2012 Honda Crosstour

The 3.5L J35 V6 engine with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) in the Crosstour EX-L V6 is notorious for excessive oil consumption, often requiring a quart of oil added every 1,000-2,000 miles. The VCM system deactivates cylinders under light load, but the resulting cylinder wall cooling and reheating causes accelerated piston ring wear and oil burning.

Install a VCM Muzzler or S-VCM Controller, an aftermarket device that prevents the VCM system from deactivating cylinders, eliminating the root cause of oil consumption. Monitor oil levels closely between changes. In severe cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary. Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil and change it every 5,000 miles.

The factory navigation and audio system in the 2014 Crosstour is prone to freezing, slow touch response, and intermittent Bluetooth disconnections. The system's processor is underpowered for the software it runs, leading to multi-second delays between touch inputs and screen responses. Navigation route calculations are particularly slow.

Perform a system reset by disconnecting the 12V battery for 10 minutes or using the system's reset function. Update the navigation maps and firmware at the dealer. For a more permanent improvement, aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto head units or adapter kits can replace the factory system's navigation and media functions.

The rear suspension on the Crosstour tends to sag over time, particularly on vehicles that regularly carry passengers or cargo in the rear. The rear shock absorbers can leak and lose damping effectiveness, causing a bouncy and poorly controlled ride. The vehicle may sit noticeably lower in the rear than the front.

Replace the rear shock absorbers with OEM or quality aftermarket units from KYB or Monroe. If the vehicle sits low in the rear, the rear coil springs may need replacement as well. Upgraded helper springs or air-assist shocks can be installed to support heavier loads and maintain ride height.

The 6-speed automatic transmission in the Crosstour can develop a torque converter shudder or vibration during light-throttle acceleration between 25-45 MPH. The shudder feels like driving over a rumble strip and is caused by degraded automatic transmission fluid or worn torque converter clutch material.

Perform a transmission fluid drain and refill with Honda DW-1 ATF. Multiple drain-and-fill cycles (3 cycles with driving in between) can flush out degraded fluid and reduce the shudder. If the shudder persists after fresh fluid, the torque converter may need replacement. Avoid transmission flushes, which Honda does not recommend.

The front brake calipers on the Crosstour can develop sticking slide pins, causing uneven brake pad wear, a pulling sensation during braking, and premature wear of the inner brake pad on the affected side. The slide pins corrode within the caliper bracket, preventing the caliper from floating freely.

Remove, clean, and re-grease the caliper slide pins with silicone brake grease. Replace the slide pin boots if they are torn or deteriorated. If the caliper piston is also sticking, replace the caliper. Replace the brake pads at the same time if they show uneven wear. Service the slide pins during every brake pad replacement as preventive maintenance.