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.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
94,950 miles
Total Complaints:
354 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. recall should be issued, replaced @ Honda's expense (188 reports)
  2. replace transmission (53 reports)
  3. not sure (45 reports)
  4. replaced transmission (32 reports)
  5. replaced transmission, split cost with Honda (14 reports)
  6. Honda refused to repair under warranty, had to pay (9 reports)
2002 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 15 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #74

May 122008

Accord V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

- gtowntjs, Fredericksburg, VA, US

problem #73

May 022008

Accord V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,832 miles

Based on what I have seen on this website and based on what I am experiencing with my car and the issues surrounding several complaints regarding the transmissions, I sincerely believe that the Honda Dealers should do the right thing and go ahead and issue a recall for these ridiculously defected transmissions. I financed this vehichel a year and half ago and I am still paying on it, by the time I finish paying and fixing this damned car it will have cost me well over 30,000, it isn't even worth half of that. I am disgusted and disappointed with the way the Honda Company has handled this situation and others and I will never ever buy another Honda again in my life. I will most definitely not recommend them to friend and family either. Then they have the nerve to say they sell reliable cars, thats BS.

- Becky F., Boston, MA, US

problem #72

Apr 202008

Accord LX 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Transmission started slipping and jerking. It is terrible. I did research, and found so many complaints against 2002 Honda Accord transmission problems. This is a very common defect. Why does Honda refuse to support its notorious transmission?

- Larry H., Claveland, OH, US

problem #71

Mar 282008

Accord SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,900 miles

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

Wow! I can't believe that I am not the only one experiencing transmission problems at such an early mileage with a Honda Accord 02. My car began slipping (jerking) about a month ago. I took it to the shop three times to get it fixed. The first two times I took it to the shop, I had my torque converter clutch and linear solenoid replaced. Neither seemed to get rid of the jerking. So finally, Mr. Transmission (transmission shop) was able to diagnose that I needed my transmission rebuilt. I was slightly upset since I only have approximately 58,900 miles on my car. I thought that was rather early to have transmission problems. The good thing is, I purchased extended warranty. Also, the transmission work that Mr. Transmission did is warrantied. So if I run into any problems with it again, I am going to look into purchasing another vehicle. I will definitely be using this site before I purchase another vehicle.

- Antoinette C., Smyrna, GA, US

problem #70

Nov 212005

(reported on)

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

while driving 40 MPH, car started slow down, transmission kept slipping, jerked , gear indicator light on dash board.

- Bach N., Ashburn, VA, US

problem #69

Apr 152008

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I have a 2002 Honda accord which has started slipping and jerking.After stopping at the traffic light when I accelerate the car it has a hard time switching from first to second gear, and when it does it makes a loud noise and lurks forward.

Its very risky , I was about to hit somebody yesterday.

I read in one of the complaints that there is no difference in 2001 transmission , which is covered under extended warranty and 2002 model. so why this anomaly.I called the dealer and he looked by my VIN number iif there has been recall, but it came negative.

I dont wanna shell out $3K, its the inherent problem of Honda's transmission , they pay for 2001 should also pay for 2002. may be they haven't heard many complaints yet because 2002 is a year newer.

We should file a lawsuit , many of us can't afford $3K , please contact me at milan123in@yahoo.com.

Thanks

- Milan R., San Jose, CA, US

problem #68

Apr 082008

Accord LX 2.3L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

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

My 2002 Honda Accord started slipping and jerking, and I brought the car to dealership for inspection. I was told transmission need to replace. I found so many complaints for 2002 Honda Accord transmission failure, over 50% from V4 models. This is design and manufacturing defect. Honda must recall or provide extended warranty.

- tickertack, Barrie, ON, Canada

problem #67

May 262006

(reported on)

Accord EX

  • 78,000 miles

Honda customer service refuse to fix because the car has more than 60000 miles. I have had 6 hondas and currently own 3. If they don't fix this for free I am never buying another Honda again and will tell the entire world. Toyota here I come. I had a 1992 Camry and it had 260000 miles and I replaced the transmission at 205000 miles.. great car

- Jacques F., Greely, Ontario, Canada

problem #66

Mar 182003

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

I bought a brand new 2002 Honda Accord EX V4 and I had transmission problems in the first year. I took it to the dealer and was told repeatedly there's nothing wrong with it. When finally I had to do the maintenance requiring the change of the transmission fluid, the dealer's service department told me the transmission was almost gone, and that they only noticed the problem when changing the transmission fluid. The car had only 26000 miles, and they changed the transmission for free. However, they did not pay for the rental car I had to use. A few months later I began experiencing the same problems again with the transmission. The wheels spun when starting when the light turned green, jolts, sometimes strong enough to scare everybody in the car. For the past four years I went to the dealer's service department for the scheduled maintenance, and always asked to check the transmission, especially that I was afraid the car will be out of the warranty soon. I was told that my complaints were documented in their system and that Honda will fix them even though I might have some extra miles. Now I have 106000 miles on my car, and I went to a different Honda dealer service department to do the 105k miles service, that requires changing of the transmission fluid. The service department called me to let me know the transmission is gone. The fluid was black, they changed it and test drove the car, and when they checked the new fluid was black again. I called the original dealer's service department where I had all the work done all those years, and they told me that since the car is out of warranty I have to pay for the transmission, about $3500. I told them I had problems from the beginning, that I have been complaining about them for years, when the car was under warranty, and that they should have fixed it then. They said that there's nothing they can do. I called American Honda today, I told them that I made all the servicing on time and only at the Honda dealer, that the car had DOCUMENTED transmission problems from the beginning and that Honda should fix it. They gave me a case number, and told me a case manager will call me in a few days, but chances are they can't do anything at this point. In the meanwhile I am renting a car that I pay out of pocket, waiting for Honda case manager to call. I even thought to sell the car rather that spending thousands of dollars in repairs, but the Honda dealer told me they would not buy it or accept it as a trade in because it's not worth it!!! I bought a brand new Honda Accord 2002, spent thousand of dollars at the dealer with the scheduled maintenance, the transmission failed all the time, and the car did not last 6 years!!!!!!!

Where is the reliability Honda is supposedly famous for?????

Honda has transmission problems and they should stand by their product and they should extend the warranty on the 2002 as they did with the 2001.

- Carmen P., Sterling, VA, US

problem #65

Jan 172008

Accord DX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles

Wow..........all my life i've watched everyone in their Hondas and i've always always wanted one...Ehem until..Ugh i hate this story so i bought my car 2002 Honda accord with 116000 miles on it from the dealership.Everything was fine for a little while.Except i kept getting these random calls to renew my warranty as well as trading my car back in? They wanted to buy my car back from me..Sounded kinda fishy but anyways in January i noticed a little slipping.didn't mind it at first but now im at 126000 8 months later and the d4 light is blinking tranny light is on and driving it is like driving without a clutch on a manual car..Its awful i had just got done with an interview with a good job went to head home..mind you it was rush hour and i had a 45 min trip ahead of me the car sounded like it was gonna blow up..Wouldn't take off really and i had to shift into 1st to get it going

Honda wants me to take it in if they don't take care of it im screwed!!!!

Dont buy this car =(

- Zac B., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #64

Aug 292007

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

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

To refresh your memory, Our transmission start slipping and shifting jerkily when our 2002 V6 Honda Accord had about 58,000 miles on it. It continued to get worse so we took it to our nearby Honda dealer who diagnosed the problem a as slipping clutch pack between second and third gears. They estimated that it would cost about $2950.00 to replace the transmission $1850.00 for parts and the balance for labor. Honda America offered no concession on 2002 Accords.

I called Honda America, and, who eventually offered a 25% reduction on the price. At this point, our transmission refused to go into fourth gear at all, making it difficult to drive on the freeway. I called Honda America and told them that a 25% discount was not enough of a reduction in the price of the repair on a low mileage car. After all, we did spend the extra money buying a Honda because of their reputation for dependability. They suggested that if I sent them all of our repair records, they MIGHT give us a greater concession.

We checked with some independent repair shops in the area about replacing the transmission. All of them told us that the best deal would be gotten at the dealer as they used factory reconditioned transmissions and gave 36 month 36,000 mile warranties. So, with the need to drive the car pressing, we took it to the Honda Dealer for repairs. When it was time to pick the car up, the repair department told us that they had billed Honda America in a way which would reduce our costs. In the end our bill for the transmission parts and labor was: $1113.00

We recommend that you pursue Honda vigorously to receive satisfaction. Also, we hope that a class action suit is brought on behalf of all of us with transmission problems

Good Luck,

- Earl B., San Diego, CA, US

problem #63

Feb 192008

Accord SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

My car has only 65,000 miles on it and the transmission is going??? How can this be possible??? I bought a Honda so I would never have a problem like this. My case is currently under review through Honda Corp. They told me I might be able to get a good will repair because it is no longer covered under my warranty. I'm not sure if I'll have to pay any money towards the repair yet. I'm hoping they will take care of everything. Wish me luck! I'm very disappointed with Honda. I believe there should be a class action suit for the 2002's models as well.

- Kelly M., North Reading, MA, US

problem #62

Feb 262008

Accord SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I was told that Honda's were the best cars on the road. I got my license when I turned 16 and I was lucky enough to have parents and grandparents buy me a new 2002 Honda Accord SE. WOW!!!! my first car and it was brand new it had a sunroof, alloy wheels, and it was the most beautiful shinny black color I had ever seen. I loved my HONDA, I was always cleaning it and keeping it as nice as I could. Everyone always told me how great it looked and how great I looked in it. I was never going to get another car and this one would last me through college. Then at 95,000 miles the transmission started to slip from first gear to second gear and from second gear into third gear. I took my car to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong, I guess because I am a girl they think they can tell me anything. I told my Dad and he took it to an ASE certified mechanic on transmission,etc. and he said it needed a new transmission.It will cost $1,800. to repair it. HONDA SHOULD REPAIR IT AT NO COST TO ME!!!!!!! I got on the internet to find out about Honda transmissions. I read about all the problems and complaints and I'm going to yell to everyone about this problem. I was going to keep this car forever because I loved it...HONDA SHOULD HAVE A RECALL!!!! Since I am commuting to college and need a car I am driving my Dad's car - 1998 Toyota Avalon, 175,000 miles and it has never had any problems. The timing belt was replaced at 100,000 miles. Dad no longer commutes to his work ( 100 miles round trip ) each day. It is no wonder why TOYOTA is the number one selling car. I just wish I had listened to Mom and Dad, my sister, her boyfriend, my boyfriend, my grandparents, and other friends and got a TOYOTA!!!!!!!!! Did I mention that I had done every scheduled maintenance at the HONDA Dealer and they had extra suggested maintenance too. I really miss driving my HONDA because it was so much fun to drive. Now I am stuck driving my Dad's Toyota Avalon and it drives like an old BUICK. But, It keeps on going and going and going like the Energizer Bunny...With my luck it will probably last another 175,000 miles. I miss my HONDA and HONDA CORP. should stand behind their product.

- Mary H., Frankfort, KY, US

problem #61

Feb 222008

Accord SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I made the mistake of not taking the car to the dealership when the transmission started to act up. I called Honda and they said they could do nothing since I took it to a third party. Interesting the Honda rep on the 1-800 number said that the transmission is only good for around 120000 miles- I sure thought that Honda's were better quality than that!

- Greg M., Mandeville, LA, US

problem #60

Jan 292008

Accord SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I am now in line with everyone else in this "Beef" on Honda Accord Transmissions. I have a 2002 Honda Accord SE - I have had the transmission replaced 2x now & only have 61k miles on it!! Cannot believe what I have been reading about this issue! I like everyone else, assumed that Honda's were great cars - my family has had them for years! My Dad and my Mother-in-Law both have 1992 Accords that are still going with no major work like the transmission yet! I purchased my car through a local dealer (not a Honda dealer) and thankfully, got the extended warranty (CostGuard) thru 75k miles. The first replacement was claimed thru CostGuard (Only had to pay for the freight charge to send to the Honda dealer). The replacement transmission was worse than the original. So - I called American Honda & told them what was going on. They replaced the 2nd one at no cost to me. But - this 3rd one is kind of iffy.... I just don't have the patience, nor do I think we, as Accord owners should have to suffer like this. Honda's are supposed to be reliable transportation, but they are apparently loosing that ground quickly to other makes! You would think, with the car sales hurting in our current, poor economy, that Honda would want to remedy things by regaining their reputation! But it sounds to me like they are heading in the direction of another class action suit if they don't start pleasing us consumers!

- Alicia S., Cumming, GA, US

problem #59

Feb 162008

Accord SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

I thought Honda Accords were reliable? Not only did the transmission start slipping, we also had to have the window motors replaced. The car is only 5 years old and it has had a few annoying problems. I am glad that the warranty still covered the transmission, but I would think that Honda wouldn't want to have faulty transmissions, period. My co-worker has the same exact car (year, trim, etc) and she had to replace her transmission as well. I have a 1998 Toyota Four Runner and I never had these problems.

- C Y., Elk Grove, CA, US

problem #58

Jun 012007

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

The transmission started to shift roughly with some jerking prior to the 60,000 check. The mechanic said it felt fine. The car went to the dealer at approx 63,400 miles due to air bag light problem. They checked the transmission and stated "clutch packs are slipping for third gear". The transmission needs to be replaced, will cost approx $4,000.00. This is insane. Honda should admit that the 2002 Accord with a V-6 has the same flaw as the previous years, and pay for all needed repairs.

- Earl B., San Diego, CA, US

problem #57

Feb 012008

Accord 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

Owned a 1991 Accord that went to 300,000+ miles without a problem at all. Replaced with this 2002 that has only made it to 130,000 (almost all highway) miles and now needs a new transmission. Honda is offering to pay half. If they're paying half, then they know there's a problem, and I believe it's time for a class action lawsuit. Acknowledging blame and paying for half is an admission of a faulty product. I highly doubt that I'd buy another Honda--the independent transmission shop I spoke with said that Honda will not provide the tools for diagnostics, and it must be done at a certified Honda repair shop. Extremely disappointed in Honda with this problem with their "newer technology" and "much improved" transmission. So, looks like I'm $1400 out of pocket, on a $2800 repair bill with Honda picking up half. Having been in auto sales and service department business previously, I know that paying "half" is more like they'll still walk away with a profit on the deal, which is really unfair when we purchase products that should be tried and true, not having the customer doing research and development.

- Patrick D., Winneconne, WI, US

problem #56

Jan 092008

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,576 miles

I need some help!

I have a 2002 Honda Accord. I have had no problems with my Accord and have done all of the regular maintenance from the beginning. However, about a month ago I took my car in for regular maintenance to get the timing belt, other belts, and water pump maintenance. I'm around 127,000 miles, so it was time. Up to that point, my car drove perfectly.

I plan to take my car back to the dealership, but I want to be knowledgeable about what's going on. Am I being taken for a ride?

Here's the exact time line:

Prior to 1/9/08: Car drove perfectly!

1/9/08 (126,576 miles): Took car to dealership for regular maintenance to have timing belt, water pump, drive belts, balancer belt, balancer shaft seal, and coolant replaced. Also, cleaned throttle plate and body as throttle had been sticking. Slipping transmission problem started on the next cold start when going from 1st to 2nd gear. However, didn't really know what the problem might be and thought it might be a fluke. I called some other mechanics and they couldn't imagine a transmission problem developing that quickly, as those types of problems usually developed over a long period of time.

1/22/08 (127,526 miles): Took car back to dealership. Told them how the car was acting on a cold start. They stated the fluid was dark and low. And that I needed to change the fluid and might have bigger issues with my transmission. However, they also stated they where unable to replicate the problem while my car was there all day long. The dealership told me it must have been coincidence that it started the same day they did the other service.

1/25/08 (127,698 miles): Took my car back to the dealership for the transmission fluid flush. Chose to use them because they were the only ones that used the Honda fluid and I did not want to create any other problems by using one of the other kinds. Got car back but still had problems feeling the transmission slip on cold starts.

2/1/08 to 2/8/08: Was out of town. Didn't drive car.

2/9/08: Noticed leak that was almost a foot in diameter. Originally thought it was an oil leak but when I took it to be checked by the people who do my oil changes, I found out it was a transmission fluid leak and that it had leaked almost half the fluid out. I did not have a fluid leak until I had the transmission flush on the 25th.

Help? Is this a little quick for such major transmission problems to develop? This started only a month ago and has went this far. The one thing that really bothers me is that my problems from above start each time I go to the dealership. But I can't pinpoint how this might be happening, since originally they did no work on the transmission.

- redlight7, Huntsville, AL, US

problem #55

May 112007

(reported on)

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

honda agreed to fix 2000-2001 trans problems but said not enough complaints for the 2002 but I checked online and saw that most 2001 also included the 2002's

- Vanity B., Grove City, OH, US

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