25 of the
290 complaints filed about the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
are about the transmission —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
25
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
My 2019 Honda Clarity has had a hybrid battery failure that triggers “Check Engine” and “Power System” warnings, making the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to drive. I brought the car to Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos on 12/29/2025, and the battery—still under warranty—has been on backorder for over 6 months with no repair completed. The dealer repeatedly requested new diagnostic readings but has not fixed the issue. I have asked for a loaner due to safety concerns, but none has been provided. The ongoing delay leaves me with a vehicle that cannot operate safely, and Honda has not offered a timely resolution. Despite ongoing communication with American Honda Automobile Customer Service and Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos, the issue has remained unresolved.
NHTSA complaint #11746360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Several times now while driving on the interstate at the average speed of 70 to 75 which is the speed limit in my Area the battery level while fully charged it's supposed to only drop down to 20% I have noticed several times now while on the interstate I've been barely able to drive 40 mph as it is dropping the power level down to almost zero there is no bars being illuminated they're supposed to be two bars for 20% and even one bar for 10% and twice now in a matter of 2 weeks I've noticed that it goes down to zero bars and the engine is revving very very high and I have very little power available this is quite dangerous on the interstate and I wish this could be resolved or I'll be getting rid of this car
NHTSA complaint #11625238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve purchased my 2018 Honda Clarity in July of 2023. I haven’t any issues with it, but recently I turned my car on in the morning, and it’s flashing the lights pointing to braking malfunction. ABS braking issue, Dashboard errors illuminating randomly, indicating brake system errors, sometimes locking the parking brake. I haven’t the slightest idea why? The vehicle has 66,000 miles which is minimal considering the life span of Hondas. I will be taking it back to Honda to take a look at this, but I’ve noticed some online complaints regarding the Clarity’s braking system. Specifically, the model I bought 2018. Hopefully, Honda will resolve this with a recall. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11544504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving in gas mode, the engine is revving high as in high rpm . I am not sure if the gear is shifting or has problems. The car revs high and the more I push the accelerator the louder the engine sound.
NHTSA complaint #11503147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine RPM's rise (near red line at times) with little to no propulsion. The slang I've found used in online forums, showing that this is a common problem, is "angry bees."
NHTSA complaint #11498681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving on the highway and car runs low on electric charge the engine revs up and the car slows down when changing to engine mode. When this happens, the car slows down to a crawl, and you are not able to accelerate with a roaring sound. This has happened several times and I took it to have Honda dealer to look at it but couldn't duplicate the problem. There are multiple reports regarding the same problem. It is a safety issue if driving in traffic or going over a mountain pass.
NHTSA complaint #11455040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving up a hill and car runs low on electric charge the engine revs up and the car slows down when changing to engine mode. When this happens, the car slows down to a crawl, and you are not able to accelerate. This has happened five times and I'm taking it to have Honda look at it. I have to leave it with them for serval days so they can try to duplicate the problem. I read online about numerus people who have experienced the same problem. It is a safety issue if driving in traffic or going over a mountain pass. I had it in the shop recently and they couldn't identify the problem, so I have to leave it there for an extended period of them to work on.
NHTSA complaint #11452880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving on a steep hill, the car switched from all electric to hybrid mode as it ran out of battery only power. The transmission failed to engage and the engine revs increase as if stuck in neutral. The car slowed from 45 mph to 5 mph, then the car accelerated to 20 remaining 1/2 mile to my residence. The car was evaluated by Culver City Honda on May 26, 2021. The dealer advised that they were unable to replicate the anomaly or identify failure codes on the on board diagnostic computer.
NHTSA complaint #11419054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT WOULD SWITCH FROM HYBRID TO BATTERY OPERATION. WHEN DOING SO, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO METRO HONDA (9399 AUTOPLEX ST, MONTCLAIR, CA 91763, (909) 542-9637) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500.
NHTSA complaint #11256682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH UP A HILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND LOST POWER. ADDITIONALLY, THE MILES PER GALLON FOR A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE 48 MILES; HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL RANGE WAS 38 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORM REEVES HONDA SUPERSTORE WEST COVINA (LOCATED AT 1840 E GARVEY AVE S, WEST COVINA, CA 91791, (626) 251-2995) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE CHARGED AND OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,200.
NHTSA complaint #11208982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STATE OF DRIVING CONDITION: THE CAR WAS SET IN CRUISE AT 70 MPH IN HV MODE (NOT CHARGE MODE). EV RANGE WAS 30 MILE REMAINING, APPROXIMATELY 70% OF BATTERY REMAINING. THE HONDA CLARITY PHEV SPONTANEOUS EXCESSIVE REVVING THE ENGINE WHILE CRUISING AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON FLAT HIGHWAY ROAD THEN THE CAR DROPPED SPEED BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANY CAR IN FRONT. ONCE I NOTICE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE POWER TO REGAIN TO SET CRUISING SPEED, I TURNED CRUISING OFF, SWITCHED THE CAR FROM HV TO EV THEN THE ENGINE STOP DOING HIGH REVVING. I DROVE IN EV FOR 2 MINUTES THEN SWITCH BACK TO HV THEN THE CAR REGAIN ITS POWER TO RESUME CRUISING SPEED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVERS DID NOT AWARE WHEN THE CAR DECIDED TO CUT ITS POWER IN HV MODE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I ENCOUNTER THE SITUATION, BUT I'VE NOTICED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER DRIVER REGARD TO CLARITY PHEV SPONTANEOUS ENGINE REVVING ON MANY FORUM.
NHTSA complaint #11202812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SO MY WIFE TOOK THE CLARITY ON HER REGULAR COMMUTE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE A BUNCH OF RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON THE CAR ON FRIDAY. ALONG WITH A01 SERVICE, PRODUCT UPDATES 18-089, 90, 91 AND 97 WERE PERFORMED ON THE CAR. SHE RAN INTO A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I'LL LIST THE STEPS BELOW. HAS ANYONE ELSE ENCOUNTERED THIS? I PLAN TO REPORT TO NHTSA ALSO. - SHE WAS DRIVING NORMALLY ON HER WAY BACK HOME IN ECON MODE AT AROUND 70 MPH OR UNDER. PRIOR TO THE UPDATES THE BATTERY NEVER USED TO GO BELOW 9 OR 10% (LAST TWO BARS). BUT TODAY IT WENT TO NO BARS LEFT. - THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT RESPONSIVE AND THE SPEED STARTED DROPPING TO ABOUT 40 MPH. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS CLOSE BEHIND HER. SHE SWITCHED ON HER HAZARDS. - SHE TURNED ON HYBRID MODE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED UP AGAIN BACK TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WORKED NORMALLY ON THE REST OF THE JOURNEY HOME. SO ON ANY DAY BEFORE LAST WEEK, THE CAR WOULD A) NOT LET THE BATTERY GO BELOW 2 BARS B) KEEP UP SPEED AND AUTOMATICALLY SWITCH TO HYBRID MODE ONCE EV MODE WAS UNAVAILABLE. WHAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS SCARY. EDIT -
NHTSA complaint #11184206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HI. MY 2018 HONDA CLARITY PHEV SUFFERS A SEVERE DROP IN POWER WHEN SWITCHING FROM THE ELECTRIC MOTOR TO GAS ENGINE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH AND ALL OF SUDDEN IT CAN BARELY GO 30 MPH AND THE ENGINE IS REVVING VERY LOUDLY. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE WORSE IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I NOW HAVE TO MAKE SURE I AM NOT ON THE INTERSTATE FOR THE SWITCH AND SOMETIMES PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL IT PASSES. PLEASE HAVE HONDA ISSUE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11182731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HYBRID VEHICLE FINISHED ELECTRIC POWER, IT WOULD SWITCH TO GAS. WHILE IN GAS MODE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE UP A HILL. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE REVVED EXTREMELY HARD AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,418. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11182859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. I MANAGED TO PULL TO A SLOW LANE BUT THE LACK OF POWER CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER 5 MINUTES. IT HAD BEEN RUNNING ON BATTERY JUST PRIOR AND I HAD 2 BARS OF POWER LEFT. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 15 DEGREES. THE INTERNAL COBUSTION ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE BUT ONLY BEGAN TO GIVE ADEQUATE POWER TO THE WHEELS AFTER 5 MINUTES. A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. HONDA CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I AM HEARING OF OTHER CASES BEING REPORTED LIKE MINE.
NHTSA complaint #11181572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN VEHICLE IS IN ANY MODE THAT REQUIRE THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, IT PERSISTENTLY GETS STUCK IN A HIGH REV, HIGH RPM, STATE AT ANY SPEED. THIS CAUSES POWER FLUCTUATIONS AND EXTREME ENGINE NOISE. THIS CREATES CHALLENGING AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO THE SENSITIVE STATE OF THE ENGINE WHEN STUCK IN THIS MODE.
NHTSA complaint #11174607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE COMES ON WITH HIGH REVS WHILE CAR IS MOVING. IN HV MODE ENGINE REVS ARE CONTINUES EVEN THOUGH I HAVE 20 MILES OF EV RANGE. I HAD POWER LOSS TWICE NOW IN SLOW SPEED AROUND 30 MILES/HR ANDT 65 MILES/HR
NHTSA complaint #11173847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.