2018 Honda Clarity Safety Report
2018 Honda Clarity: Unrated crash safety, persistent fuel pump recall delays, and concerning electrical/AC system failures.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Honda Clarity
Reliability Score
The 2018 Honda Clarity receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Honda Clarity
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Honda Clarity:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Pump Recall (23v858000) Part Unavailability Owners report significant delays in obtaining parts for the fuel pump recall, leading to continued driving with a known defect that can cause stalling and potential accidents. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Unintended Acceleration Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly, even at low speeds, leading to crashes into obstacles. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Electrical System Uncontrolled Power-Cycling/Malfunctions Vehicle automatically restarts in a continuous loop after shutdown, dashboard flickers, drivetrain shudders, and vehicle becomes unresponsive. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Ac Evaporator/Condenser Failure Premature failure of AC evaporator and condenser, leading to non-functional AC and impaired defogging/defrosting capabilities, which is a safety issue. |
Medium | Common | 29000-65000 miles |
| Infotainment/Camera System Failure Rear camera, side camera, and infotainment system stop working, often requiring expensive screen replacement. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Clunking/Sloppiness Steering makes a horrible clunking sound and feels imprecise, requiring increased effort to stay in lane. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
| Daytime Running Light (Drl)/Turn Signal Flickering DRL or turn signal lights stop working or flicker uncontrollably, posing a communication risk to other drivers. |
Low | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Honda Clarity:
Frequent complaints related to the fuel pump recall (23V858000) and associated issues like stalling and check engine lights due to unavailable repair parts.
Numerous reports concerning the fuel pump recall and the inability to get the required repair due to part shortages, leading to safety concerns.
A significant number of complaints fall into a general category, often related to complex electrical or hybrid system malfunctions.
Issues primarily related to AC system failures impacting defogging/defrosting, and camera system malfunctions.
Complaints include issues like regenerative braking paddle malfunction and general drivetrain shudders during electrical anomalies.
Problems with daytime running lights and turn signals flickering or failing.
Reports of unintended acceleration events.
General engine issues, sometimes related to emission system problems after recall attempts.
Concerns about uncontrolled power-cycling, infotainment system failures, and various warning lights.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Honda Clarity
Is the 2018 Honda Clarity safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Honda Clarity lacks official crash test ratings, making its crashworthiness difficult to assess. While it has 0 recalls listed directly on NHTSA, there is a significant ongoing issue with an unfulfilled fuel pump recall (23V858000) that poses a safety risk due to part unavailability. There are 151 total complaints, including 10 crashes and 2 injuries, with concerning patterns of unintended acceleration and electrical system malfunctions.
What are common problems with the 2018 Honda Clarity?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Honda Clarity are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (17 complaints) and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (15 complaints), primarily due to the unfulfilled fuel pump recall. Other common problems include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints, often electrical), VISIBILITY/WIPER (9 complaints, including AC and camera issues), and POWER TRAIN (8 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Honda Clarity?
While NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2018 Honda Clarity directly, there is a critical ongoing issue with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) for which parts are widely unavailable. This means many owners are driving with an unaddressed safety defect despite the recall notification.
Does the 2018 Honda Clarity have issues with its AC system?
Yes, there are numerous complaints regarding the 2018 Honda Clarity's AC system, specifically premature failures of the evaporator and condenser. These failures lead to non-functional AC and impaired defogging/defrosting, which is a recognized safety concern.
What should I know about the electrical system in the 2018 Honda Clarity?
The 2018 Honda Clarity has several reported electrical system issues, including unintended acceleration, infotainment and camera system failures, and concerning instances of uncontrolled power-cycling where the vehicle automatically restarts itself in a continuous loop after being shut down.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the lack of crash test data, persistent unfulfilled fuel pump recall, and recurring electrical and AC system failures, exercise extreme caution; thoroughly investigate the status of all recalls and inspect the AC and electrical systems before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Honda Clarity
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Honda Clarity. The data includes 151 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.