We have a Clarity EV. It has been great for 4 years. But recently, all of the sudden, we started getting system failure messages on the dash. Different systems, including brakes. And the brake pedal went to the floor. I have read about similar failures online at “clarity forum”. Some who posted believe it is a 12-volt battery problem. And Triple A came out and tested it and said the battery is due for replacement Here’s the thing: my mechanic cleared the codes and the car ran perfectly for 24 hours. Before the failures happened again. I took it to Honda, and they insist that the brake system is the problem. And that it’s dangerous to drive the way it is. They say a “brake fuel sensor code” recommended replacing a (brake) “cylinder set” for $2495 I decided to have them install a new battery first. And wanted them to “clear the codes”. i am not sure they cleared them, cuz the brakes still go to the floorboard. So: It’s either a battery issue (or something else) causing the error codes. And we are then being told an expensive brake repair has to be done. Or The brake system failed at 37,000 miles. Which should be a recall item Or. it is both Because of other postings with problems similar to mine, i think the car should be recalled because of the brakes
The worst 2019 Honda Clarity Electric problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 1
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- 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. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is Z7L.
Recall number 20V326000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
What 2019 Honda Clarity Electric owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Clarity Electric. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as needed. The contact mentioned the vehicle had to be jump-started. The contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Phev burning smell econ (EV) driving. It happened 2 times after the battery drops to two bars, which means mode was changed to hybrid from econ. There were big vroom sounds from engine room when EV mode converted hybrid mode at the speed of 60-70 MPH. Even at the speed of 5-10 MPH, the engine sound was really big (it sounded like really high RPM at the low speed). Around 2-3 min driving as hybrid mode from econ, I felt very strong burning smell from the engine area. I googled and found I'm not the only person who experienced this problem. There would be problems with EV, ice, hybrid system. Also it could be fire hazard when being charged.
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Questions about the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric
Is the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric, close to a typical Clarity Electric model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Clarity Electric have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
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