2017-2021 Honda Clarity Side Mirror: LaneWatch Camera, Costs, and Replacement

Known Issues and Common Failure Symptoms

Side view mirrors on the Honda Clarity are generally reliable, but due to their electronic complexity, several issues can arise. Most problems are related to the integrated features, especially the LaneWatch camera.

1. LaneWatch Camera Failure

The most common and expensive issue is a malfunction of the passenger-side LaneWatch camera. Symptoms can range from intermittent glitches to total failure.

• Black or Blue Screen: When activating the right turn signal or pressing the camera button, the infotainment display shows a black, blue, or blank screen instead of the video feed. Sometimes a message like "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear" is displayed on the blank screen.
• Intermittent Operation: The camera works sometimes but fails randomly. Often, turning the car off and on again can temporarily resolve the issue, suggesting a software glitch.
• Flickering or Distorted Video: The camera feed is unstable, making it difficult to use.

2. Power-Folding or Power-Adjust Motor Failure

The motors that adjust the mirror glass or fold the entire housing can fail over time. You might experience:

• Grinding or Clicking Noises: When you try to fold or adjust the mirror, you hear noises, but the mirror doesn't move correctly. This often indicates stripped plastic gears inside the assembly.
• Mirror Won't Fold/Unfold: The power-fold function stops working entirely on one or both sides.
• Inability to Adjust Glass: The mirror glass won't respond to the control switch inside the car.

3. Heater Element Failure

If your Clarity is equipped with heated mirrors, the element behind the glass can burn out. The primary symptom is that the mirror will not clear away frost, ice, or condensation when the rear defroster is active.

4. Physical Damage

The most straightforward failures are from physical impacts. This can result in cracked mirror glass, a shattered housing, or the mirror breaking off at its mounting base (the "neck"). Even a minor impact can damage the internal electronics.

Buying a Used 2017-2021 Clarity Side View Mirror: A Buyer's Guide

Due to the high cost of new OEM mirrors, a used OEM part is an excellent value. However, you must verify you are buying the correct part for your vehicle. Aftermarket assemblies for the Clarity are not common due to the proprietary LaneWatch camera system, making used OEM the most reliable and cost-effective choice.

Step 1: Identify Your Exact Mirror Features

Before you shop, inspect your original mirror to confirm its features. Not all Clarity mirrors are the same. Check for:

• Side: Driver (Left) or Passenger (Right).
• LaneWatch Camera: Only on the passenger (right) side. Look for the small black camera lens on the underside of the mirror housing. This is the most critical and expensive feature.
• Heated Glass: Look for the small heating symbol printed on the mirror glass.
• Power Folding: Check if your vehicle has a button to fold the mirrors electronically.
• Turn Signal: All Clarity mirrors should have an integrated LED turn signal.

Step 2: Physical Inspection Checklist for a Used Mirror

When buying a used mirror, inspect it carefully:

• Housing and Mount: Check for any cracks, deep scrapes, or stress marks, especially at the base where it mounts to the door. A damaged mount will prevent a secure fit.
• Electrical Connector: Inspect the connector and its pins. Ensure no pins are bent, broken, or corroded. Count the pins to make sure it matches your original part.
• Mirror Glass: Look for cracks, chips, or any browning/delamination, which indicates a failing heating element.
• LaneWatch Camera Lens: On passenger-side mirrors, ensure the camera lens is clear, without deep scratches or cloudiness.
• Skull Cap (Cover): The painted outer cover is almost always sold separately. Do not expect a used mirror to come with a cover that matches your car's color. You will likely need to transfer your old one or buy a new one and have it painted.

Step 3: Why Used OEM is the Best Choice for the Clarity

For a complex part like this, a used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) mirror is superior to a new aftermarket one (if you can even find it). An OEM part guarantees perfect fitment and, most importantly, ensures the LaneWatch camera will function correctly with the car's infotainment system. Forum members and mechanics agree that rebuilding a damaged mirror with individual pieces is extremely difficult and not recommended; replacing the entire assembly is the standard, most reliable repair.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Clarity Side Mirrors

The cost of replacing a Clarity side mirror can be surprisingly high, especially for the passenger side due to the LaneWatch camera.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls or TSBs for the side view mirror assembly on the 2017-2021 Honda Clarity. However, Honda has issued recalls for other models from the same era for mirror glass detaching from the backing plate, a potential issue to be aware of.

The Clarity has been subject to other unrelated recalls, including for the fuel pump module and rear seat belts. It is always wise to check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website for any open recalls.

Replacement and Calibration Overview

Replacing the mirror assembly is a feasible DIY project for those comfortable with basic tools. The difficulty is around a 2 out of 5.

Replacement Steps:

1. Remove the Interior Sail Trim Panel: This is the small triangular plastic piece on the inside of the door, directly opposite the mirror. It usually pops off.
2. Remove the Door Panel: This typically involves removing a few screws (often one behind the interior door handle and another in the armrest pull cup) and then carefully prying the panel away from the door to release its plastic clips.
3. Disconnect and Unbolt: Disconnect the mirror's electrical harness, then remove the three nuts holding the mirror assembly to the door frame.
4. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Be careful not to drop the nuts inside the door panel.

LaneWatch Camera Calibration

After replacing the passenger-side mirror, the LaneWatch camera may require aiming/calibration. If it doesn't, the distance guide lines on the screen may be inaccurate. While dealers and some shops charge hundreds for this service, a DIY method exists. It involves accessing the car's hidden diagnostic menu and using a specific printed target placed at a measured distance from the car. If you get an "Aiming NG" (Not Good) error, the camera needs to be calibrated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)