Honda Owner Link - Go here, type in your vin #, see if its been recalled for this. Even if you haven't purchased it yet. If no report has been made, call
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Phone: 800-999-1009
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Auto Safety Hotline 888.327.4236
Especially the National Hotline. That's how recalls are created for ALL cars. If Honda doesn't hear from you this way, Honda can't recall it. There has to be complaints made to them directly.
2002 Honda Civic LX, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE 140,000Km
Vehicle serviced routinely at dealership.
Transmission serviced BY Honda at 90,000Km
Always had a concern with the way car shifted from slowing down to accelerating - slight bump noticed occasionally. Asked dealer about this (early in the warranty period), he stated this was common in the civic not really a cause for concern. Was probably an early warning sign but Honda took the path of least resistance. Be warned if you have this symptom.
Anyway, just out of power train warranty, I'm faced with a $3000 bill. Tried to locate a used transmission but no one has any in stock! Auto wreckers indicate that Honda vehicles from 2001 on, the transmissions are built so poorly they cannot keep any on the shelf - demand is so high. Consequently they sell at a premium; $1200 - $1400 with only a 4 month warranty (however still the same junky transmission).
I would recommend going with a used tranny and sell. However if you plan to keep the car for any length of time then I'd suggest to spend a little more and find a good transmission specialist who can rebuild, put in some decent parts and hopefully get you some extended life.
The Honda name for a good quality vehicle is a myth. Just read the ton other Honda complaints on this website.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2002 Honda Civic LX, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE 140,000Km Vehicle serviced routinely at dealership. Transmission serviced BY Honda at 90,000Km
Always had a concern with the way car shifted from slowing down to accelerating - slight bump noticed occasionally. Asked dealer about this (early in the warranty period), he stated this was common in the civic not really a cause for concern. Was probably an early warning sign but Honda took the path of least resistance. Be warned if you have this symptom.
Anyway, just out of power train warranty, I'm faced with a $3000 bill. Tried to locate a used transmission but no one has any in stock! Auto wreckers indicate that Honda vehicles from 2001 on, the transmissions are built so poorly they cannot keep any on the shelf - demand is so high. Consequently they sell at a premium; $1200 - $1400 with only a 4 month warranty (however still the same junky transmission).
I would recommend going with a used tranny and sell. However if you plan to keep the car for any length of time then I'd suggest to spend a little more and find a good transmission specialist who can rebuild, put in some decent parts and hopefully get you some extended life.
The Honda name for a good quality vehicle is a myth. Just read the ton other Honda complaints on this website.
That's my $0.02 worth.
- Lorne V., Chilliwack, BC, Canada