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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,849 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Honda Accord miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2002 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #9

Mar 022015

Accord 4-cyl

  • 137,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was in the process of purchasing a 2002 Honda Accord which had 137,00 miles. When I got the carfax it had 222,00 miles. The odometer reading had bee changed. The name of the company is express motors co. Address 10326 antoine dr houston tx 77086. Tel 281 260 0999. Web [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #8

Nov 282014

Accord

  • 18,500 miles
I went to coggin Honda of orlando at 11051 South blossom trail 32837. I had an appointment I can't remember the exact date but it was around late November early December 2014. I reported a complaint and I haven't heard from them. I took my car and spent more than two hours waiting and no one helped me out. I'm still waiting for someone. I had to leave the dealer because I would ask for assistance and they would tell me I'll be there with you have a seat. I called twice they did say my complaint was their that someone will be in touch with me. I still haven't been able to take in my car for the recall. Please help. Thanks. B H

- Davenport, FL, USA

problem #7

Jun 162014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 108,201 miles
Car was headed West in the left lane of a four lane highway. A big SUV headed in the opposite direction was turning to the left. He didn't have time to go and stopped right in my lane. My car hit hers on the passenger side. When we crashed, both of my air bags exploded. I thought my car was on fire because smoke was coming from the bags. My right arm and hand swelled up so big and is still painful. I think there must be medal embedded in my arm. Blood was gushing from my arm and right knee. The inch gash in my right knee was on top of my total knee replacement. This had to be stitched up. I had contusions on my chest, arm and left knee. My ribs and sternum were bruised badly. My right ankle was fractured. My car was totaled. I was taken by ambulance to emergency and stayed until June 26, 2014. I was ordered to put no weight on my right leg and was transported by ambulance to a medical rehabilitation center. Before my release from there, I developed pneumonia and could not leave until July 14, 2014. I still have to have surgery on my left knee for torn meniscus. That surgery is scheduled for September 9, 2014. My back was fractured also; however, I have not scheduled that surgery as of yet.......updated 09-03-14 updated 11/26/2014

- Tucker, GA, USA

problem #6

Mar 012009

Accord

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car paint started peeling years ago... peeling and flaking off. If started with a crackly white surface and just festered and grew to the disgusting embarrassing mess that it is today. The top of the car near the back window and the top of the back trunk are the worst spots. I ignored the problem for many years (call me naive, but I've never experienced anything like it). There is obviously a defect and Honda needs to remedy the problem.

- Centerville, UT, USA

problem #5

Jul 142011

Accord

  • 71,000 miles
While driving up a hill, the car jerked a few times, then gave a hard knock or two. I stopped the car for about two minutes. When I tried to accelerate, the car dragged and could only move very slowly. I pulled into a nearby driveway and awaited the tow. My mechanic was able to back it into a parking spot, but that was the last movement the car made on its own. The car was then towed to the Honda dealer who said that the transmission needed to be replaced.

- Kenilworth, NJ, USA

problem #4

Jan 302011

Accord

  • 102,000 miles
At first instance, the car began to show sluggish conditions when shifting gears. As time went on, the 'slips' began to grow more and more dangerous to the point that the car could barely shift between gears at all and was a safety hazard for both driver and to anyone around me as I was vulnerable to be rear-ended by anyone too close behind (because the car could not accelerate) and to those ahead of me as the car tended to jerk forward. After a repair to the solenoid once before, the car's performance improved, however some sluggish conditions remain and the conditions only worsen as time goes on. At 102,000 miles, the car's 2nd' transmission appears to need to be replaced to function properly. This is a known issue for Honda Accord as reported on several websites and known and acknowledged by independent mechanics across the country. It is irresponsible and reprehensible for Honda to not take responsibility for this and be held accountable. At this current time Honda refuses to take such action and will only offer minor reduction in repair costs that hardly seems fair to the thousand's of owners affected by this. Please keep record of this and offer whatever assistance you can provide. Source: www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/2002/transmission/hesitates_and_shifts_very_hard.shtml others maybe provided upon request.

- Warrington, PA, USA

problem #3

Aug 312003

Accord 2-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I tried contacting Honda to see whether it is normal to get electric shocks from the car. Every time I close my door to my car I get shock. I even seen electric wave. However, Honda indicated that it must be the way I am walking, but everyone who comes in and out of my car gets shock and its only happens in the dry winter time. When I step on my pedal the car stalls which causes me to step on the pedal harder. My engine just turns off while I step on the brakes. I have spoken to a mechanic who indicates that is normal for Honda Accord 2002. I contacted service, but they indicated that it is my responsibility and it is not the manufactures problem. I just wanted to report this information.

- Stanton, CA, USA

problem #2

May 292002

Accord

  • miles
I am very disappointed with my very first new car purchase. I thought Honda was supposed to be a number one car for safety and was supposed to be long lasting. I have had mine in the shop 6-7 times in the last 6 -7 months and it is due to go into the shop again because they still have not fixed the window buttons correctly. I have had the car not start 3 times and have brought it into the dealer to have them tell me that nothing is wrong. I have been without a car for several days while they have it hooked up to some computer and have had no rental cars available to me. I am very frustrated and very affraid to go out to my car and have it not start on a day that I really need it. I want these pronblems fixed and am bringing it to another dealer to see if they can help me with it.

- Melville, NY, USA

problem #1

Jan 022002

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission had to be replaced due to engine light continuously coming on, and staying on. Contacted dealer, and the dealer replaced transmission, but problem still occurs.

- Santa Barbara, CA, USA

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