2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid fuel system problems
39 of the
206 complaints about the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are about the
fuel system — 19% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
11,157 miles.
C
39
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Fuel/Propulsion System
2359.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline
1538.5%
Hybrid Propulsion System
12.6%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Sherman Oaks, CACrash1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11742767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Skillman, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11644938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a letter in October 2024 about an inoperable fuel pump and a recall for the vehicle. However, after 3 months, the dealership does not have the fuel pump replacement pump and does not know when they will receive the part. As a result, I am still driving the car with the fuel pump issue.
NHTSA complaint #11633158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northfield, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that due to a limited supply of parts, the manufacturer was prioritizing the repair of vehicles experiencing symptoms related to the recall first. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the prioritizing of the repair of vehicles experiencing symptoms related to the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11631580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Falls Church, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in-Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Additionally, several dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to confirm a failure, due to the limited parts that were available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11629622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The incomplete recall for the fuel pump is a year old and Honda continues to state that the parts are unavailable. Since this is a safety recall how do I get the car to be in safe working order? Do I have other recourse with Honda? What compels Honda to ever fix this?
NHTSA complaint #11628607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mays Landing, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car stalled and died pulling into high flow traffic almost caused others to hit each other
NHTSA complaint #11627700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that occasionally the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected but not diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11623414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Heaven, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11623545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11623083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camarillo, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump recall. Honda states that they do not have the part and they will contact me once the part is here. It has been months (Dec 2023 recall), I am worried that the car will brake or even worse I may have an accident. Already had and still have tons of electronic issues that Honda refuses to fix even though they lost at the arbitration! They literally told me after the trail: you’re on your own.
NHTSA complaint #11623029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tisbury, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11613017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMchenry, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11611875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brea, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11607323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NHTSA Recall Number 23V-858, 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV Fuel Pump Impeller recall has not yet been corrected. Honda dealer, Casey Honda, was contacted more than 60 days ago.
NHTSA complaint #11607145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution discount.
NHTSA complaint #11606114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stevenson Ranch, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in-Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the RPM increased significantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred when the vehicle was first purchased, and the failure had become persistent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11605262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nevada City, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11595460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgefield, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11592626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Stalling won’t accelerate at times and keeps not turn on occasionally
NHTSA complaint #11587987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ramon, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11583396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear NHTSA: I own a 2018 Honda Clarity PHV which is under this fuel pump recall: [XXX] Manufacturer Recall Number [XXX] NHTSA Recall Number [XXX] I've called my local Honda dealership in Walnut Creek, CA, and also American Honda directly, to ask when the replacement of the defective fuel pump can be done. I first contacted Honda in January 2024 and was told there is no estimate of when parts will be available. I called the dealership again today [XXX], 2+ months later, and was told there is still no update to the status of the recall. The Honda service rep I spoke with said she heard parts may not be available until late 2024! This is a very poor response to a safety recall - I cannot stop driving my Honda Clarity and am quite concerned about possible catastrophic fuel pump failure and my family's safety, especially during our 800+ mile round-trip drives between our Walnut Creek home and our residence in San Diego. American Honda should accelerate their response to this recall, and not leave their dealers and customers in the dark. I hope NHTSA is able to press Honda to further action to address their unresolved recall. Best regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11579255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Last week of Febr. 2024, I received a recall notice about the above vehicle. Everything seems fine except the part, fuel pmp, will not be available until the fall of 2024. I called every Honda dealers in Sacramento, Davis, California and they do not have the part. The defective fuel pump may cause the vehicle to stall on the freeway, or any road. Everytime I drive this vehicle I have the anxiety that I may cause an accident that not only harm me but others as well. Can you help, getting Honda to get the fuel pumps to its dealer so we can get it fixed. Many thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11577238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duarte, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a fuel pump recall. I was notified on 12/20/23, called Honda to file a claim on 12/21/23 requesting a loaner vehicle due to safety concerns, took vehicle to the dealership to have it inspected on 12/21/23, emailed dealership on 1/2/24 requesting a loaner vehicle due to safety concerns, received a call 3 days later that there was nothing that could be done as part is not available. They told me they could not offer a loaner vehicle. It's been over 60 days since I contacted the dealer about this repair and nothing has been done.
NHTSA complaint #11574377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesPasadena, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug in Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that his wife informed him that the vehicle failed to start upon pushing the "Push to Start" button. The contact stated that his wife was able to start the vehicle after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed downhill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was unaware if there any warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11574068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGlendale, CA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11530208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,665 milesOrlando, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE I WAS CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL, I SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. SINCE THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE HAS A KNOWN OIL DILUTION PROBLEM I HAD OIL ANALYSIS DONE AND THE RESULTS CAME BACK INDICATING THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF FUEL IN THE OIL WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE ENGINE AND EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN ENGINE FAILURE. I CALLED HONDA CORPORATE OFFICE TO REGISTER THE ISSUE AND ON FEB 24TH, I HAD MY OIL SAMPLED. I RECEIVED THE RESULTS ON MARCH 3RD AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED HONDA THE SAME DAY TO SHARE THE ANALYSIS. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECOURSE AS OF YET AND PENDING A RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #11405237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,500 milesSandy, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS, THE CAR WAS ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC AT THE BOTTOM OF THE MOUNTAIN. HOWEVER, AS I APPROACHED THE SUMMIT, NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE CAR WOULD NOT INCREASE SPEED. WITH THE PEDAL COMPLETELY FLOORED (PAST THE HYBRID SYSTEM CLICK POINT) THE CAR WOULD STILL NOT PICKUP SPEED, NOR DID IT SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS EVEN TRYING TO REV HIGHER. AS I KEPT APPROACHING THE SUMMIT WITH THE PEDAL FLOORED, THE CAR STARTED TO SLOWLY LOSE SPEED. AS A RESULT, I WAS NOT ABLE TO KEEP WITH TRAFFIC AND HAD TO MOVE TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE. DURING THIS EXPERIENCE, THE CAR WAS OPERATING IN HYBRID MODE WITH ABOUT 10% BATTERY CHARGE SAVED. MY PREVIOUS PHEV NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR EVEN THOUGH IT HAD LESS SYSTEM HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE. TO EXPERIENCE THIS WAS DISAPPOINTING. NOT KNOWING IF THE CAR WILL ACTUALLY ACCELERATE WHEN I NEED TO IS HIGHLY DISCONCERTING.
NHTSA complaint #11385163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesAmityville, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WE LEASED OUR VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2018. FROM THE TEST DRIVE AND GOING FORWARD WE NOTICED HIGH ENGINE IDLE DURING ACCELERATION BUT WAS TOLD THE CAR NEEDED TO BE CHARGED.(WE WERE NEVER TOLD OF ANYTHING REGARDING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OR ACCELERATION IF THE BATTERY IS LOW! FALSE ADVERTISING!) AS THE DAYS WENT BY WE NOTICED THE ISSUE GETTING WORSE AND THAT THE REVVING WAS ACTUALLY THE CAR LOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING IN ANY CONDITION OR DRIVING MODE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND THE BATTERY GETS TO TWO BARS THE CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER AND WILL NOT GO OVER 10 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND A FEW WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 60 TO 70 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO GO AND THE ENGINE REVS AND THE RPM'S GO UP BECAUSE THE CAR IS LOOSING POWER AS YOUR STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY WIFE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE. THANKFULLY THERE WEREN'T MANY CARS AROUND HER. THIS IS A DANGERS SITUATION AND IS NOT NORMAL! MY WIFE FEARS FOR HER LIFE AND DOES NOT LIKE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE!!!. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO SERVICE AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ISSUE AT LEAST 3 TIMES. THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THEY JUST TELL US TO PICK THE CAR UP AND JUST SEND US ON OUR WAY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! WE'VE EVEN PUT IN A CLAIM WITH AMERICAN HONDA AND SO FARE THEY ARE NO HELP AS WELL! PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY GETS HURT OR DIES!!!
NHTSA complaint #11217390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.