I really don't even know where to start with this car from hell. I bought the car at the Honda dealership around 03/09 and the car had 66,530 miles. The car was in good shape, had no accidents and inspection showed no sign of any major problems with the vehicle. The test drive went well and a couple of weeks went by with no signs of any problems. Then, a couple of months later, I started feeling the car being a bit sluggish. Hitting the gas pedal felt rough-like it was having trouble accelerating. My brain immediately went to the thought that this car was having transmission problems. I went to a Honda service center and they explained that they found nothing wrong. So, I just went on driving the car thinking I was just overly apprehensive after making a major purchase.

On and off, this car seemed sluggish,but, year after year, no problem was discovered and I was hoping it was just me. Recently, I was driving and out of the blue my car's D4 light started blinking and I knew this wasn't good at all. My car needed to be inspected anyway,so I took it to the Honda dealer. They explained to me that I had transmission failure and I would need to pay around $5,000 to pass the inspection. I couldn't believe that a Honda with 99,282 miles that was serviced would have transmission failure. I don't have that kind of money to throw around at a car that is not worth the price to fix the problem.

I went online and could not believe the amount of 2002 Honda Accords that had transmission problems around this mileage. It seemed that every 30,000 miles a new transmission problem would show up in these cars. I called Honda corporate which was a waste of my time. All the lady said was "Sorry, we can't help you." The amount of complaints I have heard about this vehicle and the fact Honda hasn't done anything about it is a DISGRACE. It is obvious that they don't care for their customers with their faulty transmissions and the lack of quality in the products Honda puts in their vehicles.

I actually enjoyed this vehicle when I first bought it and loved driving it around for the first couple years. I was thinking about trading up. Then, I found out about all the major problems with Honda's transmissions. Honda was a quality name for vehicles, which was the reason I bought the 2002 Accord and steered my friend into buying the same model. I am deeply offended and embarrassed that I referred my friend to this vehicle. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!! TOTAL NIGHTMARE!! HONDA has lost a valued customer to TOYOTA

I HAVE WROTE TO HONDA BY EMAILING TO THEIR TWITTER ACCOUNT, REGULAR Mail, FAXED, And on Phone no one can be reached ( someone just took my information to call back and never did) ...THIS WAS SPECIFIED AS EXTREMELY URGENT AS LIFE AND DEATH and HONDA IT Completely had ignored it. I am re-posting it publicly!

Honda Automobile Customer Service 1919 Torrance Boulevard Mail stop: 500- 2N-7D Torrance, CA 90501-2746 Phone: 1-800-999-1009 Fax: (310) 783-3023

RE: YOUR URGENT RESPONSE AND AN ACTION NEEDED

1. Request for an immediately recall for Honda Accord LX 2002 models as having dangerous transmission problems and overall the car’s safety or quality numerous concerns.

2. To Fix the problems and refund caused damages due to it, Refund paid purchase cost including damages, Replace to a new car with included paid and damages occurred

To whom it may concern,

This letter is both to inform you about Honda Accord LX 2002 transmission problems that require immediately recall action and a request to correct problems that caused damages, mental distress, or shattered core existence; lost of everything.

After five months not having my car due to the transmission final failure I am facing core survival and unable to obtain a job, lost a commission paid job, lost scholarship & tuition , messed –up the grades, this semester about to face homelessness and not be able to continue my studies, the interviews are missed; the unemployment appeal is missed; medical appeal is missed, arbitration is missed, I have lost everything and suffering medically but even can’t reach or communicate properly with authorities because loss of transportation ; I can’t walk to my mail box to pick –up mail timely ( it depends if someone takes me there). I Can‘t get even the housing assistant due to not having transportation and insufficient income (0-income). So, I need a car immediately to live in and to find a job. I am trying to survive but I am spinning my wheels nowhere and it could be a wrongful death claim; I do not have any straight left to go further. I will spell out all damages in the damages column later; but you got a picture- I have lost everything!

I was provided with all different estimated prices to fix the transmission alone from $2500 to $5000. One of the honest mechanic said “Girl, Honda has transmission problems for a long time. I will not take responsibility on me to fix it because even a new transmissions having the same problems after couple months of replacement. I heard that Honda had recall for that problem so do your research and contact Honda”. My research (Aug- Sept.2012) had shown only recall for 2005 -2010.

According to New York Times still Honda transmission problems to persist. I started to do the research again and what I have found just left me speechless, lost of hope, and fear for my future. The hottest topic of December 2012 complaints were about Honda Accord LX + of 2002 on carcomplaints.com. I have learned that Honda has transmission problems since 1998, but recall was done for 2005-2010 models. Accords’ owners demanding recall for the transmission problems from previous years as well as including my model and year that seems to be the major problem forgotten or ignored before something serious will happen . December 27: The Top Problem Trends for 2012 on carcomplains.com about 2002 Honda Accord transmission slipping and jerking or causing car to dangerously lurch forward , stalling to start and so on. I did experience all these problems mentioned above and in the consumers’ comments; plus more.

The injury is an injury it is doesn’t matter or it caused directly the physical accident because of the car defects or problems that had resulted from these defects. In my case I have lost my core existence from the resulted problems of these defects and facing a core survival.

I bought my car on November 13 of 2010 from BRENTWOOD AUTO SALES (used cars) Raleigh, NC. Odometer reading was 113054 miles. The problem of slipping and jerking and skipping the second gear was slightly observed at that time. But I have been told that this is only my imagination (friendly remark) and that with Honda’s reputation I can drive 300K miles +++ at least.

Within two days I brought it back because jerking worsens. One of the mechanics told me that he can’t find any problem and recommended to use more expensive gas for a while in order to clean the transmission and later on to change transmission fluids; and that this is normal with the older cars. I did follow his recommendations, but problem only worsen with the time passing by.

At the same time, the mechanic recommended, if I am so sensitive and afraid of car not working properly, then I should change a filter inside the transmission but this will cost somewhere about 1500. I said, I just bought a car two days ago if I need to spend this money on it right away I wanted to return her. But again, I was told, that this is just my preference and that car has a reputation to drive for many more years to 300K miles +++. I was convinced and I felt embarrassed so I took they word for it. But problems just kept popping and popping and worsen until my car finally completely stopped in August of 2012 at miles rate of 130 K miles + Since, the car is not drivable and I do not have any survival income - both insurance and plate has expired; plus punishment fees on top on it. Plus credit damaged resulting from this.

Today, as I am learning the truth, I do not think that the original owner of this car or the dealer was not familiar with the problem that results in leaving me today without a car or any income and personal loan of five (5) thousands for this car still unpaid. I paid for this car 7 K+++ in cash (borrowed 5 K); I really feared for my safety when I have been driving this car and as of today I am afraid for my survival because of outcomes resulted from it.

Problems

As I said in the previous paragraphs above, I got my car with jerks when sh*ts to a second gear (actually second gear not works at all). I did follow all recommendations: change transmission fluids, drove with an expensive gas, change oil regularly and done unnecessary repairs including tires change a few times. However, my car had ignored all my efforts by constantly slipping and jerking, transmission leaks, stalling, change tires a few times, change O2 census – but still light ‘check engine remains”, change battery, checked fluid level and change oil regularly. But, my car still not happy: started smell, stalling worse, it hard to start (key will not move sometimes), it hesitates and don’t want to move…and suddenly she got so upset so she just jumped…Ok, refusing to serve me… But, she said I can’t and she finally gives-up… Now is my turn. But, I am not giving up and I am trying to help her so we can be reunited again or replaced. Maybe the story told in this manner will put a smile on your face and moves your heart.

Orderly problems occurred as it bulleted down: • Got it with slipping and jerking gear. Within two days returned, but I was advised that there are no urgent problems and that only my imagination. • Key time from time do not starts or hard to remove. • Problem with a back window to close when opened it. The dealer closed it and recommended not to open it anymore. • Wheel bearings going out and car drags that cause to replace a few times tires and the brakes pads. • Ball joint it was thought in the beginning, but then a transmission OR both. • Change sensors but still ‘check engine light remains’ – it shows P1166 and P1167 an Air /Fuel Ratio sensor – are generally wide band O2 sensor that could be anything. Smells. • It could be this problem with sensor & check engine light as according to the Japanese automaker “Honda said the sensor wire could break and cause the air bag warning light to be illuminated and prevent the sensor from working properly. When the sensor fails, the air bag system automatically moves to full inflation pressure, which could increase the risk of injury for smaller drivers in a frontal crash”. • Finally transmission gone and my car now taking a long rest in someone’s parking lot. I believe it is also a gear breakage! • PLUS, I received letter from you about an airbag safety recall. Your letter was dated November 2012 and I picked it during winter holidays. This letter made me feel worse and totally disappointed in Hondas. It was my first Honda and hopefully the last. • PLUS RESEARCH DEMONSTRATED THAT HONDA CONSISTENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS AND THAT HAVE RESULTED IN CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BY EXTENDING WARRANTY ON MY CAR’S MODULE TO 100K Miles +OR SEVEN YEARS WHAREWER IS FIRST. BUT, IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH 113K MILES. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE SELLER OR DEALER DO NOT KNEW ABOUT IT! It is NOT my Imagination, but the seller’s deception and Honda’s poor quality.

Remedies

Here is my call for SOS to prevent a wrongful death and damages for my core existence. And, it is Honda’s straight responsibility to replace this old car into a new car. Research has revealed that a new transmission of this model still have the same problems and going bad fast. So, based on both my experience and research, I asking American Honda to replace an old car to a completely new car with all expenses covered. Plus, to compensate all damages resulting from it. Also, if it possible could I choose Toyota …I am afraid of Honda. Just Please do Not start saying that the car is more than ten years old (as in some cases of research was mentioned ), because you just sent a letter recalling Air Bag problem.

Please just not tell me that you or dealer not knew about the problem and ethically sold it to me. According to New York Times, here is exactly what has been told “Honda told the safety administration that the problem was that certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the counter shaft and secondary shaft second gears! That could lead to” gear tooth chipping or; in very rare cases, gear breakage”. “It is possible, the automaker said, the transmission could lock up, increasing the change of a crash”. I did experience all of it and even the rare case “gear breakage” –was sold with it.

My car was jerking, stalling, and then jumping …but luckily no one was hurt. But, I am being cut –off from all survival means with unbearable damages to recover. I will present the list of all damages occurred later. Here is my call for SOS to prevent a wrongful death so I can look for a job and have a place to stay, and to seek medical care immediacy. Combination of all unfair circumstances could lead to sudden wrongful death and without a car I am afraid that I will not survive.

Thanks for your proper and immediate response to this matter, Wanda Hudson __________________

Jan/28/2013

IT WAS SUBMITTED AS URGENT BUT I DID NOT HEART A WORD BACK FROM HONDA! DRAGGING THEIR TAIL! ....USELESS PRODUCT! USELESS COMPANY! USELESS CUSTOMER SERVICE! USELESS LEADERSHIP! NO RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL!!! DO YOU STILL HAVE A GOOD OPINION ABOUT HONDA AND THEIR CARS? BETTER WAKE- UP!

On way home on long road trip, the Transmission started slipping when shifting from 2nd to 3rd, eventually was not able to engage 3rd at all until warmed up. Fluid level was fine, transmission service at dealer had been performed 4 months prior.

Quote from dealer was $3800 for rebuilt transmission installed.

Called Honda of America to see if any warranty / customer loyalty assistance was available, (car had under 50k miles, 3rd accord owned by me, 5th in immediate family).

They covered $1500 of the cost, leaving me with the other $2300 of the bill.

Considering the car was 9 years old, and that Honda had no legal responsibility, I felt pretty good about the support given. I'm quite sure if the car were 5 yrs or newer, they would have covered the full cost.

Net: Honda customer support is good but Honda automatic transmissions are not.

My mother gave me her Honda 2002. She's in her late 70s maybe even early 80s by now. Well When she gave me her Honda I was in tears!! I'm a single parent with a 5 year old son. The car had ONLY 53,050 miles on it. I was so grateful to have such a "reliable", car. I have not even had the car for 1 year. Next thing I know, its jumping at the stop sign, then I give it gas and it feels like I'm floating and not going anywhere. I check the tranny fluid its low so I buy the proper Honda Fluid, put some in ( not too much never) Next thing you know I'm driving my son to school and the check engine light comes on and the D4 is flashing. Thank you very much Honda. I need to replace the transmission. I'm soooo bummed I have not even told my Mother or my Brother who has the same make,model, and has over 1000,000 on his Honda. I'm in tears, and feel really bad. Thanks for listing, I mean reading. xoxoo

MY DAUGHTER WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER HONDA ...

We are going through hell with my daughter's 2002 Honda Accord. My daughter is going to fix the transmission in her piece of junk 2002 Honda Accord, and trade it in for a TOYOTA! She bought the car with only 40,000 miles, and was not aware of the widespread transmission problems with 2002 Honda Accords. She's a poor, struggling single mom who works at a hospital, and needs her car to get back and forth to her son's daycare, and to work. She does not have the money to fix this heap of junk, so we have to help her out at great personal sacrifice. A friend who is a mechanic is going to fix if for her, then she's going to trade it in. We estimate the cost will be about $2,000, and that's with a used transmission installed by a friend.

We want to spread the word far and wide to all U.S. consumers: STAY AWAY FROM 2002 HONDA ACCORDS, and, I'd be leery about investing in any Honda after our experience. The cutthroat dealer here in Denver told her that her warranty had expired, and he couldn't help her. They sold her a lemon knowing she was going to have problems! I hope other consumers heed our warnings, and stay away from Hondas. My husband and I have a 2003 Toyota Highlander, and, knock on wood, we've never had trouble with that car. How is it possible that my daughter has only had her car for two years and it needs such an expensive repair job? I can only conclude that Hondas are riding on the tails of Toyota's good reputation.

My car had been stalling and jerking a bit when I stepped on the gas, brought it to a few different mechanics, they said it was this and that, not the transmission. I read in the honda book that you are suppose to have your transmission flushed every 6 years or 110k miles. Well I did that, apparently it didn't help anything. When I brought it to AAMCO they said my transmission was shot, that when it shifs into 2nd and 3rd those gears were shot, there was so much damage I had to replace my transmission. The metal fragments were going through my whole transmission and the gears were black.

I had my 2002 Honda Accord brought in for transmission problems. Per Honda dealer "its safe to drive, drive it until it fails monitor and recontact if needed" As soon as I took the car back and got on the highway with children in the car, the cars transmission failed. Per Honda "my car was safe". I then had another opinion from a mechanic that is trusted in my area. As soon as he took my car around the block he came back and said I need a new transmission. I had bought Honda because they are supposed to be reliable cars and would last me a long time. I would like Honda to take care of this bill as there has been numerous problems with the transmissions in these cars.

I purchased this vehicle in 2007 from a local dealer who stated they had fixed the transmission, when the car was delivered to me I actually picked it up from the shop so I thought I did my due diligence with known the transmission issues. However, last month I noticed the transmission started leaking significant amounts of fluid, and shortly after it started having problems. When i go from a stop, it hesitates and does not want to move. The engine rev's up, but the car stands still. I am terrified of crossing into traffic, or making any turns as im afraid the car will not move and I will be hit. I do not have the money to replace the transmission. I have purchased 4 Honda's and this will be my last. The newer they are, the less dependable they have become. Poor quality for mass production.

this is a crummy car and Honda is a crummy company. This was my 3rd ACCORD. after checking into things, realized that the 02 V6 has numerous transmission problems, which were confirmed when I called Honda. However, they said "tough luck" (in nicer words) since it was out of warranty. So at around 75000 miles, had to put in a rebuilt transmission, 12k 12 month warranty, which of course failed at 20,000miles more. So by 96,000 miles, had been through 2 transmissions and didn't have the money or energy to fix again so car has been sitting for 2 years in driveway. Absolutely astounded that Honda did no recalls or at least will pay for parts. They know this is a faulty model. I understand if there are just a few problems being reported, but there are numerous. This is a safety issue. I'm afraid to fix transmission again and give car to my 16 year old, because he won't know what to do if transmission starts to hinder the car's driving. Honda will never sell me another car and I've told everyone how they were unwilling to do anything. It's really sad. My newest car is a Buick Lacrosse with a great factory warranty. They cover their transmission for 100,000 miles. BUY AMERICAN.

I am updating what I said last week when my transmission went out and I had car at dealer to be repaired on 1/12/12.

Well, I was surprised that I did get the car back the very next day. I hope what I am writing here posts again, bc I was not sure how to update what happened. The service adviser called on friday and said that the car was ready. He said Honda was going to help with the costs. I paid 1815 instead of over 3,000. I have to follow-up again on some details though. I signed something to pick up my car and asked for a copy, but the copy I got was just the normal printout of what was done. Transmission and torque converter and something about cleaning out or washing out..don't remember the exact wording there....the "transmission lines? coils? I would have to look at the copy to see what it said on it. I have to verify that was all I signed for bc it was only a few lines in writing. I signed and just asked to have a copy of what I signed to read later. Also there was nothing written about the 3 year warranty the rebuilt transmission would have. I called today and service advisor said it was "in their computer."

So I have to follow-up on a couple things here. Have to be sure I got a copy of whatever I signed to get car out. Also have to see about getting in writing there is a warranty. It helps me a lot, but to be honest I will be still badly hurt financially to have to pick up the 1815.

I was very happy to get the car the next day instead of bumming rides from Thurs til Mon or Tues. Very glad I did get some help, and that the service adviser said he talked to his supervision and they got this done. I just have to be sure I only signed to pick it up and find out what I signed if it was for more than just that. Still feel like Honda should have covered the whole cost since I maintained the car with them so well.

My Honda has been taken care of by a trusted Honda repair shop for 6 years. I called Roswell Honda dealer in Georgia and spoke to them about the issue. They proceeded to tell me that it didn't really matter what the problem was if I hadn't taken it to them for maintenance. They weren't helpful and seemed to accuse me of not taking care of my car, just because I hadn't taken it to them.

I do not think a Honda should have a faulty transmission after only 120K miles, and feel as if with reported issues from customers about transmission failure I should get some sort of customer service from Honda.