Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 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 [redacted]aunt [redacted] 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 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 rear front sub-frame or cross member of my vehicle has rusted out on the passengers side due to the A/C dripping on that certain part of the vehicle. The drivers side is almost in perfect condition. This is happening to all the models 98-02. If something isn't done there will be an accident. The repairs are very expensive and it's almost impossible to find a used part because this happens to all the vehicles. It's my understanding that Honda knows about it but only address when asked, they have not informed the public of this potential hazard. It is an engineering flaw of Honda's that is going to get someone hurt. Toyota did the right thing with their trucks when the frames were splitting in half, Honda should as well. 2002 Honda Accord ex coupe.
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.
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).
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.
The rear beam of the front sub frame has completely rusted through on the passenger side of the car. This location directly affects the sway bar bushing mount as well as a body attachment to the sub frame. The car was exhibiting a squeaking/clunking noise during turns and has increased in frequency in a short matter of time. The rest of the front sub frame shows no signs of rust or damage while the passenger side is completely destroyed. It appears that the cause May be linked to the location of the ac drain hose directly above this location.
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.
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.
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!
Suspension complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Honda Accord, 3% of the model year's 1,050 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Accord suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2002 Honda Accord, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda Accord suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 136,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.