Honda Crx problems
The Honda CR-X (styled in some markets as Honda CRX), originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan, is a front-wheel-drive sport compact car manufactured by Honda from 1983 until 1991 with nearly 400,000 produced during this period. The first-generation CRX was marketed in some regions outside Japan as the Honda Civic CRX. Although there are many supposed definitions for the initialism CR-X, the most widely accepted is "Civic Renaissance Experimental".
In the U.S., the CRX was marketed as an economy sport Kammback with room for two passengers while Japanese and European market cars came with a 2+2 seating arrangement. Redesigned for the 1988 model year and produced until 1991, the CRX was popular for its performance, nimble handling, and good fuel economy. The CR-X was replaced by Honda's CR-X del Sol, which was marketed as a CR-X in some markets.
First generation
Overview
In 1983 for the 1984 model year, Honda introduced an all-new two-seater that shared the drivetrain with the Civic but offered unique styling and interior furnishings. At its introduction, the CR-X was available in Japan through Honda Verno dealership sales channels, and accompanied the Vigor, the Quint, and the Prelude. In North America, the CRX was marketed in two versions: economy and sport. The economy model used a new aluminum 1.3-liter CVCC four-cylinder engine. The sportier model featured an aluminum 1.5-liter 12-valve engine and was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
For 1985, Honda North America replaced the economy model with an HF (high fuel) model featuring a 1.5-liter engine which uses an aluminum block but the 1984 CVCC cylinder head (two valves per cylinder) instead of the new aluminum head with three valves per cylinder. In spring 1985, Honda introduced an Si (Sports, injected) model featuring a more powerful 1.5-liter SOHC PGM-FI four-cylinder engine. The Si model included a power sunroof, standard dual remote exterior mirrors, rear wiper, 13-inch alloy wheels and an Si-exclusive ducktail spoiler for the hatch.
For 1986, Honda updated the CRX with new aerodynamic headlights. The Si received body color matched lower cladding, a revised rear spoiler, new bumper covers and 14-inch alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded and added a center console with cassette tape storage. 1987 was virtually unchanged from 1986 and would be the final year of the first-generation CRX.
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Common Honda Crx problems
Common Problems with the Honda CRX:
- Leaky Sunroof: Many CRXs have a leaky sunroof, which can cause water damage to the interior of the car and lead to mold growth. This issue can be fixed by replacing the sunroof gasket or the entire sunroof assembly.
- Cracked Climate Control Unit: A cracked climate control unit is another common problem with CRXs. This issue can cause the car's heating and cooling system to malfunction, making it uncomfortable to drive in extreme temperatures.
- Transmission Noise: Transmission noise is a common problem with CRXs, particularly in older models. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, low transmission fluid, or a damaged clutch.
- Seatbelts Don't Retract: Many CRXs have seatbelts that don't retract properly, which can be a safety hazard. This issue can be fixed by replacing the seatbelt retractor or the entire seatbelt assembly.
- Engine/Transmission Problems: While Honda is known for its reliable engines and transmissions, some CRXs may experience issues with these components. These issues can include a car that won't turn over, high idling, vibrations or wiggles at certain speeds, and dieseling when the car shuts off.
- Lack of Maintenance Records: If the previous owner did not keep up with regular maintenance, the car may have a number of issues that need to be addressed. This can include worn-out timing belts, water pumps, and other components that need to be replaced regularly.
In general, if you are considering purchasing a CRX, it is important to thoroughly inspect the car for any signs of these common problems. If the car has been well-maintained and has no signs of rust or other major issues, it can be a reliable and fun-to-drive car. However, if the car has been neglected or has significant damage, it may be more trouble than it's worth.
Is it worth it to buy a Honda CRX?
With its combination of a light, well-balanced chassis and fizzy VTEC engine, the CR-X makes for a great modern classic hot hatch, that is somewhat rarer than your average 205 or Golf GTI. Japanese reliability and rising values are just icing on the cake, so get your hands on one before it is too late.
Why are Honda CRX so popular?
Although Honda CRX isn't one of the most attractive or eye-catchy cars in the world history of vehicles – it's profoundly famous for its performance on the road. It's powerful and extremely fast when it comes to the engine. Honda is known for speed, after all.
How fast can a CRX go?
Specification
| Model | CRX (Mk1) | CRX 1.6i-16 (Mk1) |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 96 lbft | 103 lbft |
| Weight | 825 kg | 880 kg |
| Top speed | 112 mph* | 122 mph* |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec* | 8.0 sec* |
What does CRX stand for?
Civic Renaissance Experimental
The widely accepted acronym is "Civic Renaissance Experimental." It was known by many names -...
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Crx years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Crx cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Honda Crx model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Crx model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Crx years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Crx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Crx , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Crx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Crx model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Crx model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Crx . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Crx vehicles.
List of Honda Crx complaints
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-31
- VIN: JHMED8359MS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2012-03-05
- VIN: JHMED936XMS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR HAS HAD A PROBLEM FOR AWHILE REGARDING THE SEAT BELT WARNING WOULD SOMETIMES GO OFF WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS UNHOOKED WHEN IT HADN'T BEEN CONNECTED SINCE STARTING THE CAR. I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE IT HOOKED UP. ABOUT A TWO MONTHS AGO I NOTICED AN OCCASIONAL BURNING SMELL. OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS MY CORNER MARKER TURN SIGNALS STOPPED FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. WHEN THE SIGNAL WAS IN THE RIGHT TURN POSITION THE CORNER MARKER SIGNAL ON THE RIGHT WOULD FLASH DIM AND THE LEFT WOULD FLASH. THE REVERSE WOULDN'T HAPPEN WHEN SET TO LEFT TURN. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THROUGH SERVICE MANUALS AND ONLINE I TRACED THE PROBLEM BACK TO THE "INTEGRATED CONTROL UNIT" (ICU) WHICH IS PLUGGED INTO THE BACK OF THE "FUSE BOX". IT CONTROLS FUNCTIONS SUCH AS TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE WARNING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND SEAT BELT WARNING. THIS UNIT CARRIES THE PART NUMBER 38600-SH3-A11. IT HAS BEEN USED THROUGH OUT A NUMBER OF HONDA VEHICLES SUCH AS THE CIVIC AND CRX I THINK FROM 1988 TO 1991. I CONTACTED A HONDA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PART AND I WAS INFORMED THIS PART IS DISCONTINUED. I CONTACTED THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUESTING INFO ON THIS PART, THEY CONTACTED THEIR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SCHEMATICS OR SPECIFICATIONS ON THIS PART. I MANAGED TO FIND A REPLACEMENT IN A SALVAGE YARD IN A '90 CIVIC. WHEN I PULLED THE FAILED PART OFF MY CAR I NOTICED THE BOARD HAD BURN SPOTS WHERE THE LEADS WERE BURNT AND SOLDER HAD COMPLETELY MELTED FROM THE BOARD. THE PLASTIC CASE HAD A LIGHT BURN SPOT ON IT ALSO. IN MY ONLINE RESEARCH IT SEEMS THIS PART IS KNOWN TO BURN OUT. MY CONCERN IS THAT IT'S A FIRE HAZARD IN ALL THE VEHICLES IT'S USED IN AND HONDA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPLY A SAFER REPLACEMENT FOR THE ICU. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE BURNS OF THE FAILED PART. *TR
Honda Crx 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2011-03-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 HONDA CRX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DOOR AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT OR REMAIN LOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2010-09-20
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 1991 HONDA CRX , TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE HOOD CAME OPEN AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0519-90)*JB
Honda Crx 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-10
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-17
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 HONDA CRX. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND LOCK SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE SEAT BELT AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE SEAT BELT APART AND CLEAN THE BELT AND IT SHOULD WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THOSE STEPS DID NOT REPAIR THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT ADVISED THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,500.
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2006-10-13
- VIN: JHMED8365MS
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE FRONT HOOD FLEW UP AND SLAMMED INTO THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY THE CONTACT, THE WINDSHIELD GLASS HAD SEVERAL SMALL FRACTURES AND THE HOOD WITH DAMAGED AS WELL. THE CONTACT TIED THE HOOD DOWN WITH A CABLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Honda Crx 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-25
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-23
- VIN: JHMED9367L5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1990 HONDA CIVIC CRX SPONTANEOUS FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *MR NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR AREA FOLLOWED BY THE EMISSION LIGHT COMING ON. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT THE DISTRIBUTOR ISSUE MAY BE THAT SAME AS DESCRIBED IN THE 1990 AND 1991 RECALL. *SC
Honda Crx 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-10
- Date Complaint: 2004-04-17
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BOUT SIGA SUPREME TR TIRES ONLY USED FOR LESS THEN THREE MONTHS WAS GOING 35 IN LIGHT RAIN HAD TO QUICK STOP TIRES WOULD NOT KEEP TRACTION THE BRAKES DID NOT LOCK UP EITHER THE TIRES SIMPLY DID NOT HOLD THE ROAD REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR... AND TOTALED MY CAR WHTCH I HAD THREE YEARS OF WORK INTO 195-50-15 THAY WERE SOLD TO ME AS PERFORMANCE TIRES AS WELL. *AK
Honda Crx 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-18
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PLEASE ADD DETAILS. MR
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-26
- Date Complaint: 2002-07-26
- VIN: JHMED8456MS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MAIN RELAY- POOR SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD CAUSE HOT STARTING PROBLEMS. THIS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED @ THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.MARKL.F9.CO.UK/HOWTO/ELECTRICAL/MAIN-RELAY/MAIN-RELAY.HTM THIS IS A BLATANT FACTORY FLAW WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH VIA RECALL YEARS AGO. I SOLVED THIS ISSUE BY FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIONS AND RE-SOLDERING 2 BROKEN CONNECTIONS AND ONE DRY SOCKET. THE PROBLEM CEASED IMMEDIATLY. THESE WERE INFERIOR FACTORY SOLDERS. THANK YOU.*AK
Honda Crx 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMED9366LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS DRIVING 40MPH & LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO A LOT OF PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND SHOULDER BELT RESTRAINED PASSENGER FOR SHORT WHILE. WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH A BROKEN BACK.*AK
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2001-10-26
- VIN: JHMED8451MS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE EXITING FREEWAY AT 30 MPH TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT TO HOT, AND VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND DIED. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED, AND ON THE SAME DAY IT DIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Honda Crx 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-20
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-31
- VIN: JHMED9362MS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HATCH BACK DOOR ASSEMBLY BROKE, CAUSING DOOR TO BE RELEASED FROM UPRIGHT POSITION. *AK THE HYDROLICS ON THE HATCHBACK FAIL TO KEEP THE DOOR OPEN IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE STATES THAT THE HATCH BACK DOOR IS TO HEAVY FOR THE HYDROLICS. THE OWNER BELIEVES LOADING AND UNLOADING USING THE HATCHBACK IS UNSAFE. *YH
Honda Crx 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-04-06
- VIN: JHMED8352KS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR FAILED. NLM
Honda Crx 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-11-26
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER SWITCH, THERE IS NO HEAT COMING OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
Latest 5 recalls Honda Crx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 14 recalls for different components of the Honda Crx.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Honda Crx 1989
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Model: Honda Crx 1990
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Honda Crx 1991
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Honda Crx 1991
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Model: Honda Crx 1990
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Are you having problems with your Honda Crx?
