Check a VIN

2002 Honda Accord body complaints

Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 75, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Honda Accord body problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Body · 83,428 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that the front passenger side frame of the vehicle was rusted. The dealer confirmed that the frame was rusted and would collapse. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 83,428. Updated 10/7/14*cn updated 3/16/2015

Filed May 2, 2014 · Body · 102,300 miles · OH

Notice the sub-frame is rusting apart when I was changing my brakes on the passenger side.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Body, Transmission · LA

I purchased this vehicle, a 2002 honda accord ex v-6, in 2008 with 45,000 miles. I began to notice hesitation when changing gears, and a hard jerk that would occur while first gear changes to second gear. I took it to the local honda dealership, and they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. Six years later at 130,000 miles, my vehicle still does the same thing while driving. I have talked with other honda owners, same model, and they all have had the same problem. I don't understand why this issue has not been recognized yet. It is not only unsafe, but unfair to not provide owners with some type of resolution. Don't even get me started on the clearcoat that has also worn off.

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Body · 190,000 miles · IN

The paint is peeling off in huge areas. I have a '94 buick that has no paint issues and has been outside its whole life. This '02 accord has been garaged its whole life and should not have this problem.

Filed Feb 10, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 135,556 miles · PA

During a professional safety inspection, the certified mechanic spotted rotted/rusted suspension cross k-frame "rear beam" (part #: 50200-s84-a00) on the passenger/right side. Immediate replacement is recommended. I was also told that such replacement should not been done typically if no accident involved. Esp., since severe corrosion happened only on the passenger/right side, it might be related to the design of the drainage of the A/C right above the rusted part.

Filed Jan 22, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 116,500 miles · CT

While taking off my tires to inspect the tierods and brakes I noticed a significant amount of rust on the passenger side front end vehicle subframe directly below the air conditioner drain line. It is rusted through currently only on the top side but it is a matter of time until this progresses to the underside as well. This leaves only the lower portion to hold the suspension and engine in place. I did some research and found many others have had this problem seeming caused by the drain line being positioned directly above this piece of the subframe. I purchased this vehicle a year ago from a local honda dealership that in hind sight definitely seemed like they were trying to get rid of a lemon. There were a number of other issues with the car (electrical, etc) and now I find this. This car was serviced at this dealership its entire life (since new) and the dealership absolutely should have noticed this subframe rotting as they performed routine oil changes, tire changes, tire rotations, etc. I believe that honda should be responsible for this since 1) the vehicle was purchased and maintained at the honda dealership and 2) it seems to be a significant design flaw to have the drain immediately above this area...the drivers side does not show any rust at all and appears structurally sound.

Filed Nov 27, 2013 · Body · 132,000 miles · PA

While at shop, my mechanic noticed the subframe and frame on passenger side of my accord were severely rusted and would not pass inspection. As others noted, this is a design defect due to a AC drain and the driver side frame and subframe are in good condition as is the rest of the vehicle. I take good care of my cars and there is no rust any other place on the vehicle. Honda changed this design in 2003, but have not offered any recall to date on the prior models. The federal safety agency should launch an investigation into this since honda is not owning up to this and it seems to be very common in vehicles built before 2003.

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Body · 104,000 miles · MA

Problem with structure - vehicle making a knocking/crunching noise. Took it to honda dealership and was advised that the subframe on the front passenger side, below where the AC unit drains, is rusted through. The car was deemed unsafe and inoperable. To the extent that this was the result of a design defect - I.e., where the AC unit/draining is placed - the manufacturer should be made aware of it and perhaps recall vehicles to protect consumers from injury.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Body · 71,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting abnormal noises. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection where the contact was informed that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Body, Steering · 100,000 miles · WI

A loud, clunking sound began when I would go over uneven road or bumps in the road. This was followed by that loud, clunking noise appearing when I would turn the vehicle to the left and when I would go over bumps. Finally, the loud, clunking noise was heard at all times driving, only coming from the passenger side. When my mechanic, who specializes in foreign cars, inspected my car he said the rear subframe on the passenger side was rusted almost completely through and was knocking on the rest of the frame/beam on that side. He indicated that the air conditioning drain tube is directly above this spot. When I asked how the subframe looked on the driver side, my mechanic replied that it looked good as new. I conclude that normal wear and tear and weather elements could not be solely responsible for such rusting on one side of the vehicle - that rust damage would be on both sides. I believe that the location of the A/C drain tube is majorly responsible for this damage and should be paid for by honda ($1500-$2000 estimate). I am extremely concerned about the my safety while in my vehicle now and need to repair this soon as I am afraid it will completely fall apart soon and very likely cause a crash. I do not see any recalls of the 2002 honda accord, but many complaints for the very same problem - which was fixed on later model accords.

Filed Aug 24, 2013 · Body, Transmission · 162,000 miles · MI

The subframe that supports the engine/transaxle and the front suspension is rusting through on the right side. This can result in a catastrophic failure during operation of the vehicle, and appears to be a very common defect in this generation of accords. Most mechanics attribute the cause of the defect to the location of the airconditioner drain tube that drips condensation onto the subframe while it is running.

Filed Aug 12, 2013 · Body · 85,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that the front passenger side frame was completely corroded with excessive holes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who informed that the rust corrosion was a normal problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. ....updated 10-21-13 *bf updated 10/25/2013

Filed Aug 5, 2013 · Airbags, Body · 167,000 miles · GA · crash

I jus got into the vehicle in a parking lot along hugh howell rd reverse from out of my parking space as soon as I put the vehicle in drive I heard a loud revved coming from the engine the car then sped off I tried to stopped it but they brakes would not stop it. About 30-40ft it crashes into a guard rail. Both airbag deploy. Damage front bumper,front passenger door and left front axle.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Body · 145,000 miles · FL

The clear coat on my honda accord is peeling off the car. The car has been well maintained. The paint is now greatly affecting my resale value and seems to be a common problem with honda paint.

Filed Mar 24, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 91,081 miles · NY

Investigating some strange issues, pulling and clunks at speed and bumps, tranny issues and nose from the front of my car I decided to do an inspection. I took the passenger front wheel off and discovered rust holes right threw the rear beam of the front sub frame! Is completely rusted out, this car is a safety hazard. It will not pass inspection in my state and my family and I are terrified to drive it. This honda has been in my family since new. And has been dealer maintained for all the major service over the past 11 years and this was never seen? Its not like it just happened today in march of 2013! I looked around under the car and under the hood, I see the drain tube for the AC drips right on the spot the frame is rusted threw! Then I took the drivers side wheel off and there is no rust at all! This is a tragic defect. What if the passenger side frame is to snap when I'm driving it? This is unbelievable that car in other wise pristine condition with only less than 91,000 would have this kind of rust and would have to suffer such a hideous flaw like this. I cant afford to fix this now. Its going to be well over $1500 and not only that my life and my family's life is priceless. Again the rear beam of the front sub frame is rusted threw due to the fact the AC drain tube drips directly on this spot. No other rust on the rest of the sub frame. Potential death trap.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Body · 89,660 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that he noticed extensive rust on the sub frame below the air conditioning unit. The dealer was notified and advised that there was nothing that they could do to repair the failure. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer and was contact by them, stating that they could provide no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 89,660.

Filed Mar 5, 2013 · Body · 20,000 miles · CA

The clear coat and paint is almost completely dissolved on the roof, trunk and hood of my nighthawk-colored honda. This started less than 3 years from the purchase of this car!! I was not aware of all of the other complaints at that time. I have always taken extremely good care of my car, inside and out. It currently only has approximately 45,000 miles on it, and the paint looks absolutely horrid. This is not normal oxidation, it's clearly a defect in the paint, just like all of the other complaints/pictures online of other hondas with the same defective paint issue. Help!

Filed Feb 18, 2013 · Airbags, Body · 113,000 miles · NC · 1 injury

Your urgent response and an action needed 1.request for an immediately recall for honda accord lx 2002 models as having dangerous transmission problems, widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS ), and overall the cars safety or quality numerous concerns. 2.to fix the problems and refund caused damages and personal injuries due to it, refund paid purchase cost including damages, replace to a new car with included paid and damages occurred to whom it may concern, 2002 honda accord problems & complaints 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.

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Body · 119,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that after hearing a news report about rust in the sub frame of his model vehicle, he decided to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The techinian verified that the sub frame was severelly corroded and there was a danger that the engine could fall out of the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The failure and current mileage was 119,000. Updated 12/21/12*lj updated 1/4/2013

Filed Sep 2, 2012 · Body · NY

While getting my required yearly ny state inspection (performed by a certified honda mechanic) the subframe rear beam (cross member) was found to be unsafe and rusting out with holes on the passenger side. The mechanic told me that this was a common problem due to a design flaw that allows for the collection of water at the problem spot. It is a very expensive fix that he was surprised that honda has not recalled because it happens so frequently and is a safety concern.. The rest of the undercarriage and frame was in good condition. Why hasn't honda recalled this safety issue?

Filed Aug 15, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 64,444 miles · OH

On august 3, notice a loud cracking sound in right front of car. Took car to honda dealer aug. 9. Was contacted by service representative, stated front cross beam was cracked nearly into two pieces and that due to the serious dangerous condition of the car it can not be driven. I was asked to come and observe the condition. Upon arriving I asked how this could occur, car is garaged, excellent condition, well maintained. I was informed they have seen this condition before and that the air conditioning drains onto this beam making it wet all the time. They believe this helped the beam rust, in one area only, until eventually nearly breaking into 2 pieces. I asked if honda acknowledged this defect I was told they know the drain drips on the beam and that they have seen this before but there was no recall?? I called honda USA for assistance on this extremely dangerous safety condition, I was instructed that because of the cars age they would not assist. I was only asking for honda to supply the part, I was willing to pay the labor costs. If this front cross beam would have broken completely through while driving it certainly would have caused a traffic crash resulting in injury or worse. I learned that honda recognized the safety problem and changed the AC drain location in newer models years 2004 or 2005 so that it no longer drains onto the beam. This is a serious safety condition that certainly has had to result in traffic crashes, hopefully no injuries have occurred.

Filed Jul 20, 2012 · Body · 157,000 miles · MI

Honda has a manufacturing defect for a rear beam place. At the honda dealership, a honda and state of michigan certified mechanic has certified that honda put cars in production with a defective place for air conditioning drain. The drain from the air conditioner comes straight on the top of the rear beam and make this piece of metal corroded and rust out. The position for drain has not been manufactured in the right place. The cause is to break the rear beam and put the driver in extensive danger with having car running on less than four wheels and driving on highway can kill a person along with others may get hit with the vehicle. Repair costs $2000.00.

Filed May 4, 2012 · Airbags, Body · 170,000 miles · NM · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact was driving 20 MPH when she applied the brakes in order to enter a residential neighborhood. She then crashed into another vehicle and the air bags deployed. The air bag crushed and fractured the contact's arm. In addition, the engine was pushed into the vehicle, causing the contact to sustain fractured feet and ankles. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A police report was not available. The vehicle was not inspected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were170,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2011 · Body · NY

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. The contact stated that the paint on the hood, roof and trunk of her vehicle turned a different color. The dealer was contacted, but did not repair the failure. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 18,000. Nw

Filed Oct 10, 2007 · Body, Tires · 50,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

The trunk lid is not stable when lifted up and will fall down easily. For many times, when we are loading stuff into the trunk, the trunk lid will fall down unexpected. The action of puting a luggage or grocery bag into the trunk will shake the car a little bit, which is normal for most cars, but the unusual thing for this honda accord is that the trunk lid will fall down by this shaking. I was hit by the trunk lid several times and I would expect some serious injury could happen to someone. Another complaint about the trunk lid is the sealing. I live in southen california so rain is rare. But a heavy rain caused the trunk became a pool and the trunk mat is fully soaked. Although at that time, the car was still under the honda certified warranty, honda told me the trunk sealing is not covered. What even angered me about honda's service is they put an unmatched spare tire into my trunk. I found that out after having this car for more than 2 years and had a flat tire.

Filed Jun 25, 2005 · Body · VA

I have owned 3 honda accords, a 1985, 1991, and a 2002, and have good experiences with all three. The 2002 honda accord however has a hard hand grip on both sides of the front seat. When I am driving, occasionally, I will hit my head on this hard had grip. I feel that if I were in an accident that it would take the top of my head off. This is dangeroug and should be replaced with a folding handle like the previous hondas had.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Body · OH

My honda accord 2002 vehicle id number [xxx]....my wife and I on several occasions have opened the truck lid....looked in the trunk ( to remove groceries or luggage) and had the trunk lid come down suddenly and strikes us on the head. The trunk lid does not lock properly in place. We have not been injured ...but someone could easily suffer a serious head injury.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 9, 2003 · Body, Visibility · MA

Reflection of the dashboard is causing poor visibility during inclement weather, as well as at different lighting situations.

Filed Apr 23, 2003 · Body · 3,000 miles · VA

The dashboard reflected in the windshield, when driving in direct sunlight. Mr *ts

Filed Apr 1, 2003 · Body · VA

When the consumer drove toward direct sunlight, the dash board reflected the sun light toward the windshield, which impaired consumer's visibility. *ph

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2002 Honda Accord?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history