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.
This car operates roughly 10,000 miles per year and only has 101,000 miles on it, and the transmission is already failing. The transmission should not fail this quickly. Honda should step up to the plate and fix this problem, maybe change the transmissions used in their vehicles. This is the second Honda I have owned that has had a transmission problem. I really liked the Honda company, but next time I will probably purchase a Nissan or Toyota just so I wont have to deal with this problem in the future.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This car operates roughly 10,000 miles per year and only has 101,000 miles on it, and the transmission is already failing. The transmission should not fail this quickly. Honda should step up to the plate and fix this problem, maybe change the transmissions used in their vehicles. This is the second Honda I have owned that has had a transmission problem. I really liked the Honda company, but next time I will probably purchase a Nissan or Toyota just so I wont have to deal with this problem in the future.
- Sukhjeet H., Vacaville, CA, US