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.
As I was driving the radio cut out for a couple seconds. Next time radio went out, I noticed that the speedometer and RPM gauges would also drop to zero quick and then back. The next time (driving home from work) the power loss flashes continued, and I noticed a pattern that it would happen after each acceleration. The car would gain speed as normal when accelerating, but as soon as I let off the pedal, there would be a power loss flash. It would only last a couple seconds, but I need to find a mechanic to fix before I am stranded on the road somewhere!
Has anyone else had this problem with their Accord - any advice on how to fix this issue?
The guages (all) drop, radio & headlights go off (for about 30 seconds), airbag light comes on, and maintenance light comes on. I have taken it to the dealership and another place and no one can find any issues with it. However, my concerns is while I am driving with my children on back road, what happens, if the headlights do not come back on, or being stranded on the side of the road. I realize the car is not new and does now have 155,000 miles, but it is a Honda. This is my 3rd Honda and have never had a complaint with any of them. I just do not know what to do. Well, do I keep it or get rid of it. Or is it just me?
My car will shut off, even when driving, then suddenly come back on again. At times that are random. It did it first 4 months ago, had it repaired(ignition wiring harness) now it's doing it again & they can't find anything wrong with the stupid thing. It will stall the engine sometimes & you have to restart it.
- motonurse,
Surprise, AZ, US
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As I was driving the radio cut out for a couple seconds. Next time radio went out, I noticed that the speedometer and RPM gauges would also drop to zero quick and then back. The next time (driving home from work) the power loss flashes continued, and I noticed a pattern that it would happen after each acceleration. The car would gain speed as normal when accelerating, but as soon as I let off the pedal, there would be a power loss flash. It would only last a couple seconds, but I need to find a mechanic to fix before I am stranded on the road somewhere!
Has anyone else had this problem with their Accord - any advice on how to fix this issue?
- klori, Madison, WI, US