[1969tc]

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...ose-cr-recommendation-car-reliability-survey/

Faulty dashboard lights, inaccurate climate controls, and trunk lid problems reported by users cause this rating? Haven't experienced any of these. I think the first two were fixed by software updates.
Terry

 

[d3xbot]

I haven't experienced any of these issues either. I've had my Clarity serviced once and that was routine maintenance (oil change, inspection, etc.) and they said it came back cleaner than expected. I haven't had a single electrical issue or warning lights issue. I'm not entirely sure what the whole trunk latch issue is, but I know my trunk opens as expected.

I'm sure if something's wrong with a set of their cars, Honda will make it right.

 

[BillM]

When I first got my Clarity, I loved it, but I was sure something terrible was wrong with my trunk latch. When I would try to close it, three out of four times it would mysteriously flash lights and warning beeps and refuse to close. Only the next day did I realize that the problem was pilot error. Leanng in to close the trunk while the fob was in my pants pocket identified the situation as fob in danger of being locked in car. Keeping the fob pocket away from the trunk when closing solved the problem!

 

[HondaFan]

I haven't experienced any of these issues either. I've had my Clarity serviced once and that was routine maintenance (oil change, inspection, etc.) and they said it came back cleaner than expected. I haven't had a single electrical issue or warning lights issue. I'm not entirely sure what the whole trunk latch issue is, but I know my trunk opens as expected.

I'm sure if something's wrong with a set of their cars, Honda will make it right.

You might not be so sure if you read the problems that have surfaced with the 1.5T engine in the CRV. While their response in China has been adequate, they have only obfuscated in the US and Canada.

 

[PNV513]

When I first got my Clarity, I loved it, but I was sure something terrible was wrong with my trunk latch. When I would try to close it, three out of four times it would mysteriously flash lights and warning beeps and refuse to close. Only the next day did I realize that the problem was pilot error. Leanng in to close the trunk while the fob was in my pants pocket identified the situation as fob in danger of being locked in car. Keeping the fob pocket away from the trunk when closing solved the problem!

Yes, it happen to me when my wife and I driving in the same car she has her second key in her purse and when we get out the car and my wife decided to leave her purse in the trunk for security purpose and the trunk will not closed every time we push trunk down it pop up right a way finally my wife said oh it may be the key inside the purse causing that and she took the key out and then the trunk is shut right a way so I think this is the safety feature that car recognize the key is inside the car.

 

[longfam18]

Yes, it happen to me when my wife and I driving in the same car she has her second key in her purse and when we get out the car and my wife decided to leave her purse in the trunk for security purpose and the trunk will not closed every time we push trunk down it pop up right a way finally my wife said oh it may be the key inside the purse causing that and she took the key out and then the trunk is shut right a way so I think this is the safety feature that car recognize the key is inside the car.

We had the same issue at the aquarium last weekend, my wife figured it out right away and I kept her keys in my pocket. Great safety feature once you know about it, but we almost walked away from an unlocked trunk with keys in it!

 

[Lieblet]

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...ose-cr-recommendation-car-reliability-survey/

Faulty dashboard lights, inaccurate climate controls, and trunk lid problems reported by users cause this rating? Haven't experienced any of these. I think the first two were fixed by software updates.
Terry

Given the number of Clartys that we’re sold in 2017 or early 2018, that CR based it’s review on, I wonder how many complaints were submitted.

 

[Cruiter]

I read the article and tho I subscribe to and generally like CR, by their own admission they have only been as right as the test cars they purchased performed for them. They have never been a large fan of factory NAV systems. There seem to be no consistency in a 'standard' operation between them. Having said that, Honda has not been their favorite. Other things were minor dissatisfaction on the operation of a few features and the lack of lower back support for the drivers seat. I don't support their comment re: bad reliability. With the exception of the Tesla, CR has generally shied away from endorsing any type of hybrid. I didn't see a CR comment on the engine. Can you provide a link?

You might not be so sure if you read the problems that have surfaced with the 1.5T engine in the CRV. While their response in China has been adequate, they have only obfuscated in the US and Canada.

 

[tafkam]

I had the engine freak out yesterday ( ran at such a high RPM in HV mode that I thought the engine might blow) so took it in to the dealer for that, the 1000 mile range issue, the wipers hitting the pillars (again third time in for that) and the seat heater coming on when I turn on the heat (but not every time of course) and the regen paddle giving me three flashing arrows then two solid ones and the regen not working at all. Thinking about invoking the lemon law and getting an Accord Hybrid or CRV.

 

[PHEV Clarity and Volt]

My Clarity will do the same with regen when the battery is full, or when the gas motor is on. The computer will limit the regen capability to protect the battery. It is designed to do that so the batteries are not overcharged. This happens most often to me in HV mode. Also the motor will run at a higher rpm under HV charge mode or under high acceleration demands.

 

[jeff10236]

I've had a number of the problems you see on various forums, and probably the problems CR is talking about.

Faulty dash lights? I assume they are talking about an issue I've seen on forums a lot, and several times in my own car. After charging on a level 2 charger it will often throw all kinds of warning messages and lights. Once, it wouldn't even start for about 10min after charging. I'm pretty sure (I'll have to check) that one of the recalls was supposed to fix these issues. Don't get me started on the Android Auto and Honda Link apps (both through the phone and accessing them from the car infotainment screen).

Climate controls? I don't remember the specific issue, I've never had it, but I did get a climate control related recall notice a month or two ago (and just had the recall work done yesterday). I assume the recall issue, being climate control related, is what CR was talking about, and I assume the recall will fix it.

Trunk lid issues? I really haven't looked online to see what kind of problems people are having. I do know that when I unlock and open my door and start the car I sometimes (once every week or two) get a warning light that the trunk is open. I'm not hitting the wrong button on the key fob because I'm not using the key fob. I'm unlocking with the door handle with the key fob remaining in my pocket. However, all it means is that I have to get out of the car and close the trunk before driving.


The first is annoying, but always seems to fix itself pretty quickly (the more serious one anyway, not the issue with the two apps unfortunately). The second hasn't affected me, and hopefully the recall fixes it overall. The last is nothing but a minor annoyance.

My take is that it isn't as trouble free and reliable as I hoped a Honda would be. I am a bit peeved, but it wouldn't stop me from recommending it (or buying it if I was to start over- though I'd possibly consider one or two others a bit more, especially an all electric with several 200+ mile options now). From reading, the Clarity and many other recent Honda models seem to have similar problems overall now. However, they are still bullet proof mechanically. So, minor livability issues but the car will likely last forever... I'd rather not deal with them, but it isn't the end of the world. It does make me a little nervous going into the future, but I'll keep an eye on it and hopefully it will be fine.

As for CR, I'm pretty sure it is these livability issues that got the Clarity its rating. I think they should weigh severity of issues much more instead of looking primarily at number of issues, but I think they look more at the number of issues. If that is the case, again, a few annoyances but otherwise a mechanically sound car is much preferable to one that all its software works right but will break down and leave you on the road, or will die altogether in 100-150k miles.

 

[4sallypat]

CR = False.

My Clarity has been the MOST reliable of all cars I have had.
Zero problems with mine.

I have had far too many problems within the first year: BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, and Ford.

 

[shorn]

CR

I agree with the previous post.

I been following Consumer Reports for years and enjoy their evaluations, however, I must say, I disagree with the negative report of the Clarity.

It's been the best car I have ever owned. I have some nice cars too, my last 2 cars were a 10 year old Mercedes Benz E320 and a 3 year old Tesla S. Both of these cars were nice, but I had reliability issues with each.

The only problem I've had with the Clarity was the HV (gas tank) reporting 1000 miles on full. After the update, it is fine now and reads at about 350 or so.

After a year with this car, so far so good, incredibly reliable. I love the car and wouldn't change it for any other.