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.
Usually people complain that when their car lights or a/c is on that the car wants to die but that is the opposite in my situation. I always have to either have my air or lights on or my car will die when i make a stop. Having one of those on keeps my rpms up just enough not to die. So day or night i have my lights on. It is the strangest thing. I have a new alternator and battery, still stuggles without the electrical power of my lights or ac. I hate this car btw. Everything has issues, i dont let anyone else drive it other than myself. I will not ever get a honda again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Usually people complain that when their car lights or a/c is on that the car wants to die but that is the opposite in my situation. I always have to either have my air or lights on or my car will die when i make a stop. Having one of those on keeps my rpms up just enough not to die. So day or night i have my lights on. It is the strangest thing. I have a new alternator and battery, still stuggles without the electrical power of my lights or ac. I hate this car btw. Everything has issues, i dont let anyone else drive it other than myself. I will not ever get a honda again.
- haleyb123, Fayetteville, AR, US