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Research · Two Seaters

2013 Honda CR-ZRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2013 Honda CR-Z. Most complaints involve air bags (9) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 33–36 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
33–36mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2019
Owner complaints
11
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$1,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jun 27, 2019NHTSA 19V500000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Feb 3, 2016NHTSA 16V061000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Jun 2023
  1. Air bags9
  2. Power train1
  3. Seat belts1
  4. Structure1
  5. Electrical system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CR-Z model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201138
20127
201311
20144
20156
20162
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

9 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-Z. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the air bag warning light inadvertently illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the SRS unit. The contact was informed that the SRS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that SRS units degrade over time. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 100,400. The dealership stated that the contact would be liable to pay for the repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 6, 2023Air bagsODI 11525581

Power train

1 report
“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 complete stop, turning onto an extremely busy highway. I was able roll into the middle lane to avoid collision. My vehicle was disabled in the middle lane for roughly an hour. I exited my vehicle and stood on the side of the road while I waited for a tow truck to arrive. Due to the high traffic, it was unsafe (for other motorists) for my vehicle to remain in the center lane for more than a moment and I was unsafe inside the vehicle. The only indication leading up to the incident was a dull thud followed by immediate loss of accelleration, while legally crossing lanes. There was a near collision from oncoming traffic; fortunately my vehicle was visible and oncoming traffic came to a stop, allowing me to slowly coast into the middle lane. No warning lamps, lights, or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealer, the rusted and snapped axle was confirmed by a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2023Power trainODI 11529329

Seat belts

1 report1 crash
“IN THE ACCIDENT AIRBAG FRACTURED MY FOREHEAD IN 3 PLACES BROKE MY NOSE,L WAS HOSPITALIZED 2 DAYS”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2017Air bags, Seat belts, StructureCrash reportedODI 11034487
All 2013 CR-Z problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S7) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CR-Z
Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
353836$1,800244
CR-Z
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
313733$1,950266
  • CR-Z
    Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.5 L
    35 city · 38 hwy · $1,800/yr
    36
    mpg comb.
  • CR-Z
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L
    31 city · 37 hwy · $1,950/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Honda CR-Z 3 HB FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
3 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 7259
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 CR-Z questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Honda CR-Z have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

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

Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (9), power train (1), seat belts (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Honda CR-Z get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Honda CR-Z at 33–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2013 Honda CR-Z?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Honda CR-Z 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026