CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS). We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.
Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.
The SRS warning light likes to come on due to a defective seat belt sensor -- typically the driver's side. This sensor is covered under Honda's lifetime seat belt warranty, but some dealers charge a $100+ "diagnostic fee" or tell customers the entire SRS unit ($800) is bad.
My light went out on the dash board, for the D4 gear. Seems to still drive ok, just annoying. Took it in to have a fuse or bulb replaced and the whole thing is a big welded part behind the dashboard. Then, I find out from googling the problem I'm experiencing, that this may be the start of a full blown transmission problem! What a bunch of crap! I bought a Honda because I wanted a reliable car! I've had American cars & Toyota's and Never had this kind of problem with a car that's only got 86,000 miles on it! I'm calling this car the new "Crapda-Accord" !
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My light went out on the dash board, for the D4 gear. Seems to still drive ok, just annoying. Took it in to have a fuse or bulb replaced and the whole thing is a big welded part behind the dashboard. Then, I find out from googling the problem I'm experiencing, that this may be the start of a full blown transmission problem! What a bunch of crap! I bought a Honda because I wanted a reliable car! I've had American cars & Toyota's and Never had this kind of problem with a car that's only got 86,000 miles on it! I'm calling this car the new "Crapda-Accord" !
- Karen B., Waterford, WI, US