Common Failures Of The Honda Crosstour: Problems, Solutions And Disadvantages
Originally introduced to the world as the Honda Accord Crosstour, the name of this vehicle was changed to simply the Honda Crosstour in 2012. The vehicle was discontinued in 2015 due to poor sales, but is heralded by many as a great car. In this post we will talk about the common failures of the Honda Crosstour and their solutions.
As with any vehicle, there are downsides to the Honda Crosstour, and it wasn’t without its problems. Here you will learn more about the problems and solutions with this vehicle, as there are plenty of them still on the road and for sale as used vehicles.
Common faults of the Honda Crosstour
A total of 55 complaints have been made by consumers about the Honda Crosstour in the four years from its name change in 2012 to 2015 when Honda stopped producing the model.
It ranks 11th in overall reliability out of a total of 24 Honda models, with brake and interior issues leading the complaints against reliability.
1- Problems with the starter motor
This four-door hatchback, which was styled after the original Accord sedan, has experienced issues with drivers hearing a grinding noise when starting their vehicles. It seemed to occur more commonly on 2013 to 2015 model years that have automatic transmissions.
The issue has been attributed to a clearance or misalignment problem between the vehicle’s starting system and the vehicle’s transmission torque converter ring.
Honda addressed the issue in a report on the vehicles, but offered no assistance to owners, leading to multiple lawsuits.
Solution:
On these particular vehicles, the starter system needs to be repaired so that it can properly engage the transmission’s torque converter ring gear in order to crank the engine. The ring gear must be placed in the proper position for this process to be successful.
The Crosstour has also struggled with the need for larger capacity batteries that have the power to start the engines.
Honda recommended to dealers that the starter needs to be replaced on these vehicles to the effect that the crankshaft must be turned by at least one bolt hole.
Repair costs may be covered by the vehicle’s warranty, but the warranty ends at 36,000 miles and problems typically start to occur after the vehicle has been driven for about 50,000 miles. Owners may have to pay out of pocket to have the problem fixed.
2- Possible danger of Takata airbags
More than 100 million vehicles of all types have been recalled worldwide due to faulty Takata airbags, responsible for at least 27 deaths worldwide.
Several Honda and Acura vehicles were affected by this issue, including the Honda Crosstour. That is why this can be one of the common Honda Crosstour faults that put users in danger.
Inflators become unstable over time and have the potential to rupture or explode if the airbag deploys, which can shoot metal fragments throughout the vehicle, injuring drivers and passengers.
Solution:
Buyers of a pre-owned Honda Crosstour should check with the seller or dealer to ensure that the vehicle has been replaced with a Takata airbag. Since the issue is part of a worldwide recall, vehicle owners do not have to pay to have this issue fixed.
3- Problems with Honda’s soy-coated wiring
In order to be more green and environmentally friendly, Honda began to use electrical wire made from soybeans and other environmentally friendly materials, but soybean-based wrapping is very attractive to rodents who want to use electrical wiring from Honda vehicles to build their nests.
Solutions:
Many vehicle owners have taken various preventative measures, including bizarre ones like using coyote urine or capsaicin-laced tape to cover up wires to keep rodents out. Another solution is to wrap the wiring with hot pepper tape which repels rodents instead of attracting them.
Repair costs can be high if rodents chew through a Honda Crosstour’s electrical wiring. Additionally, Contour owners should be on the lookout for any bits of wiring or other material when moving the car that could fall from under the hood.
Owners can also check under the hood frequently to inspect the engine and wiring for any signs of rodents. Some vehicle owners have used mothballs, liquid peppermint oil, or dryer sheets in engine compartments to keep the bugs away. Owners can also purchase Honda anti-rodent tape, which the manufacturer created for this problem.
4- Excessive oil consumption
Many of Honda’s V-6 engines consume a lot of oil, and the automaker was even sued for its engine design that promotes this activity.
Solution:
Some vehicles now have an extended warranty of up to eight years and unlimited mileage to combat the problem, so owners can fix their vehicles at no additional cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Honda Crosstour
If you’re not interested in an SUV but want some of the perks of one, the Honda Crosstour may be the perfect vehicle for you. Here are the general pros and cons of the Honda Crosstour:
Pros:
- The Honda Contour offers the look and versatility of a wagon or hatchback without looking like an SUV.
- The Crosstour features a roomy interior with a roomier cabin than the Accord.
- Versatility is added with the tailgate.
- A rear camera was added to the Contour starting with the 2012 model.
- The vehicle gets around 31 mpg on gas.
- It is offered with front or all-wheel drive.
- It offers a comfortable and smooth ride.
- Collision Warning was installed on 2013 to 2015 model years.
- very reliable vehicle
- easy to drive
- The cockpit area is spacious with plenty of storage space too.
- wide seats
- Silent cabin area.
Cons:
Like any vehicle, the Honda Crosstour has some drawbacks that cause problems when promoting:
- The starter squeaks and doesn’t always start the engine on the 2013-2015 Accord and Crosstour, leaving owners stranded
- Potential Takata Dangerous Airbags
- Rodents love to chew on Honda’s soy-coated wiring
- excessive oil consumption
Reviews and opinions of the Honda Crosstour
Since you know the common failures of the Honda Crosstour, it is good that you know what some people think. The following opinions and criticisms of the Honda Crosstour were expressed by some owners of the vehicle:
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“It also has a slightly higher stance than typical midsize sedans, and this makes it easy to get in and out of while providing a better view of the road ahead. Plus, buyers in the snowbelt will appreciate the all-wheel drive on the Crosstour, a feature not offered on the Accord.”
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“Yes, the Crosstour has its strengths. The 278bhp V6 in our all-wheel-drive EX-L tester is lively, smooth and responsive, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. The drive is pleasant and the spacious interior offers comfortable seats. Consumer Reports.
To end
It is capable of driving through deep snow and in rough road conditions, especially the Honda Crosstour model. It has a beautiful unique style and Honda is known for its quality when it comes to car manufacturing.
The vehicle is roomy and you can pick one up for a very good price these days since the last year they were made was 2015. Even very high mileage vehicles still run very well so these cars can last a long time.
It gets around 31 mpg on the open highway which is pretty good gas mileage by today’s standards and overall the vehicle is very reliable and high quality in build .
While car buyers may choose to purchase a pre-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour, the 2012-2015 Honda Crosstour appears to be much more popular after the vehicle underwent a name change as well as design changes.
Many people in today’s economy are choosing to buy used and pre-owned vehicles over newer ones which is why the Honday Crosstour is actually gaining in popularity in recent years.
This vehicle offers a smooth ride, plenty of comfortable seating, and ample rear storage space that features a tailgate system to make it easier to load items in and out of the vehicle, just like an SUV. .