2020 Honda Clarity

Here’s a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints for the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, organized by category.

The 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is a mid-size plug-in hybrid sedan offering a blend of fuel efficiency and electric driving range. It features a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The Clarity offers an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 47 miles. Owners often appreciate its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. Some common criticisms include its somewhat unconventional styling and the limited availability of the plug-in hybrid model.

Electric Motor

• High Voltage Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced all-electric driving range over time. The vehicle may need to rely more heavily on the gasoline engine.
  • Solution: Honda may offer battery warranty replacements for significant degradation beyond a certain threshold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies, but potential replacement is covered under warranty if degradation meets criteria. Out of warranty, expect $8,000-$15,000+ for a battery replacement depending on if its new, used, or refurbished.
  • Recalls: None Found
• DC-DC Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The DC-DC converter is responsible for converting the high-voltage DC power from the traction battery to the low-voltage DC power needed to run the car’s accessories, lights, and other electrical systems. If it fails, you may experience a variety of issues, including: warning lights on the dashboard, unable to start the vehicle, accessories not working, etc.
  • Solution: DC-DC converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Rear Shock Absorber Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing or a harsh ride, particularly over bumps. Leaking fluid from the shock absorbers may also be visible.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen may freeze, become unresponsive to touch, or crash and reboot unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software updates from Honda may address the issue. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves). $500 - $1500+ for infotainment unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• 12V Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery can drain quickly, especially if the car is left unused for extended periods. This can lead to starting problems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery. Ensuring proper charging habits and avoiding leaving accessories on can help prevent recurrence.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: One or more of the LED headlights may flicker, dim, or fail completely.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected LED headlight unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may stop working on one or both seats.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine if the heating element, switch, or wiring is faulty, followed by replacement of the defective component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid generally exhibits reliable performance. However, owners have reported some issues. The most concerning are related to the high voltage battery degradation, DC-DC converter failure, and infotainment system problems. These issues can be costly to fix if not covered under warranty, with potential battery replacement costing upwards of $8,000 - $15,000. Other issues like suspension wear, headlight malfunctions, and seat heater failures are less frequent but can still present inconveniences and moderate repair expenses. Overall, pre-purchase inspection, including assessing the battery health, is recommended.