Floorboard/vibration shake at 22mph and 72mph. Brake pulsation - dealer turned rotors, replaced rotors, and still have brake pulsation. We have had numerous problems with our Honda crosstour - normal acceleration at 22mph gas pedal, brake, floorboards shake. When cruising at 72mph or going down slight decline entire car shakes. Brakes were pulsating at 4896 miles, 10k miles, 18k…
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour powertrain problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Accord Crosstour exhibits a pattern of serious powertrain failures across multiple systems. The most widespread complaint centers on excessive oil consumption caused by oil entering the combustion chamber—a design defect Honda addressed in Service Bulletin #11-033 following a 2014 class action settlement. Owners report topping off oil between services, repeated misfire codes (particularly P3400), spark plug degradation, and one case of complete engine shutdown while driving. Software updates have proven ineffective.
A second major issue is severe vibration and shudder, particularly at 22 mph during acceleration and 72 mph cruising, worsening on declines. One owner documented repairs spanning from 4,896 miles through 20,000+ miles including multiple rotor replacements, front axle replacements (twice), torque converter replacement, computer swap, and tire rebalancing—none resolving the issue. Cylinder 5 valve tolerance problems causing misfires were identified by a Honda national representative but not corrected.
Front drive axles are failing and causing vibration at 30–65 mph, but replacement parts remain on indefinite national backorder. Owners cannot obtain repairs without parts and face estimates exceeding $1,000 once availability improves. Brake pulsation, transmission shuddering, whining noises from the drivetrain, and unexplained oil pressure warning lights round out complaints. Multiple owners express concern about loss of vehicle control.
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption with Internal Leakage
Oil enters the combustion chamber due to a systematic design defect in the cylinder head or piston ring area, causing premature spark plug fouling, misfires, and engine malfunction. This is a known issue addressed in Honda Service Bulletin #11-033 related to a 2014 class action settlement.
When: Typically noticed between 5,000–8,000 miles; can occur throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly between service intervals; Recurring engine misfire codes (P3400 reported); Engine knock or pinging on acceleration; Check Engine Light illuminating; Oil leaking into combustion chamber; Spark plug degradation
Codes mentioned: P3400
Repairs/costs cited: Software update attempted but ineffective; some owners report out-of-pocket repair costs exceeding $1,200 for damage to pistons and related engine components; catalytic converter replacement and spark plug replacement needed due to combustion chamber oil contamination
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Class Action Settlement March 2014 (Service Bulletin #11-033); software updates offered but do not resolve the underlying design defect; some dealers attempted 'good-will' fixes but denied warranty coverage for used-car buyers; no full engine replacement recall issued
Vibration and Shudder at 22 MPH and 72 MPH
Severe vibration and shudder felt throughout the vehicle during acceleration at 22 mph and cruising at 72 mph, particularly on declines. Multiple repair attempts including drive shaft, front axle, and torque converter replacements have failed to resolve the issue. One technician noted tight valve tolerances in cylinder 5 causing misfires.
When: Present from early ownership (noted at 4,896 miles through 20,000+ miles and beyond)
Symptoms owners cite: Floorboard shake during normal acceleration at 22 mph; Severe vibration at 72 mph cruising speed; Worse vibration when descending inclines; Shudder during acceleration; Engine vibration worse at highway speeds after multiple repairs
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 5 valve tolerance issue (tight valves causing misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Extensive dealer repairs since July 2011 including: rotor turning and replacement multiple times, tire/wheel road force balance (repeated), front axle replacement (twice), torque converter replacement, computer swap, VCM shutdown, tire/rim swap; parts remained on backorder; National Honda rep checked valve tolerances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB issued (October 29, 2011) for drive shaft assembly replacement; Honda Regional and National representatives visited dealership but issue remains unresolved after multiple corrective actions; no permanent fix available
Brake Pulsation
Pulsating brake feel reported from early mileage through 20,000+ miles despite multiple rotor service attempts. Unresolved after numerous dealer interventions.
When: First reported at 4,896 miles, recurring at 10k, 18k, 20k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pulsation felt during braking; Brake pedal pulsing sensation
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor turning, rotor replacement, additional rotor replacement at 18k miles; issue persists unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective manufacturer response; TSB issued for drive shaft but does not address brake issue
Transmission Shudder and Downshift Clunk
Vehicle shudders during acceleration between 20–25 mph; at higher mileage (100k+), transmission produces a thump or clunk noise when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear during deceleration in city driving. Some owners report torque converter failure concerns.
When: Shudder reported at 77k+ miles; downshift clunk at approximately 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder during acceleration at 20–25 mph; Thump or clunk noise during downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear; Sluggish gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Front axle replacement did not resolve shudder; owners report torque converter replacement attempted; repair costs for transmission-related work exceed $1,000 when parts available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda reportedly acknowledges drive axle defects but parts on indefinite backorder; no transmission-specific TSB or recall noted
Drive Axle Defect (Vibration and Shaking)
Front drive axles fail, causing vehicle vibration and shaking during acceleration and at controlled speeds (30–65 mph). Multiple axle replacements have been performed, yet vibration persists. Parts remain on indefinite backorder, preventing timely repairs.
When: Ongoing for over one year; parts unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and shaking during acceleration; Vibration while turning; Vibration at 30–65 mph controlled speeds; Concerns about loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Front axle replacement performed multiple times (twice in one case) with no improvement; parts on indefinite national backorder; repair cost estimate exceeds $1,000 when parts become available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda aware of drive axle issue; dealers state need for replacement but unable to perform due to parts unavailability
Engine Shutdown During Driving
Vehicle completely shuts down or loses power while driving at speed, creating a serious safety hazard. Attributed to oil leakage into combustion chamber by owner.
When: Occurred weeks prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power at speed
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No Honda response documented in narrative
Whining Noise from Transmission or Rear Axle
Persistent whining or gear noise heard at 50–55 mph that appears to originate from transmission or rear axle. Noise present since the vehicle was new and is getting worse over time.
When: Present since new; worsening with mileage (7,000 miles at time of complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise at 50–55 mph; Gear noise sound from transmission or rear axle; Noise worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Intermittent Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red oil pressure light illuminates intermittently while driving, particularly on inclines and highway conditions. Honda unable to identify a diagnostic code for the issue.
When: Occurred 12 times within 24 hours; ongoing intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Red oil pressure light triggering intermittently; Occurs during both highway and city driving; Worse during uphill motion
Repairs/costs cited: Honda unable to identify cause; no repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealership unable to diagnose; customer sent away without resolution
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Vehicle shaking and vibrating while acclerating, turning and driving at controlled speed. 30-65mph. Honda dealer states "source to be a bad axel " (sic). Also states parts supply problem with "national back order, no eta." this seems to be a serious safety issue with the vehicle and a recall is needed given the potential for loss of control. Please see attached invoice.
Red oil pressure lights triggering intermittently while in motion on both highway and city. Esp uphill motion. Honda not able to id a "code" for cause in system sent me on my way. Has happened 12 times since then in 24h. 2010 accord crosstour 4wd
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 96,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 96,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Honda/Accord Crosstour.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.