2012 Honda Cr-z problems
The Honda CR-Z is a sport compact hybrid electric car manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements, including a 2+2 seating arrangement (excluding North American models where the backseat is removed) and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second-generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design.
In the U.S., the CR-Z is one of the least polluting hybrid vehicles available and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The CR-Z is the third gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by Honda (after the 2000–2006 Insight and 2003–2005 Civic Hybrid) that can be equipped with a manual transmission, and the only one in its class.
The CR-Z is the sixth unique version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology since the technology was first launched in the first generation Insight 3 door hatchback. Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan in February 2010. Sales in the U.S. began in August 2010, and production ended by the end of 2016.
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Common 2012 Honda Cr-z problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2012 Honda CR-Z, several common problems have been reported:
- Battery Pack Voltage: Complaints indicate that the traction battery in the Honda CR-Z may experience issues if any of the 12 battery packs output voltages drop below 15 volts. Low voltage can harm the batteries and affect the smart electronics of the Honda IMA system, potentially leading to battery overload and damage .
- Power Steering Assist: Some owners have experienced sudden loss of power steering in the 2012 CR-Z. This issue can be alarming and make the car difficult to maneuver, posing safety risks, especially during driving situations that require quick steering responses.
- Hybrid System Concerns: The hybrid system in the CR-Z, particularly the traction battery, has raised worries among buyers. While the IMA system usually does not require maintenance, there have been concerns about battery life and potential costs associated with battery replacement. It's essential for buyers to assess the condition of the hybrid system, especially the traction battery, before purchasing a used 2012 Honda CR-Z .
- Internal Combustion Engine Issues: The 2012 CR-Z has a unique feature where the internal combustion engine is started by the IMA electric motor. If the engine is started by the conventional starter powered by a standard 12-volt battery instead of the IMA electric motor, it may indicate that the car has been stationary for an extended period, potentially affecting the battery's health and overall performance .
These reported problems highlight key areas of concern for owners of the 2012 Honda CR-Z, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance to address these issues and ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.
How long do Honda CR-Z hybrid batteries last?
Your Honda hybrid battery life expectancy is between 6 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles.
Why did Honda discontinue the CR-Z?
Discontinuation. On June 17, 2016, Honda announced that the CR-Z would be discontinued at the end of the year to make room for the Accord Hybrid and Clarity.
Can CR-Z run without battery?
A: The CR-Z is just like any other Honda vehicles available in the market, you will need to fill it up at your preferred gasoline station to keep it running. But, the CR-Z can be driven without the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery. This is primarily because the IMA is designed to supplement the gasoline engine.
What is the gas mileage on a 2012 Honda CRZ?
Based on data from 113 vehicles, 7,323 fuel-ups and 2,281,208 miles of driving, the 2012 Honda CR-Z gets a combined Avg MPG of 37.25 with a 0.12 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 279 outliers (3.67%) removed.
2012 Honda Cr-z car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Cr-z problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Honda Cr-z vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Honda Cr-z complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Honda Cr-z.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-15
- VIN: JHMZF1D6XCS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Same issue as the 2012 CRV recalls of the passenger aide lock actuators. The passenger door lock works sometimes but the car will constantly try to lock that door if it is unlocked, because it won’t always lock. The dealership isn’t sure, I wonder if it’s a fuse because I hear the entire mechanism when it works. Also, it works with the drivers side child safety control which turns off the controls on the passengers side and also keeps it locked so someone cant jump in your cat when you unlock the drivers door. This is the exact problem the Accords and CRV has in the same year and I want to get mine repaired also. Its in perfect condition and taken care of.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-10
- VIN: JHMZF1C66CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEACTIVATES WHEN MOISTURE IS PRESENT IN THE AIR. ESPECIALLY PREVALENT WHILE RAINING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-02
- VIN: JHMZF1C61CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DETECTIVES AND REACTIVATES ON IT'S OWN SOMETIMES. WARNING POPS UP RANDOMLY.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-14
- VIN: JHMZF1D4XCS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-Z. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-17
- VIN: JHMZF1C40CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-Z. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-28
- VIN: JHMZF1D61CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING MY VEHICLE BEING RECALLED FOR AN AIRBAG PART THAT WON'T BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED UNTIL MID SUMMER OF 2016. I WAS TOLD I CAN GET A RENTAL VEHICLE BUT I'M ONLY 18 AND THE VEHICLE IS IN MY NAME ONLY SO I'M NOT CURIOUS AS TO HOW I CAN RENT A VEHICLE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-24
- VIN: JHMZF1D68CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR ANY IMPACT OF A CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE MADE THE AIR BAG DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2012 Honda Cr-z recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Honda Cr-z.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2012 Honda Cr-z car reviews
Positive 2012 Honda Cr-z car reviews
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I noticed a few of these running around town, but never really took the time to check them out. However, I recently started calculating the gas costs of my 1997 gas-guzzler and decided it was time to start looking around. I checked out all kinds of different models, including hybrids, new and used cars, and so on. Eventually, I settled on the CR-Z as my first choice for a test drive, and once I drove it, I was sold. Sleek, sharp, and comfortable all around would be the best way to describe it. I completely agree with the other reviewers as well.
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I really love this car! I bought it because I wanted a fuel-efficient car that was also fun to drive. This car is definitely fun to drive and I look forward to getting into it every morning. I've owned my CR-z for about 6 months now and it's been a really comfortable ride-- I love how the seats hug you. Additionally, I appreciate all the bells and whistles like the Bluetooth phone connection, radio adjustment from the steering wheel, and the USB port to hook up my iPod. Recently, I had to rent a Chevy Malibu and every time I got in the car, I missed my CR-z. I didn't like the way the Malibu handled and I found it unresponsive. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun and fuel-efficient ride!
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I wasn't initially considering the Hybrid, as I don't fit the typical buyer profile. However, when I saw it on the showroom floor, I decided to take it for a test drive on a whim. To my surprise, I fell in love with the car! It has the feel of a sports car, yet boasts great gas mileage and a stylish design. The design team drew inspiration from Mini's, VW Scirocco's, and Lotus, with the Lotus being the most prominent influence. While it doesn't have a back seat, the cargo room is more than sufficient. Have you ever tried sitting in the back seat of a Mini or VW? Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this car and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and practical vehicle.
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I purchased this car back in January 2011 as a commuter vehicle. Since then, I have driven over 33,000 miles as of 5/1/2012, and I am happy to report that I have not experienced any issues. The only time I noticed a dip in gas mileage was when I had two people in the car and we were climbing mountains in NC. Even then, I still managed to get an impressive 36.5 MPG. On average, my commute is 80 miles per day, with 99% of it being on the highway. I am currently averaging 39 MPG, with my highest recorded MPG being 43 during a weekend trip in Miami. The car performs well when driving at speeds between 65-75 MPH on interstates, and I get around 40.3 MPG when driving around town. The interior quality is good, and there is more than enough room for my needs, even with my height of 6'1
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I've been the proud owner of a 6-speed CR-Z for the past 11 months, and I still look forward to getting behind the wheel. Let's be honest, if you're considering the 6-speed, then mileage is not the only thing on your mind. It's all about the drive! The windier the road, the better. Any time at the wheel, listening to a great sound system, is an absolute joy. Even long trips become more enjoyable. What this car delivers on is very solid, crisp road handling, head-turning good looks, maneuverability in tight spaces, Honda quality, great fit and finish, very conservative fuel consumption, and it's just plain fun to drive!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Honda Cr-z problems:
Any Common Problems with CR-Z to look for? | Honda CR-Z Hybrid ...
Jan 8, 2018 ... I think a few members mentioned having issues with cracked fog lights and weak door handles, mostly in pre-2013 models. Aside from the 12 volt ...
Is your CR-Z reliable? : r/crz
Dec 5, 2021 ... Voted yes, but there are some known issues with the CR-Z. Door handles being one, and the other being the CV Axles. I've got a out 90k miles on ...
What To Look For When Buying A CRZ? | Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car ...
Apr 10, 2021 ... 3 well known issues are the outside door handles break (The Door Handle Issue , Door Handle Parts Thread and others) the other common issue is a ...
2012 Honda CR-Z Reliability - Consumer Reports
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 ...
Problems with CRZ? | Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car Forums
Nov 21, 2011 ... Been adjusting the rubber thingy on each side but can't really get rid of the vibration/rattle. 2012 BMW 650i Vert 2011 Honda CR-Z EX CVT 2010 ...
Other years of Honda Cr-z
Are you having problems with your 2012 Honda Cr-z?
Patrick Swift 2024-09-26
The vehicle looks really cool and is sporty for a hybrid, making it fun to drive. However, it is important to note that the 12V battery in these cars is not very reliable and may need to be replaced frequently. Additionally, the air conditioner is known to be weak and may struggle on hotter days. Despite these issues, the 6 speed manual transmission is a great feature. Overall, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Garrison Satterfield 2024-06-28
Looks better than in pictures. The seat is nice, but the height adjustment could be improved as it tilts at the same time. The shifter is very good. However, the rear wheels are too much tucked inside the fenders. The car is reluctant to accelerate at any rpm, and the engine noise is not what one would expect from a Honda. Revs build slowly. The brake pedal feels unnatural with no initial bite, and the steering does not feel connected, like most electric steering systems. Additionally, the clutch is too soft, making it hard to feel the engagement point.
Edgar Hirthe 2024-01-09
I recently traded in my Honda CRZ after owning it for 2 years. Unfortunately, I found that it wasn't worth the 20k I paid for it. While the car has potential, it lacks the necessary thought process to make it truly unique and valuable. The interior is made of cheap materials that scratch easily, especially since the car sits low to the ground. Additionally, the engine shuts off when the car stops, which can be frustrating. The car is also prone to dents and has some blind spots. However, I have since purchased a Dodge Dart that I am very happy with. It's faster and gets the same gas mileage as the CRZ.