
2012 – 2015 Honda Crosstour’s VTC Actuator Defect
If you own a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 Honda Crosstour, you’re most likely affected by the “engine rattles at cold startup” defective VTC actuator problem.
Crosstour Years Affected:
- 2012 Honda Crosstour 2WD (ALL as listed on TSB 09-010)
- 2013 Honda Crosstour 2WD (Check VIN as listed on TSB 09-010 & 06-012)
- 2014 Honda Crosstour 2WD (ALL as listed on TSB 06-012)
- 2015 Honda Crosstour 2WD (ALL as listed on TSB 06-012)
Almost identical to Honda TSB 09-010 is TSB 16-012. The difference between the two TSB’s appears to be the addition of the sentence, (in reference to the cold rattle at startup), “This may be intermittent and occurs when the outside temperature is below 40° F”. However, note TSB 06-012 includes all 2WD 2014-2015 Crosstours, while TSB 09-010 only references 2012-2013.
TSB 06-012




TSB 09-010




Interestingly enough, the Honda Crosstour wasn’t included in Honda’s initial TSB 09-010; only the Honda Accord and CR-V were listed. However, the 3rd and 4th versions of TSB 09-010 released in March 2016, had the Crosstour listed.
Why 2 different TSB’s for the same problem?
This truly has me stumped. While the exact same part number for the VTC actuator listed as failing on both TSB’s is the same, (14310-R44-A01), and the replacement part number, (143-R5A-305), is also identical on both TSB 09-010 and 16-012, apparently the defective VTC actuator will give you more trouble (?) if you live in a colder climate. At first I thought the part numbers would be different for the VTC actuator in a Crosstour vs. a CR-V. However, as all part numbers are the same, this isn’t the reason for the temperature qualification. Also, as my car has spent the majority of it’s life in San Antonio, I can attest to the fact that my Accord would ALWAYS grind/rattle at startup if the engine was cold, (prior to repair), even on days that were over 100° F.
An article written December 2015 entitled, “Engine Rattles After Cold Soak Startup“, includes Accords, Crosstours and CR-V’s. In the same letter, Honda states:
We’re currently working on a solution, but have no recommended dealer repair at this time.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. December 2015 (source)
As the biggest difference in vehicles listed between the two TSB’s is the addition of all 2WD 2014-2015 Crosstours, if you’re a Crosstour/Honda owner and have any idea as to why this is so, please post your thoughts below. It was noticeable that all Accords were removed from TSB 06-012.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your VTC actuator replacement, my eReport might help you out! It includes the latest TSB’s in a searchable, easy downloadable, (PDF), 81 page report for only $7.97. (No, it’s not 81 pages of heavy reading, I’ve just included the current TSB’s for your convenience).
TSB’s referenced:
- TSB 09-010 “Engine Rattles at Cold Start-Up” (v5 dated February 2017)
- TSB 06-012 “Engine Rattles at Cold Start-Up” (v2 dated February 2017)
- TSB 12-087 “Sticking Rings Resulting in High Engine Oil Consumption” (v7 dated January 2018)
Read my original post here.
Please join in on conversations/post comments below as this helps other Honda owners.
Here’s wishing you all the best in your endeavors to get your car repaired for low or no cost!