MODEL
Honda Clarity Plug-In
NHTSA safety across every Honda Clarity Plug-In model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Honda Clarity Plug-In we cover (2019 to 2021), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is a midsize sedan built around an electrified powertrain, aimed squarely at commuters and eco-conscious buyers who want a practical, roomy alternative to smaller hybrid options. Positioned as a family-friendly four-door with a generous electric range, the Clarity competes in a niche that blends everyday usability with reduced fuel dependence. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2021 model years.
The Honda Clarity Plug-In's safety picture is thinner than shoppers might hope for. NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on this vehicle during the 2019 to 2021 model years we cover, which means there are no federal star ratings to anchor a confidence call. That absence is a meaningful gap, and buyers should weigh it seriously. Without a Safety Index, we cannot point to validated structural performance data from this specific generation. On the recall side, Honda issued 2 recalls across the covered model years, a relatively modest count for a three-year window. That said, recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints totaled 51 across those years, with 3 of those complaints referencing a crash event. No fires, injuries, or deaths were reported in the complaint data, which is worth noting, though these remain unverified allegations and should be treated as signals rather than conclusions. The Clarity is a genuinely distinctive vehicle in a small segment, and Honda's broader safety engineering reputation is solid. But the lack of federal crash-test data is a real limitation that no amount of brand goodwill can substitute for. Shoppers prioritizing a verified crash-safety record should compare this model carefully against alternatives that carry full NHTSA or IIHS ratings before committing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Clarity Plug-In to be a comfortable, spacious sedan with a smooth, refined driving character that suits relaxed highway and commute duty well. The cabin earns praise for its room and thoughtful layout, though some reviewers note the exterior styling is polarizing. Most consider it a strong value proposition within the plug-in hybrid segment for buyers who prioritize comfort and efficiency together.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the Clarity Plug-In during the 2019 to 2021 model years, so there are no federal star ratings available to help evaluate structural safety performance.
- Honda issued 2 recalls across the covered model years. Shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase.
- Owner complaints across 2019 to 2021 total 51, with 3 citing a crash event. No fires, injuries, or deaths were reported in that complaint data, though all complaints are unverified allegations.
- The absence of crash-test data makes cross-shopping especially important. Buyers focused on verified safety scores should compare the Clarity directly against rival plug-in hybrids that carry complete NHTSA or IIHS ratings.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In with 2 recalls.