How common are transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid?

NHTSA lists 19 complaints in this area for the 2018 model year, which is 14% of the 134 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid transmission?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area.

At what mileage do these transmission problems tend to happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 4,359 miles.

Did these transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these complaints.

What does the transmission problem feel like?

Owners describe a sudden loss of power and loud engine revving when the car shifts from electric to gas mode, often while climbing hills, sometimes with the transmission feeling like it slips.

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, 14% of its 134 total complaints, with median mileage at failure of 4,359. No related recalls are listed for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 19; 14% of 134
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 4,359 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a severe loss of power when the car switches from electric mode to the gas engine, especially while climbing hills or grades.
Several describe the engine revving loudly and the transmission feeling like it slips or fails to engage, causing the car to slow dramatically, in some cases from highway speed down to a crawl.
Some drivers say the vehicle would not accelerate even with the pedal fully pressed once the transition to gas mode occurred.
One owner reported the car rolling backward on a steep incline after releasing the parking brake, even with the accelerator applied.
One complaint describes the same power-loss and revving pattern happening repeatedly at low battery charge on an interstate hill.
One owner noted the issue seemed worse in cold weather and now avoids highway driving to prevent the sudden power drop.

When 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 17, 2018, latest Nov 14, 2024.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Nov 2024; peak Feb 2019 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Clarity Plug-in Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20171 (100%)
201819 (14%)
20194 (10%)
20201 (14%)
20210 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid?: NHTSA lists 19 complaints in this area for the 2018 model year, which is 14% of the 134 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid transmission?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area.
At what mileage do these transmission problems tend to happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 4,359 miles.
Did these transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these complaints.
What does the transmission problem feel like?: Owners describe a sudden loss of power and loud engine revving when the car shifts from electric to gas mode, often while climbing hills, sometimes with the transmission feeling like it slips.