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2013 Honda FCX Clarity Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 6, 2026·Ethan Miller·1 Critical Recall

Overall Score

6.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Verify the passenger frontal air bag inflator recall (18V042000) has been completed.
  • While owner complaints are zero, a high TSB count (21) suggests potential for other system-level issues.
  • No EPA fuel economy data is available for this model year.
  • NHTSA has not provided safety ratings for this vehicle.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2013 Honda FCX Clarity

The 2013 Honda FCX Clarity, a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, offers a glimpse into advanced automotive engineering. As a used vehicle, its primary appeal lies in its innovative powertrain and Honda's reputation for reliability. However, potential buyers must be aware of a significant recall concerning the passenger frontal air bag inflator. Despite a high TSB count, owner complaints are notably absent in the provided data, suggesting proactive dealership interventions or that issues are not reaching a critical failure point reported by owners. Safety ratings are not available.

Critical Failure Risk

A critical safety recall (18V042000) addresses the potential for the passenger frontal air bag inflator module to rupture explosively due to propellant degradation. This poses a severe risk of injury.

Early detection can help you avoid a $2,000-$10,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls1
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.5/ 10

Practicality

5.7/ 10

The score is mainly limited by limited seating.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Enthusiasts interested in early fuel cell technology.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking mainstream, easily serviced vehicles.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2013 Honda FCX Clarity Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Seating Capacity
4
Body Style
Sedan

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Most Common Issues

1. Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Module

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Fuel Cell System Performance Degradation

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Inspect fuel cell stack and related components (Parts: Diagnostic scan, Visual inspection tools) - Check coolant levels and condition (if applicable to thermal management system) (Parts: Honda Type 2 Coolant, Distilled water) - Inspect all high-voltage cabling and connectors (Parts: Insulation resistance tester, Torque wrench)

Est. shop cost: $150 - $300

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
1 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity is 9.5/10. Reliability score is 9.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 1. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.7/10. The score is mainly limited by limited seating. Seating capacity is 4. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 371 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 41%. Maintenance 8.9/10. Practicality 5.7/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Inspect fuel cell stack and related components (Parts: Diagnostic scan, Visual inspection tools) - Check coolant levels and condition (if applicable to thermal management system) (Parts: Honda Type 2 Coolant, Distilled water) - Inspect all high-voltage cabling and connectors (Parts: Insulation resistance tester, Torque wrench) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Module (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall Item)).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How many people fit in a 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity, seating capacity is 4.

What body style is the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity, body style is sedan.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2013 Honda FCX Clarity?▾

This model year has 1 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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