Honda Crosstour Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda Crosstour options? We analyzed 4 model years (2012–2015) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda Crosstour has 138 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls across model years 2012–2015. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2015 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Crosstour
- Model years analyzed
- 2012–2015 (4 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 138
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2013 (49 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2015 (26 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Honda Crosstour: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe HONDA CROSSTOUR has 138 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 138 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 13 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
13 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2015. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 138 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
138 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
An aftermarket ignition interlock device (Intoxalock eLERT model) installed in my vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned and disabled the vehicle’s ignition system, preventing the vehicle from starting and operating normally. The device was installed on October 6, 2025 as part of a state ignition interlock program. The first malfunction occurred only four days later. The device has malfunctioned multiple times since installation. The most serious failure occurred in March 2026 when the device would not power on at all. Because the device controls the ignition relay, the vehicle could not start and became completely inoperable. The vehicle had to be towed to the service center that installed the device. The component involved appears to be the ignition interlock handheld breath testing unit and relay system that communicates with the vehicle ignition. When the device fails to power on or function properly, the vehicle cannot start even when the driver is sober and compliant. This malfunction created a safety concern because the vehicle could not be operated or moved when needed, leaving the driver stranded and unable to safely transport family members. The problem has occurred multiple times and appears to be related to the device itself rather than the vehicle. The equipment has been returned to an authorized service center for inspection, and the device should be available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights from the vehicle itself prior to the failure. The primary symptom was that the ignition interlock device would not power on or would malfunction during operation, which prevented the vehicle from starting. Because the ignition interlock device directly controls whether the vehicle can start, repeated device failures create a situation where the vehicle becomes unexpectedly disabled.
An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the test, the driver must physically pick up and handle the handheld unit and blow into the device while driving. This requirement creates a driver distraction because the driver must remove at least one hand from the steering wheel and divert attention from the roadway in order to complete the breath test. This procedure appears to conflict with Pennsylvania’s hands-free driving law, 75 Pa.C.S. §3316 (Paul Miller’s Law), which prohibits drivers from holding or manually using an interactive electronic device while operating a vehicle. Although the ignition interlock device is intended to promote road safety, the design of the rolling retest requires the driver to manually interact with a handheld device while the vehicle is moving. Drivers may feel pressured to complete the test immediately because failing to do so can be recorded as a violation or trigger lockout procedures. This creates a situation where drivers must choose between complying with the device requirements or maintaining full attention on safe vehicle operation. In my experience, the alert can occur while driving in traffic, which forces the driver to handle the device during active driving conditions. Because this equipment directly affects vehicle operation and driver behavior while the vehicle is moving, I am submitting this report to raise a potential safety concern regarding whether rolling retest procedures create unsafe driver distraction and whether they conflict with hands-free driving safety laws.
Car was due for timing belt maintenance at 100k miles. Timing belt and related parts were changed August 2023. I was told belt will last 100k miles. October 2024, 13.5 months later, the belt fails and causes catastrophic damage to the engine. My son had to push the car to the side the highway when this happened. Honda service said the engine is “toast” and is a cost of $7,000 to be replaced. Reached out to Honda corporate for help due to defective part. They said the part had a 12 month warranty and the car is too old to help you. I can only trust the people but so much but I should be able to trust the parts when they are OEM. Disappointed Honda no longer stands behind it parts.
Fuel pump malfunction
Honda is aware of faulty VTC actuators on certain models. There is no active recall to repair the defective part. This issue causes extra wear on the engine, which could then lead to catastrophic failure. That causes great hazard as that failure can occur at any time. Honda is currently charging owners roughly $2000 (in Wake County, NC) to repair this issue. This should be a covered recall for all owners, to avoid engine failure, accidents, and potential deaths on the roads.
Car was total air bag didn't didn't work!!
Read 14 more owner reports
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT CV AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED WHILE IN A RETRACTED POSITION. VEHICLE WAS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME AND GLASS RAINED INTO THE CABIN CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES. SO FAR, THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR WHAT HAPPENED,. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING HIT THE ROOF.
SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS REPLACED EVERY 6 MONTHS. I KNOW I AM NOT TYE ONLY OWNER WHO HAS HAD THIS SAME ISSUE I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE LOCAL DELEARSHIP IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY INTO THIS ISSUE AND I DEMAND AN ANSWER. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS ISSUE ON A NEE CAR OR A CAR THAT IS 8 YEARS OLD. I HAVE MAINTANED MY CAR VERY WELL AND THIS IS THE ONLY ISSUE WITH THE CAR BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE AND ADVISE I HAVE LOOKED INTO A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST HONDA FOR COSTING ME SO MUCH TIME, MOKEY, AND HEARTACHE OVER THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY TIMES I FELT UNSAFE IN MY CAR AND TRIED TO TRADE IT IN BUT NO ONE WOULD GIVE ME PAY OFF SO I AM FORCED TO PAY MONEY THAT IS NOT NECESSARY EVERY 6 MONTHS SO I FEEL SAFE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND SHOULD NOT BE THE A HONDA OWNER SHOULD FEEL. I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION 8 HOURS AWAY AND HAD TO HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON. THAT WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE VACATION I HAVE EVER HAD. IT IS TRULY UPSETTING AND DISAPPOINTING BEYOND VOLUMES THAT I CAN NOT TAKE MY HONDA ANYWHERE ON VACATION FOR THE FEAR OF THE BRAKES LOCKING UP AND KILLING ME AND MY CHILDREN. SINCE THIS INCIDENT I HAVE PURCHAED A SUBARU AND STILL HAVE MY HONDA. I NEED THIS ISSUE FIXED BECAUSE MY SON WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR WHICH IS NOW PAID OFF AND IS SITTING IN A DRIVEWAY FOR FEAR OF DEATH OR INJURY.
STEERING WHEEL AND CHASSIS VIBRATION ON ACCELERATION ABOVE 65 MPH. VIBRATION STOPPED ONLY AFTER LETTING OFF GAS PEDDLE. AXLE VIBRATES UNDER ACCELERATION LOAD AT HIGH SPEED. ALL ROAD CONDITIONS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CROSSTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR THIRTY MINUTES WHERE IT TOOK MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM HONDA (LOCATED AT 4613 E LINCOLN HWY, MERRILLVILLE, IN 46410, (219) 947-3900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING TWO ENGINE VALVES REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
VEHICLE FOULING SPARK PLUGS ABOUT EVERY 3-6 MONTH DUE TO OIL GETTING INTO THE CYLINDER(S) CAUSING SHUTTERING, LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING. IN MY CASE IT'S MY 3 BACK CYLINDERS. HAVE NOT BROUGHT TO HONDA DUE TO BEING A ASE MECHANIC MYSELF. STARTED HAPPENING AT ABOUT 80'000 MILES IN 2018 AND HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE HAPPENING PROGRESSIVELY FASTER. HONDA TECH FRIEND OF MINE SAID HE'S DONE A LOT OF THESE REPLACING PISTON RINGS AT THE DEALER HE WORKS AT.
THE CAR VIBRATES SO BAD STARTING 45MPH TO 60MPH. IT ALSO ACCELERATES WITHIN THE SAME SPEED RANGE.
MY 2012 CROSSTOUR IS NOW SUFFERING FROM WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE VERY COMMON SHAKING/SHUDDERING ISSUE. THE PROBLEM PRESENTS BETWEEN 20-45MPH AND AGAIN AROUND 60MPH, WHILE UNDER ACCELERATION. THE PARTS REMAIN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. HOW CAN HONDA GET AWAY WITH NOT SUPPORTING THESE VEHICLES? OWNERS REALLY SHOULD BEGIN TO CONSIDER GETTING TOGETHER TO BRING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA.
I BEGAN EXPERIENCING A SHAKING STEERING WHEEL DURING ACCELERATION LAST FALL. (APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES) AFTER REPLACING ALL 4 TIRES, REPLACING FRONT BRAKES & ROTORS, REPLACING BEARINGS, DOING AN ALIGNMENT AND HAVING MY MECHANIC REBUILD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE, I FINALLY GAVE UP AND WENT TO THE DEALER. WITHIN ABOUT 2 MINUTES OF DISCUSSING THIS PROBLEM, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT HE HAD SEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT HONDA HAD UPGRADED THE AXLE. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH AXLES BUT NO RECALL OR INFORMATION HAS EVER BEEN POSTED BY HONDA FOR THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS IS, INDEED A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE, I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE INITIATED!
STERING WHEEL. SHAKES. WHILE DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SHUDDERING AND VIOLENT SHAKING. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY HONDA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,484.
EXTREME VIBRATION AT 35-45 MPH AND AT ACCELERATION MORE SO IN A RIGHT TURN HONDA SAYS THE AXLES ARE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER I HAVE READ COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT DATE BACK MORE THAN A YEAR THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT IS GETTING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 80 MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUNROOF MAY HAVE BEEN FRACTURED DUE TO A ROCK HITTING IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
PASSENGER SIDE HARSH VIBRATIONS - MOSTLY ON ANY ROAD GOING ABOVE 30MPH UNDER ACCELERATION THE AND HARSH VIBRATION IS FELT THROUGH OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR. AFTER DIGGING ONLINE AND WASTING SEVERAL HOURS AND COUNTLESS DAYS AT MECHANICS THE OUTCOME IS A BAD PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AXLE (DRIVESHAFT) CALLED SEVERAL DEALERS - LOCAL JUNK YARDS - PLENTY OF AUTO PART STORES AND NOTHING WAS AVAILABLE. DECIDED TO CALL AMERICA HONDA JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THE AXLE FOR THE CROSSTOUR IS ON A NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER. GO FIGURE. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH CROSSTOUR OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE AND ASKING FOR ADVICE. YET THIS ISSUE IS NOT A RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL . WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR FROM HONDA THE VIBRATION WAS SMALL OVER 2 YEARS IT HAS GOT TO THE POINT OF DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. LAST NIGHT I HAD TO TOW THE CAR HOME DUE TO THE CRAZY AMOUNT OF VIBRATION WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION. --- HAVE A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH A LOCAL HONDA DEALER -- TO SEE WHAT THE MANAGER THINKS MY NEXT STEP SHOULD BE. WITH OUT BREAKING MY POCKETS. WILL POST A UPDATE IN A WEEK OR SO. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALERS AND CALL AMERICAN HONDA AND LET THEM KNOW THE ISSUES THE MORE CALLERS THE QUICKER WE GET THIS FACTORY ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. NO WONDER THIS CAR WAS DISCONTINUED. THEY REALIZED THEIR MISTAKE ONCE PRODUCTION WAS STARTED.
Showing 20 of 138 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda Crosstour
These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda Crosstour, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Crosstour has 138 complaints on record across 4 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Crosstour has 13 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 5 of the Honda Crosstour's 138 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Crosstour vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Crosstour vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Crosstour has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Honda Crosstour stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
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By state
Check a Honda Crosstour by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda Crosstour.
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Honda Crosstour reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Crosstour reliable?
Below Average. The Honda Crosstour has 138 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda Crosstour years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (49 complaints), 2012 (32 complaints), 2014 (31 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda Crosstour problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (32 complaints); STEERING (28 complaints); POWER TRAIN (23 complaints).
Does the Honda Crosstour have recalls?
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda Crosstour. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.