2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems

Filed May 27, 2025 · Visibility · CA

Component/System that Failed: The air conditioning system in my 2021 Honda Clarity Touring Plug-in Hybrid has failed — specifically, the AC evaporator, which no longer allows the car to blow out cool air. The part is still in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: What began as an inconvenience has turned into a real concern for the safety of my family and me. Without functioning air conditioning, my visibility becomes dangerously impaired when trying to defog the windshield, especially in humid or cool conditions. More alarmingly, we live in an area where summer temperatures can soar, and driving without AC quickly turns our vehicle into an unsafe environment — especially for children, elderly passengers, or anyone prone to heat-related issues. It’s frustrating and disappointing to face this kind of failure in a relatively new vehicle. A basic function like air conditioning should not carry a $2,800 repair bill just to keep your family safe and comfortable — yet here we are. Reproduction/Confirmation of the Issue: The issue has been confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed the failed evaporator and quoted nearly $2,800 for repair, the majority of which is due to labor involved in reaching the part. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and I also contacted American Honda to request assistance. They offered to cover only part of the repair, but to me, this feels insufficient given the scope of the issue and how many other owners have experienced the same thing. It feels less like a maintenance issue and more like a manufacturing flaw. Warning Signs or Symptoms: There were no warning lights or system alerts prior to failure. The AC simply began losing effectiveness and then completely stopped blowing cool air. There were no obvious indicators that the evaporator was failing until the system had already become unusable.