This is the right time to fix it prior to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 2026

“THE CAR DRIVES FINE WHEN THERE IS SUFFICIENT BATTERY. WHEN BATTERY LEVEL DROPS TO LOW (2 BARS) THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. THE ENGINE BECOMES SLUGGISH AND REVS UP QUITE A BIT. I HAVE DRIVEN ~650 MILES SO FAR AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ALREADY. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED ONLY ONCE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 21, 2019

“Currently the high voltage inverter is squealing, it is currently at the dealership. They have verified it is the inverter that is malfunctioning but they will not warrenty the repair because they are saying it needs to completely fail and throw a code. This is the right time to fix it prior to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 16, 2026

“MONDAY SEP 7, 2020 AROUND 11:20 AM UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IN PROCESS TO PARK IN OUR HOUSE GARAGE. WHEN SHE GOT ON THE DRIVE WAY, SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE AND STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE DOOR TO OPEN IT. THEN RELEASED THE BRAKE AND THE CAR MOVE FORWARD SLOWLY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 7, 2020 · crash

“The evaporator for my air conditioning unit failed. I have 43,000 miles miles on the vehicle and kept up the maintenance on the car directly with the dealership. When the A/C doesn't work, the car can't defrost the windshield properly, which is a USDOT defined safety issue.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 10, 2025

2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 2019 model at #2 of 5 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years. It is one of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).

Does the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 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.