2012 Honda Crosstour: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Honda Crosstour has 32 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag vcm (variable cylinder management) system problems — causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, oil leaks from the vcm actuator solenoid onto the alternator (leading to alternator/battery failure), and excessive vibration that wears out engine/transmission mounts and can damage cv axles. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

32
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
2
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Honda Crosstour vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
9
electrical system
3
engine
3
air bags
3
steering
3

Recalls affecting the 2012 Crosstour

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V661000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V502000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic G…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V378000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV,…

air bags:side/window

Campaign 12V030000

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ACCORD AND CROSSTOUR VEHICLES. THE DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is predominantly positive among long-term owners, who frequently describe the vehicle as a practical, reliable, and surprisingly enjoyable "unicorn" or "perfect car" that was ahead of its time. It is praised for its versatile cargo space (capable of

  • VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) System Problems — Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, oil leaks from the VCM actuator solenoid onto the alternator (leading to alternator/battery failure), and excessive vibration that wears out engine/transmission mounts and can damage CV axles. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Oil Consumption — Significant oil usage, particularly in earlier V6 models (e.g., 2010), often linked directly to the VCM system. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Intermittent No-Start Condition — Push-button start models may fail to crank, displaying a "starter system fault" light, often related to electrical gremlins or a failing brake switch. Frequency: recurrent.
  • VSA/Electrical System Faults — Dashboard lighting up with steering and braking system warnings after a battery discharge or due to a failing VSA modulator-control unit. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission Concerns — Isolated reports of slipping or shuddering in 2010 V6 models, and general advice to maintain strict transmission fluid change intervals. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Crosstour.

Typical used price

Used Crosstour listings typically run $9,105–$13,020 across 2010 to 2015 model years.

Full Honda Crosstour owner reportCompare against another car