What kind of problems does a Honda CRZ usually have? In this blog, we’ve outlined all the most important things you should watch for when you’re in the market for a Honda CRZ. However, let’s first start with a quick answer.
The most common problems of the Honda CRZ are its airbag inflator rupture, for which there is a recall, and cracked fog lights that must be replaced. The 2011 model also has a recall for the ECU software issue and complaints about power steering and failing lock actuators. The 2015 model has some complaints about its traction control.
That was the most straightforward answer possible. In the article below, we’ll discuss every problem in detail. This includes identifying it, fixing it, and how much it costs to fix. Read on!
Want to save money on gasoline? earn up to $0.25/gallon every time you fill up? GetUpside is a free-to-use cashback app for US gas stations. Use coupon code “THEDRIVERADVISER25” and earn an additional $0.25/gallon the first time! Click here to download the app for Android or iOS.
We Use Real World Vehicle Data To Create This List Of Problems
Before we dive into the most common problems, let’s quickly explain how we created this list.
This data comes from vehicle owners like you. It’s based on real data from real drivers. No guesswork or hypotheticals here.
We use resources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and many others, to review the most common complaints issues by owners along with the full history of recalls and active investigations.
From there, our team of automotive experts takes a closer look into each problem and breaks down why it happens, what you can do to prevent it, and how to fix it.
We review the data and interpret the results to make your life easier. Now that you understand how we came up with this list, let’s get into it!
1. Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The airbag inflator’s rupture is the most significant risk that comes with the Honda CRZ. This issue turns a trusted safety feature into a possibly deadly hazard. The driver’s frontal airbag inflator is susceptible to moisture intrusion, which can cause it to rupture in case of an accident and injure the driver or passengers with sharp metal fragments. This seriously endangers the safety and life of the people within the vehicle.
This issue is found in Honda CRZ 2011 through 2015 models; it is also found in other vehicles under Honda, and Acura produced between 2005 and 2015.
Honda has recalled these models and will replace the driver’s frontal airbag inflator free of charge. However, if you’re in the market for a Honda CRZ, it’s best to check if the inflator has been replaced since there have been multiple complaints about long waits for replacement as required parts are unavailable.
Also read: The Complete Cost Of Maintaining A Honda
2. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Software Issue
There was another recall for the 2011 Honda CRZ model regarding its Engine Control Unit software. The issue occurred when the engine stalled while the brake pedal was not pressed; a faulty ECU software caused the hybrid system’s electric motor to move the vehicle in unintended directions, usually opposite to the selected gear.
This posed a severe risk of a collision or crash. A sudden unintended movement could result in a collision with a person around the vehicle, causing severe, even fatal, injury to said person.
The recall was for vehicles with manual transmissions manufactured from January 8, 2010, to June 27, 2011. However, there were a few complaints about the same issue in some automatic transmission vehicles as well, but no recall was issued. As for the recalled vehicles, the owners would be notified, and the dealers would update the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software free of charge.
3. Electronic Power Steering
There have been some complaints on NHTSA about the electronic power steering of Honda CRZ’s 2011 model. The consumers complained that the power steering randomly turns off and on. The EPS indicator flashes, which means an issue is detected but then turns the power steering on and off, resulting in oversteering or understeering. This lack of steering control is dangerous and can easily cause crashes.
Consumers state that the biggest concern of this problem is that the issue is random but recurring and lasts minutes or whole trips. When the vehicle is taken for a checkup, the technicians cannot recreate the electronic power steering failure and so are unable to diagnose the problem.
If you’re looking to buy a Honda CRZ, it’s best to avoid the 2011 model as the electronic power steering issue has its complaints limited to this model year. Getting stuck with this issue is especially troublesome as it’s tough to diagnose.
4. Doors not Locking or Unlocking
The 2011 Honda CRZ suffers from another problem, door lock failure. This problem occurs due to lock actuators failing in the driver and passenger doors. Consumers often complained that this problem started when the vehicle was parked in hot areas or under direct sunlight in the summer, which suggests that the system does not stand up to heat well.
The problem is not life-threatening but is still a big one as you can get locked out of your car. There have also been reports of the rear hatch lock failing.
There has been no recall for the failing actuators. If you had to change the actuators on your own, it would cost you anywhere from $180 to $230.
5. Cracked Fog Lights
A common problem found in the Honda CRZ is cracked fog lights. The fog lights develop condensation and then crack when it gets cold. Another reason why these fog lights might crack because CRZ users often use high-power (80W-100W) bulbs in their fog lights. This creates a lot of heat, resulting in cracked fog lights.
There have been no recalls or easy fixes for this issue. If you notice condensation in your fog lights, the best way to solve this problem is to replace the fog lights.
Many CRZ owners face this problem, and they recommend changing the fog lights for all new CRZ owners if it isn’t already replaced. Replacing the fog lights will set you back around $300.
6. Traction Control
There were a few complaints against the 2015 Honda CRZ regarding traction control. The complaint stated that the traction control light flashed rapidly on the dash, and then the driver felt a jolt and lost traction. This mainly occurred when turning left. Nevertheless, this is a dangerous issue that can cause severe or fatal injuries.
Some incorrect codes caused this loss of traction control. If you’re in the market for a Honda CRZ, it’s best to inquire if this was an issue. If you have a similar problem, it’s best to take your vehicle to the dealership and check for errors or issues in any codes.
7. Soy-Coated Wiring
Soy-Coated wiring has become a common issue for most brands, including Honda. Most automakers switched to soy-based coating for their wiring because it was more biodegradable and so more eco-friendly. Although it’s better for the environment, it’s also better for the automaker as these soy-based coatings are cheaper than their plastic counterparts.
The problem with these soy-based coatings is that they attract rodents which then like to chew on them and use them as nesting material. This could cause an array of problems, any system that utilizes wires accessible to these rodents is at risk of failing. This has become quite the problem since there is no easy solution, and it’s a problem found in most vehicles by most automakers.
There are some simple steps to include into your routine to try and catch these rodents before they cause an expensive problem. This includes regularly opening the hood and looking for signs of rodent activity, looking for shredded pieces of wire where you park your cars, and cleaning out all the food in your car.
Honda does offer an interesting fix for this rodent problem. An electric tape treated with capsaicin, a substance found in hot peppers that can keep rodents away. The tape costs around $36 for a 20m roll, and you can get it at your dealership.
That’s a different approach to some other brands like Toyota which has the same issue in several vehicles like the Sequoia, Highlander, Camry Hybrid, and more. Toyota dealt with several lawsuits over the years but hasn’t offered much of a specific solution.
What’s The Worst Year Of The Honda CRZ
Honda CRZs are reliable cars with batteries that should last for 6 to 10 years or around 100,000 miles. It even has a reliability rating of 90, which is quite admirable. The Honda CRZ has only one generation that started in 2011 and ended in 2016.
The worst year of the Honda CRZ would be 2011 for several reasons. For starters, it has two recalls concerning the airbag inflator rupture and the faulty Engine Control Unit software; both of these issues can cause severe or fatal injuries and must be checked to see if the required parts are replaced, and the issues are fixed. Then we have complaints about the failing electric power steering that is dangerous, has no recalls, and is particularly difficult to diagnose.
That’s not all; the 2011 model also has failing lock actuators that could lock you out of your car. This is accompanied by the problem of cracking fog lights due to condensate, which is common in most model years of the Honda CRZ. That being said, this was the CRZ’s first year, and like most new cars, it had a plethora of problems.
The best year of the Honda CRZ would be 2016. This model does not have any complaints on the NHTSA website and has zero recalls, not even the airbag inflator recall, which is present on all other models of the Honda CRZ.
Honda CRZ models from 2012 through 2014 are all great options too. You’ll have to ensure that the airbag inflator rupture has been fixed, which was a part of the recall, and check to see if you’ll need to replace the fog lights, but other than that, there were no significant issues. The 2015 model shares these issues and has some complaints about failing traction control.
Sources
- https://repairpal.com/estimator/honda/accord/door-lock-actuator-replacement-cost#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20for%20a,model%20year%20or%20unique%20location.
- https://www.crzforum.com/threads/fog-light-lens-cracked.3162/page-19
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-Z/2011/lights/fog_lights_getting_condensation_in_them.shtml
- https://carbuzz.com/cars/honda/cr-z-generations
- https://janetpanic.com/how-reliable-is-honda-crz/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/HONDA/CR-Z#recalls
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/HONDA/CR-Z
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.