The Most Common Failures Of The Honda CR-Z: Problems And Opinions

Common failures of the Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z is a unique hybrid in its class and is that in addition to having a very affordable price compared to other vehicles in its category, it is also known for its good performance in terms of gas consumption. Here are some of the most common problems reported for the Honda CR-Z.

1. Malfunction of electric power steering

The Honda CR-Z saw mostly minor issues with a few exceptions, plus a few recalls. There were also power steering related problems and failures that users reported.

Drivers complain of a hard-to-turn steering wheel that seems to occur intermittently. One of the most obvious symptoms that they usually notice first is heavy, harsh steering. Also, they may hear creaking or hissing noises when turning the steering wheel.

Other signs that indicate the onset of a power steering malfunction that you may notice are:

• A warning light on the dashboard
• Lack of speed sensitivity makes driving difficult and less precise
• Using an excessive number of steering wheel rotations to turn
• The vehicle pulls in either direction

Do you hear a hiss or squeal when you turn the steering wheel? If so, that may indicate that the issue is a result of your Honda CR-Z operating without the proper steering wheel power steering fluid.

Possible causes and solutions are:

1. Low Power Steering Fluid Levels

Normally, topping up the flywheel fluid when it is low will get the flywheel working properly again.

2. Flywheel fluid leaks

If you top up your flywheel fluid and it’s low again after a while, you probably have a leak. Low steering wheel fluid can be caused by a leak that occurs due to a damaged part inside the car.

Finding a solution to the power steering problem on your Honda CR-Z means finding the origin of the cause. So you have to get to the root of a new leak or not, as well as keep the vehicle checked and the necessary fluid levels.

3. Check the car’s pump and hose, a common place for leaks

Leaks often come from these parts on the vehicle, so you may want to check there first. Damage in this area is often responsible for leaks that cause constantly low fluid levels.

Signs that your Honda CR-Z is leaking power steering fluid are usually easy to spot.

1. Look for fluid on the floor when the car is parked, as this is the first indication of a leak.
2. Listen for buzzing or hissing noises as a sign that your steering fluid is critically low.

4. The steering wheel fluid is bad

Also, the flywheel fluid may be old or bad. You can tell something is wrong when the flywheel fluid thickens.

Bad steering fluid tends to appear thick and when this happens it cannot function properly. In that case, the solution is to take the Honda CR-Z to a shop to have the power steering fluid flushed.

The approximate cost of a Honda CR-Z steering fluid replacement service can be a bit expensive, depending on where you are and the other items that need to be replaced.

5. Power Steering Electronic Control Module Failure

When the electronic system fails, it is a sign that there may be a problem with the mounted electric motor. As with most electronic components, the failure of the Honda CR-Z’s electronic power steering is difficult to predict.

Additionally, replacement of the steering assist motor may require module replacement, as each is connected within the power steering system.

6. Excessive steering rotations

Ultimately, an electric steering control module decides how far to turn the steering wheel. Therefore, when it fails, the number of rotations it takes to turn the steering wheel of your Honda CR-Z can fluctuate randomly.

7. Problems with the steering rack

The steering rack is the connection between the power steering system and the wheels of your Honda CR-Z. It works by taking pressure from the outlet of the power steering system and applying it to the wheels of the car.

Costs can vary significantly from place to place when it comes to auto maintenance and repair. The cost to replace a Honda CR-V power steering control module can range from $681 to $700.

2. Battery overheating

The battery cooling fan on Honda CR-Zs has been known to stop working, leading to overheating of the battery. Without a doubt, this is one of the common faults of the Honda CR-Z that can cause you to have a hard time.

The high-voltage battery included in a Honda CR-Z hybrid is not a problem. It only needs to be replaced after the entirety of its use, which is great.

1. Replacing the battery of a Honda CR-Z hybrid

In the event that the battery in your Honda CR-Z Hybrid goes bad, it could cost you quite a bit. Replacing the CR-Z’s battery can be very expensive.

A broken battery cooling fan is one of the most common problems reported by Honda owners. Other problems that can also cause your car to overheat are:

2. Coolant leak

The most common sign that you have a coolant leak is when your Honda CR-Z starts to get hotter than usual. Typically, you’ll notice a pool of coolant has formed under the vehicle.

3. Replacement of the thermostat

A stuck thermostat can cause the Honda CR-Z to overheat. If this is the case, the most obvious solution would be to replace it.

4. Replacing the water pump

It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks or unusual noises, as this is a frequent indication that your CR-Z needs a water pump replacement. In addition to causing damage to the transmission or timing belts, a bad water pump can be responsible for your car overheating.

3. Engine shuts down without warning

The most common causes behind a Honda CR-Z stalling include:

• air intake system
• Fuel system
• Ignition system

1. Replacement of sensors

The Honda CR-Z uses many sensors to send reports about what is happening with the vehicle. If one of the sensors is acting up and sending the wrong information, it could cause your car to not act as it should.

For example, the MAF and MAP sensors report the measurement of air in the vehicle and then the car will adjust accordingly. If one of these sensors does not work correctly, the information they send will be wrong.

This could lead to an incorrect balance of airflow necessary for the quality of the air inside the car. If a sensor sends wrong information to the vehicle, it can cause the car to stall.

But because vehicle stalls can occur at any time, it can be difficult to figure out what conditions caused a car to stall in the first place. Stall problems are one of the most common failures on the Honda CR-Z. Other problems that can cause your Honda CR-Z to stall are:

• Water in the gas tank
• The air-fuel mixture is not balanced
• Too much fuel in the combustion chamber
• You don’t have enough fuel

The good and the bad of the Honda CR-Z

Despite its flaws, the Honda CR-Z has captured the hearts of its fans. Here are some things people seem to appreciate about the Honda CR-Z.

Advantages of the Honda CR-Z:

Since you know the common faults of the Honda CR-Z, it is good that you also know all about the good things that this vehicle offers you.

1. Sporty design and feel

The Honda CR-Z was created with fun in mind. If you’ve got your head set on a vehicle that’s both affordable and sporty looking, then the Honda CR-Z is it.

With a futuristic-style interior, the Honda CR-Z is unique. From the dashboard to the great lights that it has, in short, this vehicle is one of a kind.

2. Good gas mileage

Gas mileage in a Honda CR-Z is pretty good with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Fuel efficiency in the city is 31 mpg and 37 mpg for the highway.

3. Affordable hybrid

The Honda CR-Z is unique when it comes to hybrid models in that it is affordable compared to other hybrids and for the type of vehicle it is.

4. Economical and environmentally friendly

The Honda CR-Z is marketed as an economical and intelligent hybrid vehicle. Its interior features include many buttons that give options to choose and press Sport, Normal or Economy as the preferred driving mode.

The Econ option echoes the eco-friendly sentiment, and pressing it adjusts the air conditioning levels in the vehicle to maintain fuel economy.

Good safety and reliability ratings

The Honda CR-Z comes with all standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes and stability/traction control. The car was rated as good in safety tests. Tests included side impact, rear impact, and roof strength.

Disadvantages of the Honda CR-Z:

Here is a summary of the issues that Honda CR-Z owners may face.

• Malfunction of electric power steering
• The cooling fan causes the battery to overheat
• Engine shuts down without warning

What do the opinions say about the Honda CR-Z?

The comments and criticisms about the Honda CR-Z are not entirely positive, there are those who think that better hybrid options can be found . The opinions that stand out the most are the following:

“The CR-Z is a sporty-looking two-seater hybrid with agile handling, but it’s not very sporty otherwise. Fuel economy is excellent, but more could be expected from such a small hybrid. The acceleration is not impressive. The driving is hectic, noise levels are high and driving on the edge can be tricky.”

“This hybrid from Honda falls short of its primary mission of being a frugal hybrid with a measure of mid-speed thrill. If you’re not committed to the CR-Z styling or Honda badge, there are better alternatives in this price range.”

Although the CR-Z looks sporty and offers great mileage, there may be better alternatives if you’re looking for a quiet drive with smooth handling.