How many miles will a CR-Z last?

Most Honda CR-Zs can last about 200,000–250,000 miles with routine maintenance, and well-cared-for examples can surpass 300,000 miles. The hybrid battery typically lasts 8–12 years (roughly 100,000–180,000 miles); replacing it when needed can extend the car’s usable life significantly.

What actually determines a Honda CR-Z’s lifespan?

While Honda’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and the CR-Z’s IMA hybrid system are known for reliability, real-world longevity depends on how the car is driven, maintained, and stored. The items below have the greatest influence on whether a CR-Z reaches 150,000 miles—or sails past 250,000 miles.

• Maintenance discipline: Frequent oil changes, timely fluid services, and using Honda-specified fluids.
• Hybrid battery health: Aging NiMH battery packs reduce assist and economy but can be replaced or refurbished.
• Transmission care: CVT fluid changes every 25,000–30,000 miles are critical; manual gearboxes are robust if the clutch isn’t abused.
• Climate and corrosion: Salt-belt cars need rust prevention to protect underbody, suspension arms, and brake lines.
• Driving profile: Gentle commuting is easier on components than frequent short trips, heavy loads, or aggressive driving.
• Accident and modification history: Poor repairs or powertrain-altering mods can shorten service life.

In short, the CR-Z’s core hardware can go the distance, but longevity hinges on battery condition, transmission servicing, and rust mitigation as the car ages.

Expected mileages by scenario

Because the CR-Z was sold from the 2011 to 2016 model years, many examples now have high mileage. Based on Honda’s track record and owner-reported outcomes, here’s what to expect.

• Conservative expectation: 150,000–200,000 miles with average maintenance and mixed driving.
• Typical well-maintained outcome: 200,000–250,000 miles with predictable repairs (hybrid battery, suspension wear items).
• Best-case longevity: 275,000–325,000+ miles when meticulously maintained, mostly highway-driven, and kept rust-free.

These ranges assume no major collision history and that any hybrid battery degradation is addressed rather than ignored.

Hybrid battery longevity, warranties, and replacement costs

The CR-Z’s IMA battery is a consumable component. Its health affects performance and fuel economy more than basic drivability, since the gasoline engine can still propel the car.

• Lifespan: Commonly 8–12 years or about 100,000–180,000 miles; some fail earlier in hot climates or with infrequent use.
• Warranty (U.S.): Typically 8 years/100,000 miles federally; 10 years/150,000 miles in CARB states for qualifying model years/registrations.
• Replacement options:
  – New OEM pack: roughly $2,500–$3,500 for parts, plus labor depending on region.
  – Remanufactured/rebuilt pack: roughly $1,200–$2,500 installed, depending on supplier and warranty length.
• Related components: The DC-DC converter and IMA cooling fan should be inspected if battery issues arise.

Replacing a weak pack usually restores hybrid assist and can add many years and tens of thousands of miles to the car’s practical life.

Maintenance to reach 200,000+ miles

The CR-Z responds well to factory-specified maintenance. The following items are the most important for long-term durability and lower total cost of ownership.

• Engine oil and filter: Change on time (often 5,000–7,500 miles or per Maintenance Minder) with quality oil.
• CVT fluid (if equipped): Replace every 25,000–30,000 miles with Honda HCF-2; avoid generic fluids. Manual trans fluid: about every 60,000 miles.
• Coolant: Replace roughly every 5 years/60,000 miles; keep the hybrid electronics cooling systems clean and unobstructed.
• Spark plugs: Typically around 100,000 miles (iridium); inspect coils if misfires occur.
• Brake fluid: Replace about every 3 years; inspect caliper slide pins and rear drums/rotors for corrosion.
• 12-volt battery: Keep healthy; a weak 12V can trigger hybrid warning lights and odd electrical behavior.
• Hybrid system care: Ensure the IMA cooling fan is clean; drive regularly to avoid prolonged low-charge storage.
• Suspension and alignment: Replace worn bushings, ball joints, and shocks/struts; maintain proper alignment to reduce tire and component wear.
• Rust prevention: Wash underbody in winter; address chips and early corrosion on subframes and seams.
• Use OEM or equivalent-quality parts: Especially fluids, filters, and ignition components.

Sticking to this regimen prevents small issues from cascading into expensive problems and is the single biggest factor in seeing 200,000 miles and beyond.

Signs your CR-Z may be nearing end-of-life components

Knowing what to watch for lets you plan repairs before they become budget-breakers—and helps you decide whether to keep or retire the car.

• Hybrid battery decline: Frequent recalibrations, rapid swings in state-of-charge display, reduced electric assist, IMA warning lights.
• CVT distress (if equipped): Shuddering on takeoff, flare during acceleration, whining under load—often worsened by overdue fluid changes.
• Engine wear: Rising oil consumption, persistent misfires, overheating, or low compression readings.
• Structural corrosion: Significant rust on subframes, rocker panels, and brake/fuel lines can become a safety and cost barrier.
• Electrical aging: Recurrent DC-DC converter faults, failing sensors, or brittle wiring in high-heat areas.

Addressing issues early—especially battery and CVT concerns—can keep the car on the road for years at a lower total cost than replacement.

Ownership economics and market context

The CR-Z was discontinued after the 2016 model year, but parts support remains solid. As of 2025, many used CR-Zs show 120,000–200,000 miles; pricing often reflects hybrid battery condition and transmission type. Budgeting for a future battery pack and proactive CVT servicing (or choosing a manual) typically yields the best long-term value.

Summary

With regular maintenance and attention to the hybrid system and transmission, a Honda CR-Z commonly lasts 200,000–250,000 miles, and diligent owners can see 300,000+ miles. The IMA battery’s 8–12-year lifespan is the main midlife expense, but replacement restores performance and extends the car’s serviceable life. Rust prevention, proper fluids, and timely repairs are the keys to getting the most miles from a CR-Z.

How many miles will a Nissan Z last?

about 200,000 to 300,000 miles
The average life expectancy of a Nissan is about 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. That’s a pretty impressive figure, especially when you consider that some cars start falling apart around the 100,000-mile mark.

How much does it cost to replace a battery in a Honda CR-Z?

The average cost for a Honda CR-Z Battery Replacement is between $197 and $219. Labor costs are estimated between $49 and $72 while parts are typically priced around $148.

Why did Honda discontinue the CR-Z?

Eventually, the CR-Z was discontinued. Sales numbers were less robust than Honda might have hoped. In many markets, especially in the United States, the sales figures were below expectations. It can be difficult to invest in the right choice with so many options.

Can a Honda CRV last 500,000 miles?

Can Used Honda Cars Last 500,000 Miles? Getting the most mileage from used Honda cars depends on timely Honda service. An adequately maintained Honda vehicle can continue driving for up to 500,000 miles, and our team at Honda Van Nuys is here to share how.