What Honda CR-Z years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 Honda CR-Z are the years to avoid. 2011 has a complaint index of 100 and 38 complaints, while 2013 has an index of 80 and 11 complaints, both dominated by airbag issues.

Which Honda CR-Z year is best?

No CR-Z year is listed as a best year in this data, but 2012 has the lowest complaint index among rated years at 40 and is marked Good, with only 7 complaints total.

Does the Honda CR-Z have airbag recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall campaigns 19V500000 and 16V061000 covering driver frontal air bag inflator replacement, affecting the 2011, 2013, and 2015 CR-Z among other Honda models.

Is the 2015 Honda CR-Z reliable?

The 2015 CR-Z is marked Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 5 complaints, lower than the 2011 and 2013 Avoid years but higher risk than 2012 or 2014.

Honda CR-Z Best and Worst Years (2011–2016)

Honda CR-Z years to avoid are 2011 and 2013, both dominated by airbag complaints and driver frontal air bag inflator recalls. 2011 has the most complaints (38) and a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year. 2012 and 2014 score much lower and are safer picks.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013

Model years: 6; 2011–2016
NHTSA complaints: 67
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Airbags

CR-Z Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Honda CR-Z problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2011	Avoid	100	38	5	3	Airbags	35	3★
2012	Good	40	7	0	2	Airbags	35	4★
2013	Avoid	80	11	1	2	Airbags	34.5	4★
2014	No verdict	20	4	0	1	Airbags	34.5	4★
2015	Caution	60	5	1	2	Airbags	34.5	4★
2016	No verdict	0	2	0	0	Structure & Body	34.5	4★

CR-Z years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Honda CR-Z Index 100 · 38 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 CR-Z has the most complaints of any year, 38 total, and the highest complaint index at 100, ranking it worst overall. Airbags are the top problem area, with 16 complaints (42% share) and a median failure mileage of 34,500. Owners also reported electrical system and structure/body issues. This year carries three recall campaigns, including a driver frontal air bag inflator replacement and an ECU software update tied to engine stall risk with the manual transmission while the brake pedal is not pressed.

2011 airbags problems →

2013 Honda CR-Z Index 80 · 11 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2013 CR-Z ranks second worst with 11 complaints and a complaint index of 80. Airbags dominate, accounting for 9 of 11 complaints (82% share) with a median failure mileage of 32,300. Owners described Takata-related airbag inflator issues, including a case where a deploying airbag caused facial injuries. Electrical system, seat belt, and structure/body issues each appear once. Two recall campaigns apply to this year, both tied to airbag inflator replacement.

Most common Honda CR-Z problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags36 (54%)
Electrical System9 (13%)
Other8 (12%)
Structure & Body8 (12%)
Transmission & Powertrain6 (9%)
Brakes4 (6%)
Engine4 (6%)
Seat Belts4 (6%)
Steering4 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

What Honda CR-Z years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 Honda CR-Z are the years to avoid. 2011 has a complaint index of 100 and 38 complaints, while 2013 has an index of 80 and 11 complaints, both dominated by airbag issues.
Which Honda CR-Z year is best?: No CR-Z year is listed as a best year in this data, but 2012 has the lowest complaint index among rated years at 40 and is marked Good, with only 7 complaints total.
Does the Honda CR-Z have airbag recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists recall campaigns 19V500000 and 16V061000 covering driver frontal air bag inflator replacement, affecting the 2011, 2013, and 2015 CR-Z among other Honda models.
Is the 2015 Honda CR-Z reliable?: The 2015 CR-Z is marked Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 5 complaints, lower than the 2011 and 2013 Avoid years but higher risk than 2012 or 2014.