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 ($800) is bad.
I bought used '02 accord lx 2.3L v4 in 91xxx miles and the car shows transmission issue. I took it to the dealer and they say it could be a defect and the transmission needs to be replaced. The options they are giving is to resell the car or change the transmission. They don't seem to be help in fixing it. Got highly disappointed with HONDA and frustrated.. don't know what to do, they made me to spend on changing about 1000$ on changing timing belt and engine mount, they should have the transmission problem before doing the timing belt service. was cheated.. very bad
Honda reliability is not what it once was or was ever thought to be. One problem after another on this as original owner, well maintained car. The transmission downshifting and 1st gear starting out is extremely rough. Honda dealer not offering any hope of Goodwill settlement at this point 73,000 miles. I'm going to KIA !
Had the transmission rebulits at 92,000 miles in 2008. It now has 145,000 in July 2010 and needs done again. I used to be a real Honda fan and have owned 6 Honda's in the past. Not any more
This is unfortunate because my 02 Accord V6 does have transmission problem. The transmission itself hasn't failed yet, but it seems to shake hard during downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear. This has become very annoying whenever I try to pass another car as the automatic transmission basically downshifts for you when it senses more power needed to the wheels. I don't know how much longer this transmission will hold, and I hope I can squeeze more mileage out of it before it fails. It is ridiculous to pay $3000-$4000 to the dealer just to get this thingy fixed!!!
- buckletooth1997,
Seattle, WA, US
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The problem only shows after driving over 80 MPH for more than a half hour and then pulling off the freeway onto surface streets the engine will rev while shifting between first and second and then jerk into gear. Once the car is turned off and cools down, it will drive fine until it is driven at high speeds for over a half hour again.
Update from Nov 10, 2009: I notified Honda of America (800) 999-1009, who told me to bring the car in to one of their certified repair shops. The Honda repair shop communicated with Honda of America regarding my complaint and I think because the car was in such good condition, and low milage (64,000 miles) for being a 2002 they agreed to my request of paying for half of the repair, in the ballpark of just over $1,500. I am very happy with this result and will stick with the brand.
This was my first Honda experience on a 2002 Honda Accord. It has 136,000 miles and the transmission shakes as it downshifts into 1st gear approaching a stop. I contacted the Honda national customer service number and asked for a goodwill repair but got no satisfaction. This is my first and last experience with a Honda.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought used '02 accord lx 2.3L v4 in 91xxx miles and the car shows transmission issue. I took it to the dealer and they say it could be a defect and the transmission needs to be replaced. The options they are giving is to resell the car or change the transmission. They don't seem to be help in fixing it. Got highly disappointed with HONDA and frustrated.. don't know what to do, they made me to spend on changing about 1000$ on changing timing belt and engine mount, they should have the transmission problem before doing the timing belt service. was cheated.. very bad
- dosskali, Torrance, CA, US