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.
I like everyone else in America today, am working hard to pay house payment and car payment. I had owned a 91 Honda which was a great car no real problems changed to ford and wasn't happy so I went back to old reliable. Reliable and great resale. I just did my 100,000 mile service and thought of trading due to rumors of transmission problems but talked myself out of it. I should have traded. Drove around to a couple of lots and couldn't get the deal I wanted as I drove the noise became louder by the end of my day I had to take it to the shop $3300.00 to fix. This is ridiculous - a honda at 109000 miles not worth $2000.00 dollars. The dealerships know of the problem and so they're not going to lose either. So now what are consumers stuck with but a payment and a repair bill. Honda knows of it and won't even help. I will never own another Honda.
My Accord is on it's third auto transmission. The first one went at 14,000 km and the next was at 60,000 km. Each time there was a rumbling sound like a bad bearing. I now have 100,000 kms and waiting for the next problem.
- Rod M.,
Penticton, BC, Canada
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I like everyone else in America today, am working hard to pay house payment and car payment. I had owned a 91 Honda which was a great car no real problems changed to ford and wasn't happy so I went back to old reliable. Reliable and great resale. I just did my 100,000 mile service and thought of trading due to rumors of transmission problems but talked myself out of it. I should have traded. Drove around to a couple of lots and couldn't get the deal I wanted as I drove the noise became louder by the end of my day I had to take it to the shop $3300.00 to fix. This is ridiculous - a honda at 109000 miles not worth $2000.00 dollars. The dealerships know of the problem and so they're not going to lose either. So now what are consumers stuck with but a payment and a repair bill. Honda knows of it and won't even help. I will never own another Honda.
- thatzalright, Birchwood, TN, US