EZ Swap LLC services the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2017 to 2021. If your Clarity Fuel Cell has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Clarity Fuel Cell owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on file for the Clarity Fuel Cell and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system (2), equipment (2), electrical system (2).
Most-Reported Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Clarity Fuel Cell (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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 25% | |
| Equipment | 2 | 25% | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 25% | |
| Steering | 2 | 25% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 25% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 12% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 12% | |
| Power Train | 1 | 12% |
Fuel/Propulsion System
2 of the 8 complaints (25%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Equipment
2 of the 8 complaints (25%) mention equipment. We diagnose the problem first, explain what we find, and give you a clear quote before any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
2 of the 8 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.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Complaints by Model Year
The Clarity Fuel Cell model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2017, 2021, 2018. 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 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 3 |
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Clarity Fuel Cell, 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 Fuel Cell? 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 Fuel Cell Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Clarity Fuel Cell in these model years, most often involving electrical system, equipment, 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.
- 2019 recall, Equipment (campaign 19V315000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. Internal components may corrode and cause the water pump to fail.
- 2018 recall, Electrical System (campaign 18V921000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles previously repaired under recall 18V-068. The previous software remedy may have been incomplete.
- 2018 recall, Electrical System (campaign 18V068000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. The fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have reduced, or a complete loss of, power.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Clarity Fuel Cell, 1 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 Fuel Cell 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 Fuel Cell 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 Fuel Cell 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 Fuel Cell, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Honda Clarity Fuel Cell repair service, or choose a service below.
No-Start Diagnostics
Find out why it will not start.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Honda Clarity Fuel Cell FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are fuel/propulsion system (2), equipment (2), electrical system (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Clarity Fuel Cell model years have the most complaints?
The Clarity Fuel Cell model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2017, 2021, 2018. 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 Fuel Cell?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. 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 Fuel Cell have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell across model years 2017 to 2021. 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 Fuel Cell in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Honda vehicles including the Clarity Fuel Cell, 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 Fuel Cell?
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 Fuel Cell 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.