Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ignition system of the vehicle is faulty. The engine keeps stalling intermittently and the vehicle shuts down. The issue has been observed at both low and high speeds. The issue occurs on average once in two weeks. This issue has put our family's safety in jeopardy. We filed a complaint with Honda but they are not willing to help with addressing this issue. This issue has been a problem for several years with no restitution from Honda. We need to be compensated USD 2.5million for the stress and aggravation this issue has caused us and for putting our family's safety in jeopardy. Please help us by arranging for mediation services with Honda Motor Company of America. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH when suddenly there was a loud bang noise that came from the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle began to smoke from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact looked under the hood of the vehicle and noticed that the water hose had fractured in half and anti-freeze had splattered everywhere. The contact had the vehicle was towed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The fire report was filed. The dealer (norm reeves Honda superstore cerritos 18500 studebaker rd, cerritos, ca 90703; [phone]) informed the contact that the water hose and the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired because it did not have an official diagnostic testing performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
For the steering, the power steering pump doesn't hold power steering fluid and when you go around a curve and there is a bump in the road, your steering wheel jerks the other way. It's way worse with no power steering but it is still there even if you have fluid. The transmission will jump in between first and second gear so roughly it feels like your transmission is going to fall out, sometimes you can't go because of it and it's almost caused some accidents. You can't get up to the speed you need to with it being so rough and jumpy. Then there is a ticking noise when I press on the gas peddle, from the timing belt and transistor. Some of these problems have been happening since I got the car, like the shifting and the steering. The ticking has been there but not as badly as it is now. …
Driving around 60 m/p/h on 08/12/15 , a bang came from the right passenger side of the car. When I got home I inspected the problem. The engine sub-frame had rotten and fell apart, I was very lucky I did'nt have a bad accident. I went online and found out that Honda had it ac drainpipe directs water, which is right onto the sub-frame in this section, which cause it to rust out faster than the rest of the frame. I will be getting it repaired, because my granddaugther need this car to get work & college. Honda motor should repay me. I understand that Honda know about this problem some years ago. (1999 - 2002 problem).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving various speeds, the contact observed a loud abnormal sound from the vehicle and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. In addition, the contact mentioned that she had the codes printed that showed that the torque converter and cylinder failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 279,000.
Takata recall: my transmission of my vehicle needs to be replaced because a faulty part was used in the vehicle. The transmission slips and will cost $3,000 to fix because Honda used a bad part. Honda has recalled transmissions in Honda accords years in close proximity of the vehicles year. They however did not do this one and I feel like I shouldn't have to pay for their mistake.
The seal on the balance shaft came out, draining all the engine oil out of the car. Possibly causing engine damage. The car had it's timing belt changed, now it has to be done again. Could have caused an engine fire. Honda does not have a recall but should. Dorman made a part to lock the seal in to prevent it from happening. Honda should have to reimburse for the expense.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,284.
When iam traveling with my and my wife because of transmission problem in my Honda Accord 2002 gears are not changing .as Honda company know abt this transmission issue ( like know issue) and for fixing this we need to spend almost 5000$ .but we can't if Honda company know this is common issue why they are not recalling those types of cars.
The heads on this car have to replaced, we paid over $1,000 a few years ago to replace the heads in the car. This past year the same thing happened and it was going to cost over $1,000 again. But this time it cause the engine to lock up. There was a small leak in the engine casing because of the head in the car.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002.
Engine complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Honda Accord, 5% of the model year's 1,050 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Accord engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-226 (engine, Aug 28, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda Accord engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.