Most common 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years: 2020. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid owners say
Driver assistance
The forward-facing multipurpose camera unit (ADAS camera) failed internally while driving, causing the simultaneous deactivation of multiple critical safety systems including Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). The failure is indicated by persistent dashboard warning messages stating 'System Fault' or 'Honda Sensing Problem'.A professional diagnostic scan confirmed DTC code U3000-49 (Multipurpose Camera Unit Internal Failure). The sudden and unpredictable loss of these automated safety features reduces the vehicle's ability to assist in avoiding collisions and increases the risk of a crash, particularly in emergency situations. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing defect in the camera hardware that poses an unreasonable safety risk to drivers and passengers.
The 2020 Honda Clarity's multipurpose windshield camera fails intermittently, often at startup. The vehicle displays Brake System and Honda Sensing-related warnings, disabling Collision Mitigation Braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. The vehicle may otherwise operate, but multiple driver-assistance safety systems are unavailable. A dealer attributed the issue to the windshield camera module and possible calibration. The warnings began approximately June 2025 and remain intermittent. The camera is available for inspection. No crash, fire, injury, or police report.
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 44 / 40 / 42 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid rates better than average: 88% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid?
The driver assistance — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about assist. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and speed control & acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020. See the full Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 3,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.