YearToAvoid

2013 Honda CR-Z Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#2 most-complained of 6 CR-Z years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 Honda CR-Z ranks 2nd worst of 6 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 11 complaints, 82% about airbags. It carries an Avoid verdict tied to two Takata airbag recalls.

Complaints
11
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
34.5
33 city / 37.5 hwy

Top 2013 Honda CR-Z problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags9 (82%)
  2. Electrical System1 (9%)
  3. Seat Belts1 (9%)
  4. Structure & Body1 (9%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)

What owners report

  • Airbags reportedly ruptured or fractured during a crash, causing facial injuries in at least one case.
  • Owners describe waiting long periods for Takata recall parts to become available, with some vehicles left incomplete for many months.
  • Some owners contacted dealers about the recall shortly after notification but reported no replacement airbag was ever provided.
  • One owner reported repeated no-start issues requiring a jumpstart every few weeks despite the battery testing fine, at 25,700 miles.
2013 Honda CR-Z complaints: complaints filed per month3Apr 2016Jul 2016Aug 2016Feb 2017Apr 2017Oct 2017Jun 2023
13 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2016 to Jun 2023; peak Aug 2016 (3).

2013 Honda CR-Z recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V500000Jun 27, 2019Airbags1,558 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

  2. NHTSA 16V061000Feb 3, 2016Airbags2,232,187 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

2013 Honda CR-Z fuel economy and fuel cost

City
33 MPG
Highway
37.5 MPG
Combined
34.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,875
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other CR-Z years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid10038335
2012Good407235
2013Avoid8011234.5
2014No verdict204134.5
2015Caution605234.5

All Honda CR-Z years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Honda CR-Z reliable?
NHTSA data ranks the 2013 CR-Z 2nd worst of 6 model years with a complaint index of 80, driven mostly by airbag issues. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other CR-Z years.
Does the 2013 Honda CR-Z have a recall?
Yes, it has two recalls, both for airbags. Both involve replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator due to Takata inflator issues.
What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Honda CR-Z?
Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 9 of 11 complaints (82% share), with a median mileage at failure of 32,300 miles.
How does the 2013 CR-Z compare to other years?
The 2013 CR-Z has a complaint index of 80, worse than 2012 (40, Good) and 2014 (20), but better than 2011 (100, Avoid).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.