1989 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 1989 Honda Crx problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Honda CRX, several common problems have been identified:
- Warped Front Brake Rotors:
- Warped front brake rotors may cause vibrations and reduced braking performance, necessitating replacement to ensure safe driving conditions.
- Main Relay Failure:
- Main relay failure can prevent the fuel pump from priming, resulting in starting issues. This problem is crucial to address promptly to avoid stalling or no-start situations.
- Engine Starting Issues When Warmed Up:
- Some owners have reported difficulties with the engine starting when warmed up, which can be a frustrating problem affecting the car's reliability and drivability.
These common problems with the 1989 Honda CRX can impact the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues are essential to keep the vehicle in good working condition.
Why was CRX so good?
Its most unique feature was that it allowed its users to drive at peak speed while still conserving a significant amount of fuel. Another interesting thing was that compared to other cars, Honda CRX required lesser fuel even while driving fast, which saved both money and time wasted at the gas station.
What engine is in an 89 CRX SI?
Under the hood, the Si sported the 16-valve 1590-cc engine and multi-point fuel injection. Si models also came with a rear sway bar.
What makes the CRX special?
Perhaps the most immediately distinctive feature of the CRX is its unique styling. Except, it isn't that unique at all — in fact, many of the styling cues that made the CRX such an icon were actually borrowed from an obscure Zagato-designed Alfa Romeo that had debuted a decade earlier.
Who makes a CRX motor?
FNA Group, Inc.
The CRX Engine Line was born out of a combined 200+ years of industry leading engineering experience and innovation from FNA Group, Inc. They are a Single-Source, vertically integrated company that understands the importance of power, performance, reliability, and continuously meet the needs of professionals Worldwide.
1989 Honda Crx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Crx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Honda Crx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Honda Crx complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Honda Crx.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-10
- 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PLEASE ADD DETAILS. MR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMED8352KS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR FAILED. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER SWITCH, THERE IS NO HEAT COMING OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
1989 Honda Crx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 Honda Crx.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
- Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Honda Crx problems:
Common Problems With a CRX - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
Jul 1, 2004 ... Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991) - Common Problems With a CRX - I'm getting ready to buy a car and thought that a CRX would be a good buy.
I did it ! I got one of my dream cars a 1989 Honda crx. I have a ...
Jul 27, 2021 ... Here are some of the issues I've fixed on my '91 Si hatch that are mentioned as common problems online: Main relay (turns on fuel pump). You ...
EF Hatch - Common problems? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
Feb 5, 2003 ... Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991) - EF Hatch - Common problems? - Hey guys, I'm currently driving an integra, but I'm hoping to get a ...
Powerless engine in my 1989 CRX 1.6i-16 (DOHC ZC, D16A9 ...
May 17, 2016 ... Because , idle like this is a common problem. It goes by many names, wandering idle, fluctuating, hunting, roaming , etc. This is usually caused ...
Q&A: Honda CRX Intermittent No Start - Fuel Injector Drawing | 91 ...
Aug 15, 2006 ... Honda Civic: Honda Civic DX 1989. 1. History of startup problems ... Customer reply. Reply to Rob826's Post ...
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