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: Aug 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.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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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.
I first experienced the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights on December 20, 2025, while driving. I knew something was wrong because whenever I turned the steering wheel, braked hard, or drove over potholes, all three lights would come on and remain lit for about a minute. Each time I turned the car off and restarted it, the lights would disappear. However, if I drove the vehicle for an extended period, the lights would eventually come back on. At first, I believed the issue was related to my brakes. I ordered new brakes and rotors and had them installed by my certified mechanic. Unfortunately, about an hour after the repair, the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake lights came on again. I immediately contacted my mechanic and brought the vehicle back in for a diagnostic test. The diagnostic results showed that the ABS module is faulty. My mechanic explained that this malfunction is what is causing all three warning lights to appear on my dashboard. I was advised that the ABS module must be replaced by the manufacturer or a dealership. After researching this issue, I discovered that this same problem has occurred on multiple occasions with Honda Crosstours over the years, indicating that this may be a known or recurring defect. I fear for my safety and life.
I am having problems with my car starting… even after replacing the starter 3 times. I am having the exact issue referenced in TSB No.16-002. I can hear the grinding noise but due to the incorrect positioning of the torque converter ring gear, the starter isn’t spinning the engine at startup even after replacing the starter. I can’t afford to keep replacing the starter and have my car not start everyday. Is Honda able to help with this issue?
The rear camera, backup camera appears to have bad seal. The inside fogs up. Blurring the camera image. This eventually leads to failure. I had the Honda dealer replace my previous original camera at my expense, a year later the same problem has arisen. The Camera mounted on the passenger side mirror does not have this issue and seems to be a different model camera.
FDW, LDW, TRAC, and ABS lights are on. Honda Service center ran a diagnostic check and recommended replacing VSA Modulator. Issue is common and is due to VSA modulator having small gauge wires. It is a design defect causing many VSA modulators to fail. Repair costs include $1,952 for the modulator plus labor. I ordered a replacement part in June 2023, but it has not yet arrived. I searched online. A YouTube video named "Why is this not a recall by Honda? ABS module Failure 2013 to 2017 and more" explains the issue. The YouTube video is posted by RB the mechanic. The comments under the video are from some people who encountered the same issue. It is an issue in a variety if Honda vehicles.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Crosstour. The contact stated that on separate occasions after he depressed the brake pedal then push the start/ stop button to start the vehicle, he could hear grinding and spinning on start-up, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after approximately six attempts, the vehicle may start. The contact stated that the failure may occur randomly. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
Starter intermittently grinds and does not start or nothing happens at all. There is a known problem with this issue
Read 14 more owner reports
The car is rusting on the inside door panel. This is being caused because the undercoating from the mafia missed spots under the rear wheel well. This is clearly a mafia defect. No one at Honda is willing to help. They blame it on the seat belt causing it to rust. The car only leaks when driving because the water enters the car when the wheels are moving. Other Crosstour owners are having the same problem.
The contact owned a 2014 Honda Crosstour. The contacat stated that after making a right turn and slowing down to about 15 mph when the contact noticed the vehicle began accelerating more than intended. The contact removed their foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal however the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle ended up crashing into a building nearby. The air bags did deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The driver received injuries to their noise, chest and back. The passenger received a knee injury and other body contusions. Medical attention was needed. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 42,500.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Crosstour. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start intermittently, and the contact heard a grinding noise. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at the dealer on two separate occasions prior, for the same failure and the starter was replaced twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing and to send the work order and repair bill to them. The failure mileage was unknown.
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) FAILED WHILE DRIVING (65 MPH) ON THE INTERSTATE (I29, 1/22/21). IMMEDIATELY DROVE VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER AND CODE WAS RESET. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE AND EPS FAILED AGAIN. DIAGNOSTIC SCAN (CODES 51-07 & 51-01) REVEALED A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED ($1,485). EPS FAILED AGAIN ON 2/22/21 WHILE TURNING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT (25 MPH) AND NEARLY WRECKED THE VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND AWAITING A RESPONSE. THERE ARE TSBS (EPS WARRANTY EXTENSION) ISSUED BY AMERICAN HONDA BUT THE DEALER HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THESE COMMUNICATIONS.
REAR WHEELS BECAME CUPPED DUE TO MISALIGNMENT DESPITE HAVING ONLY 24,000 MILES. REAR WHEEL DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST CAMBER WHICH LEADS TO THE ISSUE. DRIVING ON CUPPED TIRES CAUSES THEM TO HEAT UP WHICH COULD LEAD TO SUBSEQUENT FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PUSHING THE START BUTTON A GRINDING AND BUZZING NOISE WAS HEAD AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
"SYSTEM STARTER" LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH. CAR WILL NOT START. SOUNDS OF GRINDING AND ALMOST LIKE A HISSING SOUND COMING OUT. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE PUSH BUTTON START. SOMETHING IS WRONG. HONDA IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT IT VIA ONLINE FOR A WHILE, THERE ARE QUITE A FEW CASES OF THIS IN ALL MODELS HONDA MANUFACTURES. IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR, ONE THAT HONDA SHOULD MAKE A RECALL OR PAY US CUSTOMERS BACK. *TR
MY 2014 HONDA ACCORD, 6 CYLINDER , ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I STOPPED AT KIOSK TO PAY FOR CAR WASH. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT SHOT FORWARD AT EXTREME SPEED. I HAD NO CONTROL OF CAR. THE SPEED WAS EXTREME.CAR CAME TO A STOP AFTER IT HAD GONE THROUGH LANDSCAPING AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. CAN WAS TOTALED, PLUS SEVERE DAMAGE TO OTHER CAR. I HAD NO CONTROL AND BELIEVE IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE.
WHEN STARTUP A GRINDING OR WHINING NOISE FROM THE STARTER AREA. ITS COME AND GOES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR. WHEN THE CONTACT PRESSED THE START BUTTON, SCRATCHING AND GRINDING NOISES WERE HEARD UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENTHE HONDA (15100 DUREKA RD, SOUTH GATE, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED ED NAPLETON OAK LAWN HONDA (5800 95TH ST, OAK LAWN, IL 60453, (833) 571-8721) AND ASKED FOR AN ESTIMATE OF THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE PUSH START FEATURE FAILED. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE START BUTTON, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED AUBURN HONDA (LOCATED AT 1801 GRASS VALLEY HWY, AUBURN, CA 95603, (530) 362-5046) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STARTER COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MADE A LOUD, ABNORMAL SCREECHING NOISE, WHICH OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. IT ALSO TOOK MORE THAN A FEW ATTEMPTS TO START THE ENGINE. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,183.
PURCHASED 2014 HONDA CROSSTOUR AROUND YEAR AGO, NOTICED PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS TURNED OFF ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, LUTHER BROOKDALE HONDA IN MINNESOTA WAS WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, NOT ONE NOTIFICATION OF ANY RECALL WAS SENT OUT TO US IN NEED OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT... I'M ASSUMING THAT'S BECAUSE OF TAKADA, & NO NEW RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM???? DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID NOTHING ABOUT IT... ONLY IN AMERICA! !!! THE OTHER ISSUE WITH THIS CAR IS FRONT DRIVE AXLES WENT OUT ON IT, AT 60,000 MILES, & WAS INFORMED THRU HONDA THAT TORQUE CONVERTER ON MY YEAR OF VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE ISSUES AS WELL....
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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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.