DecodedCars2017 Honda Clarity
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, FCV
- EV range
- 89 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 89 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Honda Clarity is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 89 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- New all-electric version
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Clarity →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity EV EV | 120 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 89 mi · 30 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Clarity FCV FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 69 / 67 / 68 | – | – | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Honda Clarity.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Honda Clarity (this car) | 89 mi | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Equipment › Electrical · Apr 18, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V315000 · 1,082 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. Internal components may corrode and cause the water pump to fail.
- Risk
- A failure of the water pump can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4N.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Dec 20, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V921000 · 1,082 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles previously repaired under recall 18V-068. The previous software remedy may have been incomplete. As a result, the fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have a partial or complete loss of power.
- Risk
- A loss of power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda has notified owners, and dealers will update the FC-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is A3O.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jan 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V068000 · 471 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. The fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have reduced, or a complete loss of, power.
- Risk
- A loss of power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R0L.
Not every 2017 Honda Clarity is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Honda Clarity buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Equipment — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 89 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Honda Clarity. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Clarity years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2018 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 163 |
| 2014 Clarity | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →