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Honda

2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID has 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 64. The most common issue is fuel system problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: 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. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

64

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

12 complaints
19%
  • • 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
  • • THREE TIMES NOW, OUR NEW 2019 HONDA CLARITY HAS PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. TWICE IN NOVEMBER 2019, ONCE IN JANUARY 2020, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING UP HILLS, ONCE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. EACH TIME THE CAR HAS PRODUCED A TERRIBLE BURNING SMELL AND SOUNDS OF HIGH REVVING OF T
  • • Car engine makes loud banging noise when it is running on gas instead of electrical battery. I had asked Honda dealer to review but they say they can not do anything about it. It is feels as if car making so much banging noise from engine has inherent issue and will eventually catch fire.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Based on 34 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
30
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
7
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 350 mi · 6 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER04/06/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Z7L.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,813
Per month
$151
Per mile
15.1¢
kWh/mi
0.80

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,975
Full coverage / month
$165
Liability only / year
$679
vs US avg
+18%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1975

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
30K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2019 CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 64 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    FUEL SYSTEM: 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

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ENGINE: THE CAR DRIVES FINE WHEN THERE IS SUFFICIENT BATTERY. WHEN BATTERY LEVEL DROPS TO LOW (2 BARS) THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. THE ENGINE BECOMES SLUGGISH AND REVS UP QUITE A BIT. I HAVE DRIVEN ~650 MILES SO FAR AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ALREADY. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED ONLY ONCE IN THE HIG

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    SPEED CONTROL: THE CAR DRIVES FINE WHEN THERE IS SUFFICIENT BATTERY. WHEN BATTERY LEVEL DROPS TO LOW (2 BARS) THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. THE ENGINE BECOMES SLUGGISH AND REVS UP QUITE A BIT. I HAVE DRIVEN ~650 MILES SO FAR AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ALREADY. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED ONLY ONCE IN THE HIG

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: 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 (939

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID — Year Comparison

How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2020
15Above Average
2019
64Average
2018
196Avoid This Year
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
64
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
1
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
64

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID

Compare With

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