Honda CR-Z Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 68 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file for the Honda CR-Z, across 6 model years (2011–2016). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (38). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Honda CR-Z
2014 Honda CR-Z Sport-T i-VTEC 1.5 Front Taken in Leamington Spa. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2011, with 38 complaints
2011: 382011382012: 7201272013: 112013112014: 4201442015: 6201562016: 220162

n = 68 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Honda CR-Z years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CR-Z year: 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2011 CR-Z: 38 complaints, 3 recalls
  2. 2013 CR-Z: 11 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2012 CR-Z: 7 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2016 CR-Z: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2014 CR-Z: 4 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2015 CR-Z: 6 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Honda CR-Z problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags3654
Structure941
Electrical System851
Power Train630
Seat Belts424
Steering411
Wheels322
Engine220
Service Brakes211
Electronic Stability Control (esc)111
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Exterior Lighting110
Fuel/propulsion System110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Suspension110
Tires110
Vehicle Speed Control110
Visibility110

All Honda CR-Z model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2016 CR-Z204★Structure
2015 CR-Z624★Air Bags
2014 CR-Z414★Air Bags
2013 CR-Z1124★Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2012 CR-Z724★Air Bags
2011 CR-Z3833★Air BagsFar more complaints than other years

More from Honda: all Honda models · Honda VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Honda CR-Z years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (38) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CR-Z year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Honda CR-Z?

Air Bags, with 36 complaints across 5 model years.

How many recalls does the Honda CR-Z have?

3 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.