Own a Honda Clarity Electric in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Honda Clarity Electric for model years 2017 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Clarity Electric owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on file for the Clarity Electric and 1 safety recall campaign. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (8), service brakes (6), engine (4).
Most-Reported Honda Clarity Electric Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Clarity Electric (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 25% | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 19% | |
| Engine | 4 | 12% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | 12% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 12% | |
| Power Train | 3 | 9% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 9% | |
| Steering | 2 | 6% |
Electrical System
8 of the 31 complaints (25%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Service Brakes
6 of the 31 complaints (19%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Engine
4 of the 31 complaints (12%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Honda Clarity Electric Complaints by Model Year
The Clarity Electric model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2018, 2019, 2020. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 24 | |
| 2019 | 3 | |
| 2020 | 3 |
Honda Clarity Electric Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Clarity Electric, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Honda.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Clarity Electric? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Honda Clarity Electric Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Clarity Electric in these model years, most often involving seat belts. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 20V326000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Clarity Electric, 2 involved a crash. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Honda Clarity Electric Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Honda will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Clarity Electric that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Clarity Electric owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Honda Clarity Electric, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Honda Clarity Electric Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Honda Clarity Electric repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Honda Clarity Electric FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Honda Clarity Electric?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Honda Clarity Electric are electrical system (8), service brakes (6), engine (4). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Clarity Electric model years have the most complaints?
The Clarity Electric model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2018, 2019, 2020. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Honda Clarity Electric?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Honda Clarity Electric. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Honda Clarity Electric have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Honda Clarity Electric across model years 2017 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Honda Clarity Electric in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Honda vehicles including the Clarity Electric, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Honda Clarity Electric?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Honda Clarity Electric in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Honda Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.