2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
44
Owner Complaints
0
Recalls
9
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
The 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC has received a total of 44 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Unknown Or Other (7 complaints), Electrical System (5 complaints), and Engine (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
There are no recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC. No Active Recalls
Owner Complaints for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
44 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Assist | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The vehicle exhibits a dangerous electrical defect involving uncontrolled power-cycling. After shutting down the car, it automatically restarts itself in a continuous loop. During these episodes, the dashboard flickers, the drivetrain shudders, and the vehicle becomes unresponsive to manual 'Stop' button or brake inputs. Most critically, the car autostarts while parked in an enclosed garage. As a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), once the EV battery depletes, the internal combustion engine (ICE) engages automatically. This creates a life-threatening risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning for residents in the connected home. A Honda dealership has professionally diagnosed the cause as a failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This module failure also causes the anti-theft alarm to trigger uncontrollably and renders the keyless entry system inoperable. This defect turned the vehicle into a life-safety hazard in a residential setting. Visual documentation of the uncontrolled power-cycling and dashboard flickering can be viewed at: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle exhibits a dangerous electrical defect involving uncontrolled power-cycling. After shutting down the car, it automatically restarts itself in a continuous loop. During these episodes, the dashboard flickers, the drivetrain shudders, and the vehicle becomes unresponsive to manual 'Stop' button or brake inputs. Most critically, the car autostarts while parked in an enclosed garage. As a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), once the EV battery depletes, the internal combustion engine (ICE) engages automatically. This creates a life-threatening risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning for residents in the connected home. A Honda dealership has professionally diagnosed the cause as a failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This module failure also causes the anti-theft alarm to trigger uncontrollably and renders the keyless entry system inoperable. This defect turned the vehicle into a life-safety hazard in a residential setting. Visual documentation of the uncontrolled power-cycling and dashboard flickering can be viewed at: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle exhibits a dangerous electrical defect involving uncontrolled power-cycling. After shutting down the car, it automatically restarts itself in a continuous loop. During these episodes, the dashboard flickers, the drivetrain shudders, and the vehicle becomes unresponsive to manual 'Stop' button or brake inputs. Most critically, the car autostarts while parked in an enclosed garage. As a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), once the EV battery depletes, the internal combustion engine (ICE) engages automatically. This creates a life-threatening risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning for residents in the connected home. A Honda dealership has professionally diagnosed the cause as a failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This module failure also causes the anti-theft alarm to trigger uncontrollably and renders the keyless entry system inoperable. This defect turned the vehicle into a life-safety hazard in a residential setting. Visual documentation of the uncontrolled power-cycling and dashboard flickering can be viewed at: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Since last Wed. (9/24/2025), the car started to show the warnings of "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem", "Brake Hold System Problem", "Brake System Problem", "Electric Parking Brake Problem", and "Road Departure Mitigation System Problem" from time to time. I bought this VHonda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid 2018 in June 2023 as the HoneTrue Certified. Then probably the same time, the car lose the EV mode by itself, and only drives in the gas mode. I found this issue and late manually changed it to EV mode. WHile then it again dropped the EV mode during the driving today (9/28/2025). When I tried to press the EV button, it shows "Drive Mode Change Unavailable"! After stopped at home, I re-started the car, I can change it to EV mode.
Since last Wed. (9/24/2025), the car started to show the warnings of "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem", "Brake Hold System Problem", "Brake System Problem", "Electric Parking Brake Problem", and "Road Departure Mitigation System Problem" from time to time. I bought this VHonda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid 2018 in June 2023 as the HoneTrue Certified. Then probably the same time, the car lose the EV mode by itself, and only drives in the gas mode. I found this issue and late manually changed it to EV mode. WHile then it again dropped the EV mode during the driving today (9/28/2025). When I tried to press the EV button, it shows "Drive Mode Change Unavailable"! After stopped at home, I re-started the car, I can change it to EV mode.
Safety Rating for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
A18-089 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Service bulletin - There is a software problem in the climate control unit when running the heater, which may turn the MIL on. There are up to three updates that must be performed on applicable vehicles. Check the iN VIN status inquiry for applicability.
A18-090 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service bulletin - There is a software problem in the PCM, which may cause the MIL to come on with DTC P26A3 (electric water valve malfunction), DTC P100C (electric VTC motor speed signal circuit malfunction) and/or P0010 (variable valve timing control [VTC] malfunction).
A18-091 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service bulletin - There is a software error in the miles per gallon calculation, which affects the HV range display by reading unusually high.
A18-096 — EQUIPMENT
Service bulletin - During vehicle assembly, the warranty information CD that was placed in the vehicle did not list the correct warranty coverage for the state of Oregon. The failure to include the proper warranty coverage may cause confusion and potential customer dissatisfaction.
A18-069 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service bulletin - This bulletin is replaced by S/B 18-091, Product Update: 2018 Clarity PHEV Driver Display Software Update (Mileage)
A18-079 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service bulletin - This bulletin is replaced by S/B 18-089, Product Update: 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid EVTC & 3-Way Valve Software Update (P100C/P0010/P26A3)
ABOM10042018901 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dealer message - Today, American Honda is announcing several product updates a?ecting certain 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models. There may be multiple combinations of these campaigns per VIN. To clearly identify each vehicle's needs, be sure to do an iN VIN status inquiry for units in dealer inventory...
A18-097 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Service bulletin - The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and Clarity Electric may not start charging when plugged in or may stop charging before the high-voltage lithium-ion battery is full. The battery charger software does not start charging or may stop before charging is complete in areas with poor or fluctuating power...
A18-069 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Service bulletin - The HV range display reading is unusually high. There is a software error in the miles per gallon calculation, which affects the remaining HV range display.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC
- 2017 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC — 3 complaints
- 2018 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC (current)
- 2019 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC — 5 complaints
- 2020 HONDA CLARITY ELECTRIC — 3 complaints
Other HONDA Models
- HONDA ACCORD — 30,831 total complaints
- HONDA CR-V — 20,109 total complaints
- HONDA CIVIC — 19,776 total complaints
- HONDA ODYSSEY — 15,588 total complaints
- HONDA PILOT — 12,071 total complaints
- HONDA FIT — 2,686 total complaints
- HONDA RIDGELINE — 2,527 total complaints
- HONDA HR-V — 2,201 total complaints