2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Problems

Here is an update to the issue I had raised with your office in March-April 2026: Honda Van Nuys performed the 35,000-mile routine maintenance on the Honda Clarity on February 24, 2026. At that time, Honda Van Nuys recommended (and I approved) that they clean the throttle. The odometer read 33,882 miles. I drove the car 337 miles when the unintended acceleration accident occurred on March 18, 2026 – 2.5 weeks after Honda Van Nuys cleaned the throttle. The airbags deployed. The throttle seems to be the part that failed based on the attached EDR report. The odometer read 34,219 at that time. The car is now considered totaled by GEICO. In addition, Honda Van Nuys has done all maintenance work on the Honda Clarity, including some major removal of the dashboard and back seats, since I purchased the car there in 2018, as outlined in the attachment. I have reached out to Honda Van Nuys and hope your office can encourage them to respond. This is a safety issue. The attachment elaborates further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Since fuel pump recall fix by dealership, “Emission System Problem” started appearing in my car due to the way fuel pump recall was fixed. They already attempted to fix the issue 5 times but unable to provide permanent fix. Honda corporate office also not willing to help. This is a safety issue as when I drive the car, I smell gas and my car is constantly with dealership without permanent fix.

The forward-facing Honda Sensing camera mounted behind the windshield (Nidec monocular camera, Honda part number 36160-TRW-A04) failed at approximately 85000 miles on XXX The failure produced simultaneous dashboard warnings and disabled multiple driver assistance systems at once, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (automatic emergency braking), Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. There was no impact, no windshield damage, and no obstruction of the camera lens. The failure appears to be internal to the camera assembly and occurred without warning during normal driving. Because all of these safety systems depend on this single camera, one component failure removed every forward collision protection on the vehicle simultaneously. The sudden appearance of multiple warning lights at once was also distracting while driving. The vehicle is out of warranty and Honda has offered no repair assistance. Dealer replacement is quoted at approximately $1,500 to $2,000 including required camera calibration. This same camera failure is widely reported by owners of Honda Sensing equipped vehicles, including Clarity, Odyssey, Pilot, Civic, and HR-V models, typically at [XXX] to [XXX] of age, which suggests a durability or thermal defect in the camera assembly rather than an isolated failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

It looks like this is possibly at this point a wide spread issue with most if not it will be all honda clarity models. The lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, front camera honda sense electronics keep to go out and then will work for a little bit. sometimes just not work at all for months, then work for like a day or two. After reading many of many complaints about this it will seems to be pretty much widespread across all yearly models.

I will first start with our problems/concerns. We had experienced a complete lost power in freeway speed (65 mph) when the battery is depleted, that is when the battery bar goes to zero bar instead of 2 bars usually. I attached a photo from the video I took for your reference. This experience was the engine ramp up and not getting any power while driving on freeway, escpecially obvious during uphill slope. It is a safety hazard where we had to manuver in order avoid traffic since we could not maintain freeway speed. This originally happened around 2022, but we checked with Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos and they told us nothing is wrong and because there was no fault code, nothing they can do. When the Recall service canoaign 24-031 came, we were relieved because we think the problem is going to be fixed. We brought our Honda Clarity to the dealer on 2/3/2025 for the recall and everything was fine (meaning we can drive on HV after our battery is depleted). But around December 2025, my wife experienced the same situation where she couldn’t keep up with the freeway speed after exhausted the electric range of 34 miles. We took it to dealer again on 1/16/2026 and described the situation, dealer came back and said nothing has been found and there were no fault code. After that, the only way that we are trying to do is to avoid the battery to get down to zero miles, but since our battery is only getting 34 miles full charge instead of the 47 miles when it was new (dealer also said this is normal depreciation, I am not sure about that). Again, thank you for helping since losing engine power and speed on freeway is pretty scary and I hope this is enough information for my case. Here are answers to your questions. VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 85300 Dealership: Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos Details: Vehicle losing power on freeway speed after battery is depleted. As described above. First time it happened: Around 2022 First time dealer address my concern rather than told me th INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Since fuel pump recall fix by dealership, “Emission System Problem” started appearing in my car due to the way fuel pump recall was fixed. They already attempted to fix the issue 5 times but unable to provide permanent fix. Honda corporate office also not willing to help. This is a safety issue as when I drive the car, I smell gas and my car is constantly with dealership without permanent fix.

Several times now while driving on the interstate at the average speed of 70 to 75 which is the speed limit in my Area the battery level while fully charged it's supposed to only drop down to 20% I have noticed several times now while on the interstate I've been barely able to drive 40 mph as it is dropping the power level down to almost zero there is no bars being illuminated they're supposed to be two bars for 20% and even one bar for 10% and twice now in a matter of 2 weeks I've noticed that it goes down to zero bars and the engine is revving very very high and I have very little power available this is quite dangerous on the interstate and I wish this could be resolved or I'll be getting rid of this car

I’ve purchased my 2018 Honda Clarity in July of 2023. I haven’t any issues with it, but recently I turned my car on in the morning, and it’s flashing the lights pointing to braking malfunction. ABS braking issue, Dashboard errors illuminating randomly, indicating brake system errors, sometimes locking the parking brake. I haven’t the slightest idea why? The vehicle has 66,000 miles which is minimal considering the life span of Hondas. I will be taking it back to Honda to take a look at this, but I’ve noticed some online complaints regarding the Clarity’s braking system. Specifically, the model I bought 2018. Hopefully, Honda will resolve this with a recall. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I will first start with our problems/concerns. We had experienced a complete lost power in freeway speed (65 mph) when the battery is depleted, that is when the battery bar goes to zero bar instead of 2 bars usually. I attached a photo from the video I took for your reference. This experience was the engine ramp up and not getting any power while driving on freeway, escpecially obvious during uphill slope. It is a safety hazard where we had to manuver in order avoid traffic since we could not maintain freeway speed. This originally happened around 2022, but we checked with Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos and they told us nothing is wrong and because there was no fault code, nothing they can do. When the Recall service canoaign 24-031 came, we were relieved because we think the problem is going to be fixed. We brought our Honda Clarity to the dealer on 2/3/2025 for the recall and everything was fine (meaning we can drive on HV after our battery is depleted). But around December 2025, my wife experienced the same situation where she couldn’t keep up with the freeway speed after exhausted the electric range of 34 miles. We took it to dealer again on 1/16/2026 and described the situation, dealer came back and said nothing has been found and there were no fault code. After that, the only way that we are trying to do is to avoid the battery to get down to zero miles, but since our battery is only getting 34 miles full charge instead of the 47 miles when it was new (dealer also said this is normal depreciation, I am not sure about that). Again, thank you for helping since losing engine power and speed on freeway is pretty scary and I hope this is enough information for my case. Here are answers to your questions. VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 85300 Dealership: Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos Details: Vehicle losing power on freeway speed after battery is depleted. As described above. First time it happened: Around 2022 First time dealer address my concern rather than told me th INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Rear camera and Side camera and infotainment system all do not work. Screen does work because we get the welcome message when starting the car. We brought the car to the dealership and they told us that the screen needs to be replaced (Which appears to be working) at a cost of $5400 which they stated may not fix this issue. In addition we tried to get the fuel recall repaired but they told us they could not do it because there is too much fuel in the tank. - The tank holds a total of 8 gallons

The regenerative braking system left paddle (on the steering wheel) intermittently does not work. I press the paddle to slow the vehicle but nothing happens. If I press it multiple times, sometimes it will slow the vehicle, other times nothing happens. I use that method of braking frequently, so when it doesn't work, it jeopardizes the safety of myself and others on the road. This problem has been occurring for a few years; I don't recall the exact date that it began occurring. If needed, I can make the vehicle available for inspection. I've been unable to have it reproduced by a dealer because it usually resolves itself before I can get it in to a dealer to be serviced. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others.

I’ve purchased my 2018 Honda Clarity in July of 2023. I haven’t any issues with it, but recently I turned my car on in the morning, and it’s flashing the lights pointing to braking malfunction. ABS braking issue, Dashboard errors illuminating randomly, indicating brake system errors, sometimes locking the parking brake. I haven’t the slightest idea why? The vehicle has 66,000 miles which is minimal considering the life span of Hondas. I will be taking it back to Honda to take a look at this, but I’ve noticed some online complaints regarding the Clarity’s braking system. Specifically, the model I bought 2018. Hopefully, Honda will resolve this with a recall. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Driver’s side sun visor increasingly hard to operate and finally broke internally due to high forces to adjust. Cannot use to shield driver’s eye from sun glare as intended thus reducing visibility. Passenger side also increasingly hard to operate but has not broken yet due to low use. Known problem for Hondas as indicated by TSB’s for other models and large number of videos on how to replace.

Honda has known issues with the AC system in the 2018-21 Honda Clarity (see [XXX] ). About 4 months after I had the faulty condenser replaced, the AC system (including the window defroster/defogger) stopped working again. This time Honda says that the Evaporator Compressor is faulty and needs replaced. Speaking with other Clarity owners, this seems to be a common failure shortly after the faulty condenser is replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The Day Time Running light on the left side of the car just stopped working. The DRL is not damage. I checked for impact marks.

There is an issue with the front, right turn signal light flickering uncontrollably. This flickering is occurring during the vehicle’s operation, posing a significant safety risk as the amber light is incorrectly signaling to other vehicles on the road. The flickering also occurs while the vehicle is parked and off—draining the battery. It has been occurring intermittently with my vehicle for over two years. This issue is widely reported online, with dozens of posts on websites and forums.

Here is an update to the issue I had raised with your office in March-April 2026: Honda Van Nuys performed the 35,000-mile routine maintenance on the Honda Clarity on February 24, 2026. At that time, Honda Van Nuys recommended (and I approved) that they clean the throttle. The odometer read 33,882 miles. I drove the car 337 miles when the unintended acceleration accident occurred on March 18, 2026 – 2.5 weeks after Honda Van Nuys cleaned the throttle. The airbags deployed. The throttle seems to be the part that failed based on the attached EDR report. The odometer read 34,219 at that time. The car is now considered totaled by GEICO. In addition, Honda Van Nuys has done all maintenance work on the Honda Clarity, including some major removal of the dashboard and back seats, since I purchased the car there in 2018, as outlined in the attachment. I have reached out to Honda Van Nuys and hope your office can encourage them to respond. This is a safety issue. The attachment elaborates further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A STORE. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER AND COLLARBONE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plugin Hybrid. The contact stated that after an extensive driving period, there was an abnormal sewage odor coming from the vehicle without warning. The contact was then alerted by a passenger in the vehicle that the odor was coming from the toxic gases coming from the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. Upon investigation, the contact was concerned that an improper hybrid battery was installed in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.

I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT FOR SAFETY SAKE'S,THAT ALL PASSENGER CARS COME WITH SPARE TIRE. PEOPLE WAITING 2-3 HOURS ALONGSIDE THE ROAD IN THE DARK TO GET A TIRE REPLACEMENT PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THEM AND OTHER MOTORIST. WITH A SPARE TIRE ,THEY WOULD BE OUT OF HARMS WAY IN MINUTES NOT HOURS..

Rear driver side passenger seat belt not locking .

ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING (2/8/2019), MY 11 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MENTIONED HER SEAT BELT BROKE (REAR DRIVER SEAT). SHE MOVED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BACKSEAT (REAR PASSENGER SEAT). ONCE WE WERE STOPPED, I REALIZED WHAT SHE MEANT BY BROKEN: THE SEAT BELT HAD COMPLETELY FRAYED, BROKE COMPLETELY AND PULLED APART FROM IT'S INTERNAL HOUSING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, ALL THREE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT HAVE FRAYING. THE ONE SHE MOSTLY USED WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS NOT USED AS OFTEN SO THE FRAY/CUT IS ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WIDTH OF THE SEAT BELT. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT HAS THE LEAST DAMAGE, BUT IS STILL FRAYED/CUT. NO ONE CAN NOW SIT IN THE BACK SEAT WITH FAULTY SEAT BELTS. THE HOUSING SEEMS EXCESSIVELY SHARP AND THAT'S WHAT IS CAUSING THEM TO BE CUT. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER ASKING FOR A MANAGER, BUT AS OF SUBMITTING THIS, I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RETURN CALL.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in-Hybrid. The contact stated that the sun visor failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the front driver’s side sun visor became stiff and difficult to fold down. As a result, the sun visor snapped and distracted him from seeing the roadway. The contact was concerned for his safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the sun visor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A STORE. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER AND COLLARBONE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIGHT HONDA (7875 E FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, (480) 778-2440) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A COMPUTER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,300.