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.
After experiencing, researching, and reading about Honda producing a less than par transmission for the 2002 Honda Accord EX V6, there are obvious problems with the particular model. It seems as though Honda is well aware of the problem & is grossly negligent in rectifying the issue with the transmission. I contacted Honda and they were not willing to help AT ALL! This will be the last Honda I ever purchase as I am very disappointed in Honda! I will also inform everyone I know what a poor quality car Honda produces and there lack of customer service with not resolving problems that are clearly their fault! Another issue is the side airbag light which has been on for years & Honda will not take care of the issue!
When going from a stop sign or red light, the shifting from 1st to 2nd is hard, if you press it just pulls the vehicle back a bit. Beyond 2nd gear it is smooth on the higher gear no problem. When going from 1st to second you could hear it shift hard and pull the car back.
A mechanic owned 2002 Honda Accord Coupe had a transmission failure at under 75,000 miles! The transmission has been back flushed every 25K with synthetic fluid added. Several hundred dollars per change to supposedly AVOID failure...Eratic shifting and torque converter failure. Extremely common of these cars. POOR DESIGN! FIRST AND LAST HONDA!
I was just taken back by this problem due to the good reputation that the honda accord has. Luckily i had purchased the extended warranty when i purchased the car or i would have been sh*t out of luck. i would have taken it back were i bought it and gave the keys back and left it there. thank God for that warranty. shame on honda.
I purchased 2002 Honda Accord, Manual transmission, for my high school daughter. The clutch went out, then it would not go into fifth gear-I was told to replace transmission completely but found a transmission shop who just fixed that gear, it was $800; several months later it would not go into reverse, that was another $800. So with clutch and all that repair, I am fearful what will go out next. And also while driving to get transmission repaired the clutch went out and there was some leak in the slave cylinder. Now I am scared of my daughter driving it at night in case something else goes out. Is there a way to get paid back by Honda as it seems to be a very prevalent problem ? Thanks.
- Jerryl Lynn R.,
Arcata, CA, US
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The transmission on our 2002 Accord had been slipping for a while when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. It now slips dramatically between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.
It seems, after doing some research on the net, that this is a VERY COMMON problem for this model year.
We're EXTREMELY disappointed in the situation and the fact that Honda seems to be aware of the problem but not taking any responsibility for rectifying the issue. Our estimate to replace the transmission is $3,500 - that seems like just enough money to place a down payment on a vehicle that is something other than a Honda.
It seems Honda has taken to emulating the US auto manufacturers' practice of genuflecting at the altar of planned obsolescence. Is anyone aware of any vehicles being produced in Madagascar or Antarctica?
I was not told of possible transmission issues when I purchased the car in September of 2002. I think the 5 yrs OR 100,000 mile coverage should cover this problem even if I'm just now at 93,000 miles. I am HIGHLY disappointing in buying a Honda. I had better luck with buying GM vehicles and them lasting. At this point, I would not be likely to buy another new HONDA.
I have been with the Honda group of cars for a long time. I am having a hard time shifting my gears..It is an automatic and I have to put another key on the shifter to make sure I can move the gear shift. I don't have the money to get this thing fixed. Just a couple of months ago I had to have both of my window (passenger and driver) fixed. They would not roll up. I am complaining because Honda was supposed to be the good cars. I have had 5 Honda's my whole life. Now with all of these problems I am having, I am rethinking on which car I should get next.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After experiencing, researching, and reading about Honda producing a less than par transmission for the 2002 Honda Accord EX V6, there are obvious problems with the particular model. It seems as though Honda is well aware of the problem & is grossly negligent in rectifying the issue with the transmission. I contacted Honda and they were not willing to help AT ALL! This will be the last Honda I ever purchase as I am very disappointed in Honda! I will also inform everyone I know what a poor quality car Honda produces and there lack of customer service with not resolving problems that are clearly their fault! Another issue is the side airbag light which has been on for years & Honda will not take care of the issue!
- J C., Garner, NC, US