Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid problems

Owners filed 42 complaints about the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid with NHTSA between Apr 2019 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is engine (10).

Complaints
42
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine10
  2. Vehicle speed control9
  3. Electrical system7
  4. Fuel/propulsion system6
  5. Fuel system, gasoline5
  6. Power train4
  7. Visibility/wiper3
  8. Air bags2
  9. Service brakes2
  10. Forward collision avoidance2
  11. Exterior lighting2
  12. Lane departure2
  13. Seat belts2
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20196
20207
20210
20224
20235
202410
20255
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

10 reports
“I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant safety risk. Despite the severity of this issue, I have encountered significant delays and difficulties in getting the necessary repairs completed at my local Honda dealerships. When I contacted them about the recall immediately after receiving notice, I was informed that they do not have the required parts in stock. Furthermore, the date at which the dealers said that they would be receiving the parts continues to get pushed back from the estimated timeframe for receiving these parts, initially stating it would be 2-3 months, but this has been an ongoing issue with no resolution in sight and well past 60 days. This prolonged delay is unacceptable given the potential safety implications. The recall notice clearly states that a fuel pump failure could lead to an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. I am deeply concerned about my safety and that of my passengers while operating this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 18, 2024Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11625961

Vehicle speed control

9 reports1 crash
“I was entering the highway on ramp with a car in front of me going slow, when saw it was clear switched lanes and attempted to speed up to highway speed and the car's automatic braking system activated, flashed "BRAKE" on the dash with nothing in front of me, lane was clear, and then it applied the brakes hard. Came to an almost complete stop with my foot on the gas, had to remove foot to be able to accelerate again, luckily there was no near car behind me or it would have rear ended my car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 18, 2025Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11674482

Electrical system

7 reports
“My 2019 Honda Clarity has had a hybrid battery failure that triggers “Check Engine” and “Power System” warnings, making the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to drive. I brought the car to Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos on 12/29/2025, and the battery—still under warranty—has been on backorder for over 6 months with no repair completed. The dealer repeatedly requested new diagnostic readings but has not fixed the issue. I have asked for a loaner due to safety concerns, but none has been provided. The ongoing delay leaves me with a vehicle that cannot operate safely, and Honda has not offered a timely resolution. Despite ongoing communication with American Honda Automobile Customer Service and Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos, the issue has remained unresolved.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11746360

Fuel/propulsion system

6 reports
“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 catastrophic failure, can you please help.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11740506

Fuel system, gasoline

5 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact called several other dealers, including Lake Elsinore Honda (18450 Collier Ave, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530), Diamond Valley Honda (300 Carriage Cir, Hemet, CA 92545), and DCH Honda of Temecula (26755 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591); and all confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2025Fuel system, gasolineODI 11683661

Power train

4 reports
“When driving in gas mode, the engine is revving high as in high rpm . I am not sure if the gear is shifting or has problems. The car revs high and the more I push the accelerator the louder the engine sound.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11503147
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.