VehicleVerdict

2013 Honda CR-Z problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2013 Honda CR-Z — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other CR-Z years?

CR-Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted54 complaints2011: 54 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 14 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints
CR-Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CR-Z years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Honda CR-Z problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1071%
Electrical System17%
Seat Belts17%
Body & Structure17%
Transmission17%

Does the 2013 Honda CR-Z have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V500000AirbagsJune 27, 2019 · 1,558 units

Defect

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.

16V061000AirbagsFebruary 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Check airbag light came on. Went to Honda dealership for diagnostic. Was informed that entire SRS unit is defective and needs replaced. This unit controls the entire airbag system. I was given a repair invoice and was told I was liable to pay. Honda manufacturer will NOT pay for this. This is a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 6, 2023

“2013 CRV DOES NOT START AFTER BEING PARKED O ERNIGHT, FOR AN HOUR, FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, AND JUST TODAY FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY 2-3 WEEKS STARTING NOVEMBER 2016. EACH TIME REQUIRES JUMPSTART AND ON TWO OCCASIONS TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE TO CHECK BATTERY LIFE AND EACH TIME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 26, 2017

“Front driver side axle rusted and snapped in half - in line with safety recalls #20V769 & #20V770. Currently, it is available for inspection. I am hoping to begin repairs within the next 3 days. I will save the defective parts and take photos for inspection, upon request. This occurred from a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 26, 2023

2013 Honda CR-Z — common questions

Is the 2013 Honda CR-Z reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 CR-Z problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (10 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Honda CR-Z have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Honda CR-Z. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Honda CR-Z under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda CR-Z years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CR-Z years to avoid are 2011. The cleanest record among CR-Z years belongs to 2016.

How safe is the 2013 Honda CR-Z?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Honda CR-Z earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.