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.
I had this car for a while now and around 99998 miles the second gear went out on my 2002 SE and it was under warranty so dealer covered for a new transmission.
Very surprised. Did not expect this from a Honda Accord. Subsequently learned that automatic transmission failure was epidemic on 1998-2004 Honda Accords.
A whole new transmission needed on a, 02 Honda Accord with only 80000 miles? Had regular maintenance its whole life-- Come on, Honda. To make it worse it happened when we drove to Las Vegas and had to leave the car there and fly back to get it. I haven't contacted Honda yet but will tomorrow--we bought the car from a dealer (used). It was and still is in impeccable shape. How does a transmission only last 80000 miles--Honda had better make good on this one...
this is a Honda transmission replacement done at 31000k now at 46000k its dangerous car suddenly on highway lose power even do was giving it gas as normally done was ablet to get off highway going about 40 miles an hour after car stumble forward help
- jcharbonier,
Nyc, NY, US
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02 Honda Accord EX 4cyl. Purchased this vehicle in October 07, it had 39,000 miles. Seven months and 7,000 miles later, the transmission will not shift into 4th gear. It also makes a loud noise as if the engine is being forced. Brought the car to my mechanic and thought it might be the wheel bearings. Completed the work but the problem remains. Mechanic suggested to take to transmission expert. I feel this is a defective tranny and should be replaced by Honda. I purchased the vehicle based on the reputation of reliability of Honda. It has been anything but reliable. Any suggestions??
I agree with many who have these major problems with pretty low miles that Honda is suppose to be a reliable car. I doubt I will have another Honda in my home after this issue.
So this morning I get into my car to go to work. I start my car, put my seatbelt on, adjusted the radio...all that good stuff. Went to put the car into reverse and the shifter wouldn't even budge. I made sure the brake was pressed in all the way-I tried turning the car off and restarting-NOTHING!!!!! I had to take my husband's truck.Iin the meantime, I'm sitting here reading all of these problems everyone else is having with the same car as mine-I have a pit in my stomach! I'm already broke! I cannot afford to have a transmission replaced for God's sake!
Leading up to this problem, the past few weeks my car has been acting funny. When coming to a stop or taking off from a stop it gets a bit jerky. I honestly thought this was maybe a fuel pump problem.
The car not shifting into gear from park has happened one other time-and that was about 6 weeks ago-I was having brake issues and had thought it was because the break wasn't pushed in enough to release the transmission from park. So I spent $500 in brake repairs and I seemed to have no issues in shifting into gear from park.
I bought this car about 1 year ago, used but 'Honda Certified'. My family is very big on Honda's, I thought I must be the first one who has had a problem! Thanks to this site I have a pretty good idea what I'm in for-maybe I'll just trade it for a different NON-Honda car since I won't be able to afford to pay for this.
I will never buy another Honda!!!!! I bought a new 2002 Accord and had all the recommended services/oil changes,taking it only to the dealer I bought from and their other service center. Around December 2005 I brought it in to be checked for a noise coming from the driver front wheel. I had the service manager test drive my car and the tech, I took it in 3 times for the same noise and they all kept telling me it was road noise. In October 2007, when I accelerated the engine revved high, but it would not go into gear that happened many times. I had it towed to Honda and they replaced the transmission at 74000 miles, I only had around 45000 miles on the car when this first started. They only covered the transmission and I had to pay for labor. I have filed a complaint with the BBB because I am shocked that Honda knowing they have a problem with their transmissions will not stand behind their product and do the right thing... Also as a customer since 2002 I asked if they would split the labor with me and they refused. I did contact Honda National and that was a big waste of time, they are going to say whatever the dealer wants them too. I had planned on buying the 2008 Accord, but not anymore.... Honda will never receive another penny of my money....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I had this car for a while now and around 99998 miles the second gear went out on my 2002 SE and it was under warranty so dealer covered for a new transmission.
- heater2121, New Lexington, OH, US