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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,000
Average Mileage:
131,900 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace transmission (4 reports)
2002 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #9

Sep 092017

Accord Coupe 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,560 miles

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

I have 2 Honda Accord coupes I bought them used. They seem to be ok for a little while and now both of them are having transmission issues. I am in dire need of help getting these vehicles repaired. I love these cars but if Honda cannot help me get these issues resolved I am going to tell everyone I know that these are the worst vehicles to ever buy. And stay away from them no matter how good they may seem. They will not last. All Social Media will know Facebook Instagram Twitter, I will get the word to the public. Thanks.

- Tommyparker10032@gmail.co C., New Bern, NC, US

problem #8

Jul 012016

Accord 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

This began one morning as I drove to work and my D4 light began to flash and other lights began to come on. I took this to my local dealership who stated the transmission needed to be replaced with a cost of $7000 to fix the problem. I paid $3500 for a car that was already broke per say. Now they want twice what I paid to fix the problem that is insane. I had no idea other people were having the same problem I was having. For Honda not to RECALL this due to their piece of $hit transmission is mind boggling. First and Last Honda I will ever buy, should've just bought a Chevy never had a problem with those.

- Christopher B., Lakewood, CO, US

problem #7

Dec 232015

Accord EXL 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

I have an issue with Honda Accord (Automatic) 2002, 3.0L V6. During changing shift it is slipping from 1st to 2nd gear and blinking a D4 light causing too much pain to drive it the RPM are not going above 40m/hr taking too much gas. The Mechanic found out a Code for P0700 (Check Engine Light on ) TCM Traction Control Module and the Other is P0753 which is Solenoid Assembly "A". The parts are so expensive and the labor is double of the part which I cant effort it I am already broke when I bought this car. I don't know even the parts is change will my car work fine with issue in Transmission. Or is there any Recall for this issue.

Looking for your advice.

Another issue with Idle air control valve my idle is so high which also need to be repair.

I am so depressed and having a great stress to spend money on that vehicle. Looking for the help.

Thanks

- khal, Clarksville, TN, US

problem #6

Sep 022014

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

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

I bought my Honda brand new and took great care of it, only driver and I am female. I have only had Honda service it for oil changes etc. and I have been on time with my servicing and now even though the engine purrs like a new car my transmission is shot and I cannot afford to buy a new car!!!

- east-steer, Wellington, FLA, US

problem #5

Feb 012014

Accord Special Edition 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,358 miles

A cold day start and run then D4 light tuned on (blinking!) I turned off the engine and then started again, it went off but transmission shifting was not good again after that day.

- kianztg, Wichita, KS, US

problem #4

Oct 052012

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

Always loyal to Honda, but now I'm stuck paying for a new transmission at 107,000 miles. Honda dealer and other mechanics said they have seen this model/year come back with the same problem and having to replace transmission.

- Rosa C., California, CA, US

problem #3

Feb 102013

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

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

Hondas are supposed to be one of the most reliable cars there are. This car has been maintained exactly according to what they have listed, hasn't been driven hard, garage kept most of the time. Now the transmission is shot. Honda should recall these cars.

- Deborah W., Williamson, WV, US

problem #2

Nov 032011

Accord EX 3.0L Vtec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

The D4 & D3 lights of the car start blinking while im driving and the car rev's high and jerks hard while shifting into gear, ive noticed that im not the only one who has been having this problem with this specific make and model and had i known i would have never purchased it. I was told that a honda would be my best option when looking for a reliable vehicle and as of right now i am highly disappointed with this product. its hard for me to go and get the vesicle examined by honda becaus ethey charge an arm and a leg for any work needing to be done and im a college student who can afford to be paying so much to get it put on a machine then to find out its hundreds even thousands to fix

- jonnycashh, Huntsville, AL, US

problem #1

Apr 022012

Accord SE 3.2L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,005 miles

The light going off while driving is nerve recking, because you don't know what or why it is going off. Had to pull out the owner manual to find out what was going on. Hond is not number one in my book anymore. Will have to find a better car.

- srhone, Phoenix, AZ, US

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