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.

6.1

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$440
Average Mileage:
74,450 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (14 reports)
  2. replace SRS unit (7 reports)
  3. replaced at no cost (2 reports)
2002 Honda Accord seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2002 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #3

May 172006

(reported on)

Accord EX

  • 29,000 miles

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

I bought this car knowing it had an R title. It was stolen and slightly damaged. Looks like new inside and out. Low mileage and run great. I decided to sell it to get a better gas mileage car. About 2 weeks before I finally advertised the car, the SRS light came on. Took it to the local dealer and they said it was a switch problem in the rear of the passenger seat. Supposedly the OPDS sensor. I was told 3 times by the dealer that it was covered under warranty. Then when it came time to fix it, it was going to cost $397. I told them no. Then 2 weeks later the extended warranty shows up. I called the number on the form they sent and I told them what the dealer said. And I was told my conversation was being recorded. A "guy" from American Honda Motor Co. told me that he checked my VIN number and that I should take the form to the dealer and they will repair it free. So I take it back again ! They waited until late in the afternoon and told me they had bad news. It was not covered under warranty ! I told them to call the number on the sheet as I was told. They called back and said Honda told them it was not covered. Sooooo, on the phone again with Honda. This time I got a girl who tells me that someone had reported this claim earlier in May. I said it was me again. Strangely enough, they new about the whole issue but mysteriously, the recorded conversation disappeared. They talk about government conspiricies. I almost spend the money but I thought I would hold off. It is hard to sell this car with the light on. I am tired of trying to explain why I didn't get it fixed. Now I see even if I get it fixed it may come on anyway. I am totally pissed. I love hondas, but this type of issue just tics me off. I would love to disconnect the switch, but I do not want to be responsible for someone getting hurt in an accident. They told me that it was not a safety issue. Well that is not what I have been reading on this site. Too many horror stories. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this problem ??

RayC

- Ray C., Morgantown, PA, US

problem #2

Nov 292006

(reported on)

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Did not have extended warranty and dealer advised SRS unit is not covered by standard warranty at 41,000 miles. Quoted cost to replace 550.00. Requested dealer to contact Honda for possible coverage as I had limited mileage and taken good care of vehicle since purchasing it new. Honda covered the part but not the labor so repair cost 150.00. I think Honda should cover their safety restraint system components for a greater period of time than they do. Will strongly consider another manufacturer of automobile when I buy my next car and stop recommending Hondas to friends and family. My prior car was a Mitsubishi Eclipse that had over 130,000 miles with no problems that were not covered by warranty. If Honda has such a great car why is their warranty so wimpy?

- dblackwelder, Slidell, LA, US

problem #1

Dec 202005

(reported on)

Accord EX

  • 21,000 miles

I am worried because the SRS light means the airbag in the car isnt working. The car has been to 3 different Honda dealerships and none of them can find a solution. They always say a cell phone on the seat could set it off. Well the car has a problem if a damn cell phone sets off the SRS light. The light has come on even when my cell phone isnt on the seat. The problem is the computer isnt storing any codes. The dealership has replaced the SRS control module twice and even an alternator. It is in the shop right now getting a second SRS control module... i hope this works..

- Chintan M., Overland Park, KS, US

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