DecodedCars2018 Honda Clarity
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- CLARITY
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, FCV, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 44 city / 40 hwy
- EV range
- 89 mi · 2.2 h on 240 V
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,063 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Honda Clarity is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,063 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (44 city / 40 highway), 54% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 89 miles and takes about 2.2 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 163 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Clarity →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLARITY | 192.9 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,063 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →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 · 29.5354 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Clarity FCV FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 69 / 67 / 68 | – | – | – | |
| Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 / 40 / 42 | +54% | $1,600 | 57 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Honda Clarity.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Honda Clarity (this car) | 42 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | 46 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
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.
Not every 2018 Honda Clarity is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Honda Clarity buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 27 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Clarity | 89 mi | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 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 →