The Honda Clarity spans 2004–2021 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 114 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda Clarity is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2004 to 2021 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda Clarity VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda Clarity carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Clarity.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Clarity, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda Clarity have?
The Honda Clarity has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2021. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Honda Clarity
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Honda Clarity — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Honda Clarity problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Honda Clarity — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda Clarity specifications & dimensions
The 2018–2021 Honda Clarity measures 193″ long on a 108″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,063 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda Clarity window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2021 | 193″ | 75″ | 58″ | 108″ | 4,063 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda Clarity cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Clarity holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda Clarity tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda Clarity get?
The Honda Clarity returns up to 114 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2013 Honda Clarity (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 353 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10, smog 9/10) — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Clarity | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 353 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2012 Clarity | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2011 Clarity | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 Clarity | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 Clarity | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 Clarity | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 Clarity | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 Clarity | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 Clarity | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 Clarity | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl |
The 2013 Honda Clarity (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 30 mpg combined and costs about $2,100/yr to fuel, emitting 300 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 8/10, smog 9/10) — that's about $500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Clarity | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2012 Clarity | 23 | 33 | $2,300 | 329 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2011 Clarity | 22 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2010 Clarity | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 Clarity | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 Clarity | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 Clarity | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2006 Clarity | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2005 Clarity | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 Clarity | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl |
The 2021 Honda Clarity (1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 42 MPGe and costs about $1,500/yr to fuel, emitting 57 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 10/10, smog 8/10) — that's about $6,500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Clarity | 44 | 40 | $1,500 | 57 | 8/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2020 Clarity | 44 | 40 | $1,500 | 57 | 8/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2019 Clarity | 44 | 40 | $1,500 | 57 | 8/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2018 Clarity | 44 | 40 | $1,500 | 57 | 8/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid |
The 2019 Honda Clarity gets 114 MPGe and costs about $650/yr to fuel — that's about $7,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Clarity | 126 | 103 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2018 Clarity | 126 | 103 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2017 Clarity | 126 | 103 | $700 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Clarity | 68 | 67 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell | |
| 2020 Clarity | 68 | 67 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell | |
| 2019 Clarity | 68 | 67 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell | |
| 2018 Clarity | 69 | 67 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell | |
| 2017 Clarity | 69 | 67 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell | |
| 2014 Clarity | 59 | 61 | — | — | 10/10 | Fuel cell |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Clarity stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Clarity's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda Clarity have? Power & range
The Honda Clarity is offered with 5 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid, Electric, Fuel cell. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
| Hybrid | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular Gas and Electricity |
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | FWD | Electricity |
| Fuel cell | Electric motor | Single-speed | FWD | Hydrogen |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda Clarity cost to own?
A used Honda Clarity sells for a median of about $22,477 for a 2020 — most listed between $17,999 and $24,979, from 36 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Clarity | $17,999–$24,979 | 3 | |
| 2019 Clarity | $9,988–$21,308 | 10 | |
| 2018 Clarity | $9,500–$17,999 | 23 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Clarity is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Honda Clarity holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Clarity loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Clarity ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Honda Clarity to insure?
A Honda Clarity costs about $1,355 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 6% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (94, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Clarity's HLDI loss index. See Honda insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Honda Clarity safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Clarity yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda Clarity last?
A well-maintained Honda Clarity typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Honda Clarity’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Clarity’s VIN free →All Honda Clarity model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda Clarity — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Clarity | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2020 Clarity | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2019 Clarity | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 Clarity | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2017 Clarity | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2014 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2010 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2008 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2007 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2006 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2005 Clarity | 0 | — | |
| 2004 Clarity | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Clarity?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Honda Clarity.
How many recalls does the Clarity have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2021. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Clarity get?
Up to 114 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Clarity last?
A well-maintained Clarity typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Clarity reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Clarity is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda Clarity warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda Clarity made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Clarity's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Clarity weigh?
The Clarity's curb weight is around 4,063 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Clarity have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.