CarComplaints.com Notes: Yes, the Honda Civic receives a lot of complaints because so many were sold. And sure, car parts only last so long and things eventually break. But it's never good to see this many transmission complaints, especially when the average mileage at failure is just north of 100,000 miles.

Especially when you consider that it's predecessor also has a nasty history with transmission complaints.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,921 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Honda Civic lights problems

lights problem

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2002 Honda Civic Owner Comments

problem #15

May 242012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 132,895 miles

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

Low beam headlights failed to work when driver switched from high to low beam. American Honda motor company and local dealer contacted. I was informed that this individual vehicle was not a part of NHTSA campaign 04V086000. I would like to register my complaint as I find it ironic that the same problem would occur on vehicles not included in the original recall.

- Moore, SC, USA

problem #14

Mar 112012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 161,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V086000 (exterior lighting:headlights). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 161,000...updated 03/21/12 pictures received 03/29/12

- Aurora, OR, USA

problem #13

Jan 132012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
Both low beams failed at the same time. High beams unaffected. Inspected combination switch and connector, switch is failing and low beam wire and connector is discolored indicating overheating. It is obvious that NHTSA recall 04V086000 / Honda service bulletin 04-015 applies to this vehicle even though the Honda service bulletin and dealer claims it is out of range... updated 02/06/12.

- Renton, WA, USA

problem #12

May 092011

Civic 4-cyl

  • 140,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. While driving approximately 50 mph, the headlights failed without warning. The contact stated the failure was a constant occurrence. The contact had to engage the high beam lights whenever operating the vehicle at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The mechanic informed the contact there was a recall under the NHTSA campaign id number: 04V086000 (exterior lighting:headlights) which might have caused the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 06/17/11 updated 07/11/11

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

problem #11

Oct 172010

Civic

  • 210,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact smelled a burning odor near the dashboard. The low beam headlights have failed. The high beam lights work normally; however, the low beams do not. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in recall campaign number 04V086000, exterior lighting:headlights. The failure and current mileages were 210,000.

- Lexington, MO, USA

problem #10

Sep 012008

Civic 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The low beams on the vehicle do not work at all. The dealer stated that the repair was the contact's responsibility. He was informed that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V086000 (exterior lighting:headlights). The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 10/03/08 the consumer stated the low beams failed to work, however the high beams did work. Updated 10/07/08.

- Greenfield, MA, USA

problem #9

Jul 252007

Civic 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. While driving 50 mph, the headlights failed unexpectedly. There were no warning indicators or noise. No other equipment failed. The contact switched to the high beams for better visibility. The weather was not a factor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the combination light switch was defective. The contact wanted NHTSA campaign id number 04V086000 (exterior lighting:headlights) extended to his VIN. The dealer repaired the failure. The current mileage was 181,000 and failure mileage was 175,000.

- La Plata, MD, USA

problem #8

Jul 062007

Civic 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 65,000 miles
Low beams quit working while driving down the road, high beams still work, noticed that there was a recall on this same exact situation, but vehicle was not included in that recall.

- Biloxi, MS, USA

problem #7

Jan 202007

Civic 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles
TL *- the 2002 Honda Civic had 108,000 miles when the headlights started flickering on and off. At present, the low beam lights will not turn on, but the high beam lights will. The mechanic diagnosed the failure as a burned damaged coupler at the light switch. The contact stated that there was a recall for the same problem with the same year/make and model, however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Update/23/07 *

- Hudson, FL, USA

problem #6

Sep 302006

Civic 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 73,190 miles
: the contact stated the headlights failed to illuminate while driving 45 mph. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified and the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in recall #04V086000, for exterior lighting, headlights due to the VIN. Updated 10/18/2006 -

- Fleetwood, PA, USA

problem #5

May 112006

Civic 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

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

: the contact stated upon inspection of the vehicle moisture was noticed inside the driver side headlight. The manufacturer was alerted however no inspections have been made.

- North Hills, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 172005

Civic 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The low beams on the headlights are not operating even after NHTSA campaign 04V086000 repairs were performed. This made the ability to see the road difficult at night.

- Pembroke, NC, USA

problem #3

Mar 242004

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, the headlights went out without warning, leaving the consumer without vision of the road. An independent shop replaced both wire harness and bulbs. Dealer notified.

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #2

Mar 042004

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,730 miles
While driving at night headlights shut off without warning. The service dealer stated that the headlight harness switch overheated, causing an electrical short. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #1

Oct 152003

(reported on)

Civic

  • miles
The suspension of this vehicle had been lowered by dealership, resulting in steering problems. The ability to make turns were more difficult than normal. Tires squealed when turning corners. Also, altered headlights, which caused bulbs to break.

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

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