Honda Accord: VCM V6 cylinder deactivation vibration and premature engine mount failure

The CP-generation Accord with the 3.5L V6 and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) deactivates three cylinders at cruise load, creating a resonant vibration transmitted to the cabin through engine mounts. The constant 3-cylinder firing cycle causes premature engine mount failure. Honda issued TSB 10-043 and updated engine mount kits. Fitting a VCM disabler eliminates the root cause. Widespread documented failure across 8th gen V6 owners worldwide.

• Vibration through steering wheel and floor at cruise speed 60-110 km/h
• Vibration most pronounced when engine switches to 3-cylinder mode
• Engine mounts visibly cracked or collapsed on inspection
• Shaking at light throttle highway cruise that reduces under acceleration

1. 1

   Inspect all engine and transmission mounts for cracking and collapse.

2. 2

   Test drive at highway cruise speed for vibration.

3. 3

   Ask if a VCM disabler has been fitted.

4. 4

   Check for updated Honda mount part numbers.

$600 to $1,400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has a VCM disabler been fitted to prevent cylinder deactivation?”
• “Have the engine mounts been replaced, and with what parts?”
• “Any vibration at highway speeds particularly when cruising lightly?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.