2012 Honda CR-Z Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 2nd of 5 CR-Z years we score.

Owner complaints: 7; 4 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 5.3; 5,636 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.26×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 1; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2011 CR-Z 2013 CR-Z →

Should You Buy the 2012 Honda CR-Z?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda CR-Z is 87 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 5 CR-Z years we score.

It has 2 recalls. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2011 scores 78 and the 2013 scores 79.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 87
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

None stand out.

How the 2012 CR-Z Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems1 complaint · average car: about 8.0	0.26×	−6
Everyday problems2 complaints · average car: about 12	0.27×	−3
Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: about 0.7	Not counted	–
Recalls2 recalls · average car: about 4.7	0.61×	−4
Score		87

The last two years are not counted for the 2012 CR-Z. Honda made 5,636 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 1.1 complaints of any kind in two years. We need at least 5 to compare, so we leave this part out. Its 30% goes to serious and everyday problems instead, so they make up 80% of the score rather than 50%.

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 7 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda CR-Z, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.

Reported Once (4)

Show the 4 problems reported once

Airbags: deployment with no crash
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
Door lock actuators: works on and off
Side or curtain airbags: deactivates in moist or rainy weather

How the 2012 Honda CR-Z Compares With Other Years

Every CR-Z year is here: the CR-Z was made in one generation, 2011 to 2016.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2016	Not scored	–	–	11.4	0	Door latches: parts breaking or coming apart
2015	Excellent	81	0.46×	13.1	2	Door latches: parts breaking or coming apart
2014	Excellent	88	0.26×	2.9	1	–
2013	Good	79	0.55×	12.3	2	Airbag warning light failure
2012 This year	Excellent	87	0.26×	5.3	2	–
2011	Good	78	0.55×	18.9	3	Door latches: not opening or unlocking

See every CR-Z year

2012 Honda CR-Z Recalls

Two recalls cover the 2012 Honda CR-Z. The most recent was issued in June 2019: “Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V500000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
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.
NHTSA 16V061000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2012 Honda CR-Z Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has two customer support programs for the 2012 Honda CR-Z, separate from its recalls. Both are for problems with the airbags. One has ended. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Customer support programHonda 20-011
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Another program for the same problem, Honda 18-048, has ended.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2012 Honda CR-Z NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2012 Honda CR-Z. It has closed.

Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including the Insight, the CR-Z and the Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 CR-Z ratings on NHTSA.gov.

3-door hatchback FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash3/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 CR-Z, from its two recalls.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V500000
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA 16V061000

Ask the Seller

Ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All CR-Z Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.