1990 Honda Crx problems

General information about Honda-Crx
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1990 Honda Crx problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Honda CRX 1990, common problems with this car include:

Misfires and Bogs:
- Owners have experienced misfires and bogs in the engine, which can lead to performance issues and potentially cause the Check Engine Light (CEL) to illuminate.
  - This problem can be attributed to issues with ignition, cam timing, or fuel delivery, such as a weak spark, incorrect timing belt alignment, or excessive fuel flow.

These problems can impact the performance and reliability of the Honda CRX 1990, requiring timely attention and maintenance to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly.

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.

Why was the Honda CRX discontinued?

Changing consumer tastes have resulted in many models, some with rabid followings, heading to an early grave. No matter how cool or iconic a car is, dwindling sales often lead an automaker to discontinue the model. One model that's disappeared, unlikely to return, was the Honda CRX.

How many 1990 Honda CRX were made?

Production by model year

Model	1988	1990
Honda CRX	18,995	16,993
Honda CRX Si	17,886	13,876
Total	49,162	38,413
Source:

What is the biggest problem with Honda Civic?

1990 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:

Tires problems
Seat belts problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Honda Crx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Honda Crx complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Honda Crx.

2011-03-29

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-03-14
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.

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2005-08-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-05-25
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

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2004-04-17

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-04-10
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

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2001-11-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
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

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1996-10-03

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
VIN: JHMED9362LS
Components: TIRES
Summary: FUTURA TIRES DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED W/ROTATION OF TIRE IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY, HOWEVER NO PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE AT POINT OF INSTALLATION, RESULTING IN INCORRECT INSTALLATION/LOSS OF TRACTION/ACCIDENT.

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1990 Honda Crx recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1990 Honda Crx.

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.

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.

2006-06-29

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.

2006-05-24

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.

2006-03-23

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 1990 Honda Crx problems:

Common Problems With a CRX - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/common-problems-crx-912828/

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.

Honda CRX Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/honda/crx

Top Honda CRX Problems · Oil Leak at Spark Plug Area Due to Failing Valve Cover Sealing Rubber/Camshaft Holder O-Ring · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause ...

EF Hatch - Common problems? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/ef-hatch-common-problems-406606/

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 ...

Electrical Problems I've Encountered On My Crx - 1G CRX - Red ...

http://www.redpepperracing.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=59533

Feb 11, 2023 ... Common issue. Got lots of help from RPR member. Appears common repair back in 1990's. A lot of fuel pumps were replaced not realizing it was ...

Honda CRX Sunroof Seal: Common Leak Problems - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/honda/270iu-hello-90-crx-typical-leak-problems.html

Jun 12, 2009 ... I have a '90 CRX with the typical leak problems. I am assuming it is the roof side frame seal that is the problem? - Answered by a verified ...