Quirky hybrid coupe with Honda reliability
The CR-Z was Honda's attempt to inject fun into the hybrid segment, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor in a sporty two-seat coupe body. It sold poorly in the UK and was withdrawn by 2014, but low volumes mean surviving examples tend to be cherished and low-mileage. It occupies a unique niche — no other hybrid offers a manual gearbox and genuine driver engagement — making it a cult choice for eco-conscious enthusiasts.
We track 5 known issues across the Honda CR-Z range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Honda CR-Z? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
ZF1 (2010–2016) — Engine options included the 1.5 IMA Hybrid. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting area corrosion (£800–£2,000 to address).
The load-bearing structure within 30cm of suspension mounting points shows premature corrosion on CR-Z models. This affects the structural integrity around subframe mounting areas where suspension loads are concentrated. The issue appears related to design of the rear subframe area and water drainage around mounting points.
Structural failure around suspension mounting points can cause sudden loss of vehicle control and is an immediate MOT failure. Professional welding repair typically costs £800-£2000 depending on extent. Cars with advanced structural corrosion may be beyond economical repair.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The CR-Z shows accelerated body structure corrosion that affects overall vehicle rigidity. MOT data indicates this model fails at The issue typically manifests around door frames, sill areas, and structural joints where water can collect. This appears to be related to the lightweight construction methods used in the hybrid model.
Progressive structural corrosion reduces crash protection and will eventually lead to MOT failure. Repair costs vary significantly depending on affected areas but can exceed £1500 for extensive welding work. Advanced cases may render the vehicle uneconomical to repair.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The CR-Z hybrid system creates specific brake binding problems due to the interaction between regenerative braking and conventional disc brakes. MOT data shows failure rates of 8.2x the fleet average for binding brakes, particularly severe on higher-mileage cars. The hybrid system's reduced use of conventional brakes can cause caliper pistons to seize, while the regenerative braking system can mask early symptoms of binding until the problem becomes severe.
Binding brakes cause rapid disc and pad wear, reduced fuel economy, and can lead to brake failure or loss of vehicle control. Severe cases can cause brake fires. Complete caliper overhaul typically costs £200-£400 per affected wheel, with disc replacement adding £100-£200 per wheel.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) battery pack in the CR-Z is known to degrade over time, particularly after 80,000 miles or 8-10 years. Unlike Toyota's hybrid system, the Honda IMA cannot operate on electric power alone, so battery failure significantly impacts performance and fuel economy. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack is located behind the rear seats and consists of multiple modules that can fail independently.
Failed IMA battery results in reduced performance, poor fuel economy, and potential for complete breakdown. Honda dealership replacement costs £3000-£4000. Aftermarket reconditioned units cost £1500-£2500. Some specialists offer individual cell replacement for £800-£1500. The car remains driveable but with significantly reduced performance and economy.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
The CR-Z suffers from premature failure of rubber dust covers protecting suspension joints and ball joints. MOT data shows failure rates up to 11.9x the fleet average, with the issue affecting steering rack gaiters and suspension component dust covers. The problem appears across all mileage ranges but is most severe on higher-mileage cars. Failed dust covers allow water and dirt ingress, accelerating wear of the protected components.
Failed dust covers lead to accelerated wear of expensive suspension and steering components. Replacement of the covers themselves is relatively inexpensive but contaminated joints may require costly component replacement. Steering rack replacement can cost £800-£1500 if gaiters have been split for extended periods.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Honda CR-Z common problems page.
Based on 21k real DVSA MOT tests, the Honda CR-Z fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is anti-roll bar links worn at 37x the fleet average, followed by suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (28x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Honda CR-Z MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Honda CR-Z service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Honda CR-Z has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2013-2014 (upgraded lithium-ion battery, improved electric motor, and the best-equipped GT trim)
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Honda CR-Z, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Honda CR-Z issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.