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.
August 2013 - just stopped while driving; placed in park and started OK.
December 2013 - stopped on highway while driving - 60 mph in center lane - DANGEROUS - placed in park and started again. Took to mechanic who replaced ignition switch as old Hondas have been having this problem.
Two days later, just stopped while driving on highway, placed in park and tried to start, turned over but didn't start. Waited 1/2 hour - started again, drove about 10 miles, then stopped again. Called tow truck. Now it starts, but I'm afraid to go anywhere
Only ALMOST stalls when braking but goes back to functioning normally when brake is released... Very Intermittent but does only occur at the beginning of the driving day.
For over 2 years now, during the spring and summer months, when I slow down at a red light or stop sign the engine cuts out without warning.. not sputtering etc. The car always restarts but it's very dangerous. Sometimes it happens when I'm turning a corner. Only happens in the first few kms of a trip otherwise it's not happening that day. Very intermittent and impossible to duplicate for a mechanic. No one knows how to fix it including Honda.
- Barbara M.,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
August 2013 - just stopped while driving; placed in park and started OK.
December 2013 - stopped on highway while driving - 60 mph in center lane - DANGEROUS - placed in park and started again. Took to mechanic who replaced ignition switch as old Hondas have been having this problem.
Two days later, just stopped while driving on highway, placed in park and tried to start, turned over but didn't start. Waited 1/2 hour - started again, drove about 10 miles, then stopped again. Called tow truck. Now it starts, but I'm afraid to go anywhere
Note: feels like I ran out of gas when it stops.
- rethcaw97, Baltimore, MD, US