The Honda CR-Z spans 2011–2016 with 11 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2011, 2013, 2012 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2016, 2014, 2015. It delivers up to 36 mpg combined and 4-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda CR-Z is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2011 to 2016 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda CR-Z VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda CR-Z carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this CR-Z.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your CR-Z, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda CR-Z have?
The Honda CR-Z has 11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2016. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2015 Honda CR-Z recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2014 Honda CR-Z recalls 1
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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 recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2012 Honda CR-Z recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2011 Honda CR-Z recalls 3
Power Train
What's wrong. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CR-Z PASSENGER CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 8, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 27, 2011. SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO MOVE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE SELECTED GEAR.
Risk. UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE PERSONS IN THE PATH OF THE MOVING VEHICLE.
Fix. HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ECU SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Honda CR-Z
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 6 tracked years, the worst years are 2011, 2013, 2012 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2016, 2014, 2015.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 CR-Z | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2012 CR-Z | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2013 CR-Z | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2014 CR-Z | Air Bags | Best | |
| 2015 CR-Z | Air Bags | Best | |
| 2016 CR-Z | Structure | Best |
What are the most common Honda CR-Z problems?
The most-reported Honda CR-Z problems are Tires (1 reports), Engine (2 reports) and Wheels (3 reports) — out of 67 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda CR-Z specifications & dimensions
The 2011–2016 Honda CR-Z measures 161″ long on a 96″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,657 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda CR-Z window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2016 | 161″ | 69″ | 55″ | 96″ | 2,657 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda CR-Z cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CR-Z holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 69 cu ft of passenger volume and 10 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda CR-Z tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda CR-Z get?
The Honda CR-Z returns up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,750/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2016 Honda CR-Z (1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 36 mpg combined and costs about $1,750/yr to fuel, emitting 244 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 8/10, smog 9/10) — that's about $2,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 CR-Z | 35 | 38 | $1,750 | 244 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2015 CR-Z | 35 | 38 | $1,750 | 244 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2014 CR-Z | 35 | 38 | $1,750 | 244 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2013 CR-Z | 35 | 38 | $1,750 | 244 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2012 CR-Z | 34 | 38 | $1,750 | 247 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2011 CR-Z | 34 | 38 | $1,750 | 247 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the CR-Z stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this CR-Z's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda CR-Z have? Power & range
The Honda CR-Z is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda CR-Z cost to own?
A used Honda CR-Z sells for a median of about $6,500 for a 2015 — most listed between $4,900 and $14,995, from 50 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 CR-Z | $4,900–$14,995 | 10 | |
| 2014 CR-Z | $6,000–$10,703 | 11 | |
| 2013 CR-Z | $2,500–$14,995 | 7 | |
| 2012 CR-Z | $3,950–$3,950 | 7 | |
| 2011 CR-Z | $4,900–$8,495 | 15 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a CR-Z is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Honda CR-Z holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this CR-Z loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $8,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the CR-Z ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Honda CR-Z to insure?
A Honda CR-Z costs about $1,471 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 2% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (102, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the CR-Z's HLDI loss index. See Honda insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Honda CR-Z safe?
The Honda CR-Z earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 CR-Z | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 2015 CR-Z | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 2014 CR-Z | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 2013 CR-Z | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 2012 CR-Z | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 2011 CR-Z | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Honda CR-Z last?
A well-maintained Honda CR-Z typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Honda CR-Z’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CR-Z’s VIN free →All Honda CR-Z model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda CR-Z — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 CR-Z | 1 recall | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2015 CR-Z | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2014 CR-Z | 1 recall | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2013 CR-Z | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2012 CR-Z | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2011 CR-Z | 3 recalls | ★★★☆☆ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the CR-Z?
By owner-complaint volume, 2011, 2013, 2012 drew the most reports. 2016, 2014, 2015 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the CR-Z have?
11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2016. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the CR-Z get?
Up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the CR-Z safe?
The CR-Z earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a CR-Z last?
A well-maintained CR-Z typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CR-Z reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the CR-Z is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda CR-Z warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda CR-Z made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CR-Z's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a CR-Z weigh?
The CR-Z's curb weight is around 2,657 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the CR-Z have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.