2020 Honda Clarity Safety Report

The 2020 Honda Clarity exhibits a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 8 total complaints, 1 reported crash, and no reported injuries or fatalities. This suggests a generally stable safety profile, though the lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means its physical crashworthiness is not independently verified. A notable pattern among the complaints points to issues with the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and powertrain. Specifically, one complaint details the failure of the ADAS camera system, impacting lane departure, forward collision, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. Another complaint describes unintended acceleration during a U-turn, potentially linked to the electronic control system. Powertrain issues are also a recurring theme, with multiple complaints describing the engine revving high (near red line) with little propulsion, a phenomenon some owners refer to as "angry bees." This loss of power, particularly during acceleration or climbing, is cited as a dangerous condition, especially when making turns or in traffic. Additionally, there are multiple reports concerning the AC system, specifically leaks in both the condenser and evaporator, with Honda's warranty coverage for these components being a point of contention for owners. Despite these specific concerns, the overall complaint volume is low for a vehicle of its age. The absence of recalls further indicates that no widespread, safety-critical manufacturing defects have been identified by Honda or NHTSA. However, the ADAS and powertrain issues, though few in number, represent significant safety concerns that could lead to dangerous situations on the road. The lack of crash test data is a notable gap in assessing the vehicle's comprehensive safety. In summary, while the 2020 Honda Clarity has a low complaint count and no recalls, specific issues related to ADAS malfunctions and powertrain performance (loss of power, high RPMs without propulsion) are present. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings means a full safety assessment based on independent crash performance is not possible.

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume and no recalls, the 2020 Honda Clarity appears generally reliable, but be aware of potential ADAS and powertrain issues, and consider the lack of official crash test ratings before purchasing.