2002 Honda Accord suspension problems

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Body, Steering · OH

-The front subframe on the passenger side completely rusted through and broke. The driver side is perfectly fine and still has factory paint on it, but the passenger side is completely rusted out. Yes the vehicle and issue are available for inspection. -The front subframe is the frame component that holds and supports your front suspension, steering, engine and transmission. With the failure of the subframe the front passenger side of the car dropped down and the steering and suspension were compromised. Very unsafe for the driver and passengers to lose control of the vehicle. Loss of control is also very dangerous for others on the road. -The problem is very prominent for this year and model of car. It is an engineering flaw from the factory for years 1998-2002. The air conditioning evaporator drain hose is routed right onto the passenger side sub frame. The moisture from the drain is what accelerates the rust. The car only has 55,000 miles on it and it has failed this soon. -The car has been inspected by a shop previously and the shop welded a new support piece to “patch” the frame to make back home. -There were no symptoms, there was just a loud clunk on the front end and it dropped down.

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · OH

The right side of the main front subframe of the car broke. The subframe on the right side was completely rusted out and corroded away. However, the left side of the subframe was perfectly intact with no damage and only minor surface rust. The car has only 50,000 miles on it. When the subframe broke my friends [XXX]aunt [XXX] old) was driving and the right side of the car dropped down and the steering was compromised. The broken subframe resulted in a loss of control of the car but an accident was avoided thankfully due to her only driving at low speeds. They took the car to an independent mechanic, who welded some support brackets to the subframe to get the car to move. After doing some research, I found multiple forums, websites, videos, and repair TSBs about this issue. The failure occurred because of an engineering failure of the placement of the HVAC evaporator drain hose. The hose drips the draining moisture right onto the right side of the subframe. Over time, this trapped moisture leads to corrosion and rust formation on the subframe. The corrosive effect weakens the structural integrity of the subframe, which caused the subframe to break under normal driving conditions. A mechanic has inspected and patch repaired the subframe. I am willing to have the car inspected if requested. There were no symptoms before the failure, it happened all of the sudden. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 13, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 220,000 miles · MI

Upon inspection of this vehicle, part of the front subframe had rusted through, from the air conditioner condenser hose emptying on top of it. Attached photos show the extent of visible damage; other damage within this structure is not visible to the eye. Honda refers to this part as the "rear beam," part number 50200-s87-a00. The steering rack and front suspension components attach to this part, along with the rear engine mount, and can cause loss of control of the vehicle, and serious personal injury. This is a very common and very dangerous flaw in this generation of accord.

Filed May 19, 2019 · Suspension · 187,000 miles · GA

While completing a routine oil change in a 2002 honda accord coupe ex, noticed the sub frame passenger side completely rusted in half (approximately 4-5 inch section). Rust caused by AC condensation from drain located directly above sub frame. Remaining frame in excellent condition.

Filed Jul 26, 2018 · Suspension, Transmission · NJ

When I purchased my 2002 ex honda accord in 2015; I thought I was getting a reliable dependable car. Honda is know for its reliability but little did I know that the whole sub-frame (front & back was fully rusted). My SRS warning light comes on quite often. The A/C drain I strongly believe was installed improperly which causes the sub-frame to rust and crack. I bought the car with only 82,358 miles and purchased a extended warranty through honda dealership which my powertrain only covered up to 90,000 miles. I had taken the car for its first oil change which was at 91,000 miles and all of a sudden I started to have powertrain problems. Even though on my bill of sale it stated as is honda dealership knew that a customers such as myself would look under the body of the car. I went online and have read numerous complaints about the same problem I was having with this model & year. Also their extended warranty problem was an issue. Why is the federal government & states allowing honda to sell a car with improperly installed A/C drain,sub-frame rotting & crack issues, transmission failure, defective seat belt sensor. I pray that no one dies from this vehicle. 1999-2002 models. I'm a mother of four with a non-curable disease and I just want my car to be fully repaired at the expense of honda. Driving on the highway and turning is dangerous for me to be operating but this is my only means of transportation. My mechanic has to me I shouldn't have purchase this vehicle but I didn't realize that honda would do there customers wrong like this just for a profit!!!!

Filed Apr 16, 2018 · Suspension · 235,000 miles · MA

While brake work was being done on the 2002 honda accord ex, the mechanic noticed that the engine sub-frame was badly worn and in danger of collapse. The car cannot be moved safely.

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Suspension · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the vehicle veered in the opposite direction. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the axle, tie rod, and bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.

Filed Feb 22, 2017 · Airbags, Steering · 130,000 miles · MA

My SRS light is on ... Does that have to do with the recall of the airbag problem???? , I constantly deal with steering problems. Replaced my struts at least twice!!! I really would like to get some help!!! The SRS light came on a couple of months ago when I go in my car to go somewhere as it sat over night!

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · 130,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda accord. While driving various speeds, a clunking sound emitted from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician stated that the drain for the air conditioner leaked onto the subframe and caused it to become rusted and fractured. The technician also stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and the part was unable to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond between second and third gears without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission slipped; however, a repair was not provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 150,000 miles · NY

My accord is suffering from some severe rust on the passenger side sub frame. I recently discovered that it is worse than I had thought. The rust affects the area in which the sway bar is mounted to the frame, where the lower control arm is mounted, and also supports the engine. It is my understanding that this is a common problem with this year/make/model, caused by an A/C drain hose. I am concerned about my safety and hope honda hears my/our concerns.