Honda's sporty hybrid coupe aimed at enthusiasts, but proved too slow for a sports car and not efficient enough for a hybrid. Generally reliable with typical Honda build quality, but the IMA hybrid system requires monitoring. Main concerns: IMA battery degradation (expensive replacement), notorious door handle failures, CVT transmission issues on automatic models, 12V battery drain problems, and electric power steering faults. The manual transmission is more reliable than the CVT. Pre-2013 models use NiMH batteries; 2013-2016 switched to lithium-ion with slightly better output. Verify IMA system update completed on pre-2013 cars.
Battery loses capacity over time, typically needs attention after 8-12 years · more· less
The IMA battery gradually loses capacity - one 11-year-old CR-Z showed 75% usable capacity at 86,000 km. When battery health drops significantly, you'll notice reduced hybrid assist and fuel economy. Warning lights may appear. In the Netherlands, refurbished IMA batteries cost around €700 including installation with 6-month warranty. New batteries from Honda dealers run €2,500-3,000. 2010-2012 models use NiMH batteries (cheaper to replace, around €1,000), while 2013-2016 use lithium-ion (around €2,700-3,000). Some owners have success with battery reconditioning - cycling the pack can restore some performance without replacement. Factory warranty covers battery for 5 years/90,000 km in Europe (reduced from 8 years on earlier Honda hybrids).
Exterior door handle failure€100 - €650
Plastic internal components break due to heat and UV exposure · more· less
This is the most common CR-Z problem affecting all model years 2011-2016. The door handles use poorly designed plastic parts that deteriorate in sunlight and heat. Typical failure: when the car sits in hot sun, the handle won't open when pulled. The plastic internal lever deforms and sticks. OEM replacement handles cost €120-200 per handle plus labor (1-2 hours, approximately €90-150). At dealers, total cost runs €300-400 per handle. Both handles often need replacement. Aftermarket alternatives cost less (under €100 for both) but quality varies. Some owners remove the internal spring completely as a DIY fix - the handle still works. 3D-printed repair kits available for around €40. Cars constantly exposed to direct sunlight fail much faster.
12V battery drain issues€200 - €400
Small 12V battery drains quickly if car not driven regularly · more· less
The CR-Z has a very low capacity 12V battery and suffers from parasitic drain. The hybrid system prioritizes charging the IMA battery first, only charging the 12V battery when IMA is full. The DC-DC converter (replaces traditional alternator) puts out about half the amperage of a conventional alternator. If you don't drive the car for 1-2 weeks, the 12V battery often dies. Early symptoms include radio cutting out, A/C shutting off, and ABS alerts. When IMA is failing, the DC-DC converter that charges the 12V battery stops working properly. Battery replacement costs €200-220 at shops. Factory batteries often have short lifespans. Solution: keep car on quality trickle charger if not driven regularly, or upgrade to higher capacity deep-cycle battery. Don't confuse 12V battery drain with IMA battery issues - check the small battery first.
CVT models can develop whining, bearing failures, internal sensor issues · more· less
The manual transmission CR-Z is significantly more reliable than CVT models. CVT-equipped cars have reported bearing failures, strange whining sounds (especially after 100,000+ km), and start clutch failures. One owner had CVT failure at 30,000 km. Another developed progressive whining at 115,000 km. Common CVT issues include internal bearings and sensors, belt failure, control module failure, and input shaft spline failure. CVT requires religious maintenance with OEM Honda CVTF fluid every 30,000-40,000 km. Replacement cost at Honda dealers exceeds €3,000 for parts and labor. DIY with used transmission runs around €500-800. If 12V battery dies, CVT may need recalibration procedures or develop erratic/juddery behavior. Specialists can rebuild CVTs but cost still runs €1,500-2,500. Manual transmission models avoid this entirely.
Electric power steering (EPS) failure€300 - €800
EPS control module or motor fails, causing intermittent assist loss · more· less
CR-Z owners report scary intermittent EPS failures - power steering randomly turns on/off, sometimes mid-turn causing the car to veer. Symptoms include flashing EPS indicator light, constant relay clicking in the dash, and steering alternating between stiff and light. When EPS fails, drive modes (Sport/Normal/Eco) lock out because they use dynamic steering adjustment. Common in extreme cold (around -23°C). Honda has a technical bulletin addressing this. Causes include EPS control module failure (€300-500 to replace), bad wiring connections in firewall boot, or faulty power steering motor (€500 with labor). Low battery voltage can trigger false EPS errors. Torque sensor miscalibration causes stiff steering, drifting, and wind sensitivity - needs professional Honda diagnostic tools to reset. Because this is safety-critical, dealer diagnosis recommended over independent shops.
IMA battery cooling fan failure€150 - €400
Cooling fan quits, causing IMA battery to overheat and shut down · more· less
The IMA battery has a dedicated cooling fan to prevent overheating. When this fan fails, the hybrid system will shut down and illuminate multiple warning lights to protect the battery from heat damage. This is one of the more common issues reported by Honda hybrid owners. The fan motor or relay can fail. A non-functioning cooling fan will trigger IMA system warnings even if the battery itself is healthy. Fan replacement involves accessing the battery compartment. Parts cost €100-200, labor adds €150-250 depending on shop. This repair is straightforward but requires some disassembly. If you see IMA warnings, always check the cooling fan operation before assuming battery failure. Listening for fan operation when hybrid system is active can diagnose this early.
Manual transmission bearing noise€500 - €1,800
6-speed manual develops clicking or whining from loose bearings · more· less
Some 2011 CR-Z manual transmission owners report a clicking noise when shifting from 1st through 4th gears, loud enough to be heard by passersby. Inspection often reveals a pair of loose bearings causing the noise. Repair costs around €1,700-1,800 at dealers. Around 115,000 km, some transmissions develop progressive whining that evolves into metal-on-metal grinding despite regular fluid changes. Manual transmission rebuilds with all bearings replaced run €1,500-2,000. However, this appears to be relatively rare - far fewer reports than CVT issues. The manual is generally the more reliable transmission choice. Clutch lifespan is 80,000+ km with proper use, replacement costs around €1,200-2,000 (€800 parts, €400-1,200 labor). The clutch is very light and forgiving compared to other manual cars.
Water pump / thermostat failure€400 - €900
Electric water pump fails, typically around 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.5L i-VTEC engine uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. This is a known Honda weak point. Failures typically occur between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated electric design means parts cost €300-450. Labor adds approximately €200-450 depending on whether dealer or independent shop. Total repair €400-900. This is essentially a wear item on this engine. When replacing, some owners upgrade to higher quality aftermarket units. Regular coolant changes help extend water pump life. If you see coolant warning or temperature fluctuations, don't drive the car - overheating can cause head gasket failure which is far more expensive (€1,000-2,000).
Reliable for a hybrid, but aging IMA system needs monitoring
The CR-Z is generally reliable with typical Honda build quality. Owners report examples with 150,000+ km still running well, and some approach 300,000+ km. The main concerns are hybrid system related (IMA battery degradation, 12V battery issues, cooling fan) and the notorious door handle failures. Manual transmission models are significantly more reliable than CVT-equipped cars. Most issues are well-documented with known fixes. The biggest risk is IMA battery replacement cost on higher-mileage examples (8+ years old), though refurbished options in Europe make this more affordable than in the US.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Honda dealer or specialist records essential. Verify IMA system updates and CVT fluid changes (if equipped).
Tires
Check tread depth (195/55R16 or 205/45R17 depending on trim), age, uneven wear. Original Dunlop tires had poor ride quality.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Hybrid system should engage smoothly. No grinding or unusual noises.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage. Pay attention to wheel arches and underbody.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes to get IMA system fully warm. Test all drive modes (Sport/Normal/Eco).
Specific for this vehicle
IMA battery health check
Most important check. Use Honda diagnostic tool to read battery capacity. Warning lights on dash are immediate red flags. Battery should show 70%+ capacity on cars under 10 years. Ask about battery replacement history.
Test both door handles thoroughly
Operate handles multiple times. If car has been in sun, handle should still open smoothly. Sticky or stiff handle means plastic parts are failing. Budget €200-600 to replace both handles.
12V battery condition
Check 12V under-hood battery voltage and load test. Ask how often owner charges it. If car struggles to start or electronics flicker, 12V battery is weak. €200 to replace.
CVT operation test (automatic only)
Drive for 20+ minutes. Listen for whining, grinding, or unusual sounds. CVT should be smooth without jerking. Check fluid condition - should be orange, not black. Ask about CVT fluid change history (every 30,000-40,000 km required).
Electric power steering test
Watch for EPS warning light. Turn steering lock-to-lock while stationary. During driving, steering should be consistent - no random stiffness or sudden assist changes. Test Sport/Normal/Eco modes to ensure steering adjusts properly.
Verify IMA system update (2010-2012 models)
Pre-2013 cars should have IMA software update completed. Contact Honda with VIN to verify. This update is critical for battery longevity.
Check hybrid system warning lights
IMA light, battery light, check engine light must all be off. Multiple warning lights together suggest serious IMA issues. Any hybrid warnings require Honda diagnostic scan before purchase.
Listen for manual transmission noises (6-speed only)
Clicking when shifting through gears 1-4 indicates loose bearings (€1,700+ repair). Whining at speed may indicate bearing wear. Clutch should engage smoothly without slipping.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Manual transmission unexpected movement (2011)Verify completed
Brake pedal soft/spongy feel (2011-2016)TSB - dealer fix available
Electric power steering issuesTSB - Honda has documented fix
Contact Honda with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Check owners.honda.com or NHTSA.gov. The Takata airbag recall is particularly important for 2011-2015 models. Several Technical Service Bulletins exist for common issues - ask dealer if applicable TSBs have been addressed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/100,000 km)Expired on all CR-Zs
IMA battery warranty (Europe: 5 years/90,000 km)Expired on all CR-Zs
IMA battery warranty (US CARB states: 10 years/150,000 miles)May still apply to 2016 models if imported
All Honda CR-Zs (2011-2016) are outside factory warranty. In Europe, Honda provided only 5 years/90,000 km IMA battery warranty (reduced from 8 years on earlier Honda hybrids like Civic Hybrid). US-market cars in CARB states got 10 years/150,000 miles coverage. Extended warranties may be available through third-party providers but carefully check hybrid system coverage limitations.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.