Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
SRS Light on for a while in Honda Civic, Contacted Dealer as this car was messed with by another dealership last year during light swsitch recall, so wanted only other Dealership to diagnose the issue with SRS but diagnosis alone is $157 and since my auto mechanic cannot read the diagnosis Honda has put or installed this restricted setting on the car. Seat belts and seat bekt sensors may be bad and seat belt cant stick on driver;s side, indicating a safety issue, Transmission exhibiting trouble and revs up when shifting, hard to shift gears with automatic gear shift problems. This should not be happening and brand new engine had to be competely installed with new engine blocks, and new radiator and watter pump need due to failing.
Failure of headlights which May result in a crash. My headlights have failed, however only my high-beams work at this time. This resulted in extreme safety issues while driving on the highway at a high rate of speed and what could have become fatal crash. I have contacted Honda regarding this issue and was told my vehicle does not fall under this recall (recall info listed below.) I was told I would have to pay out of pocket to get my vehicle fixed, even though my vehicle falls under the exact specifications of their recall. I have small children and am in dire need of a safe vehicle. Please help. Recall number 04V086000 recall date 02/24/2004 component exterior lighting:headlights summary on certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the dealer sold the vehicle with the SRS warning light illuminated, which remained illuminated for an extended period of time. The dealer was notified of the failure and they replaced the driver side seat belt latch, but the failure recurred with the SRS warning light illuminating again after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact was also waiting for an extended period of time to receive the recall repairs that were not completed before the vehicle was owned. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V370000 (air bags), 15V320000 (air bags), and 12V136000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,306. Parts distribution disconnect.
Vehicle stalls while driving (moving and at stops). Restarts are immediately possible however problem reoccurs and leaves motorists potentially stranded and impeding traffic. Vehicle has 175000 miles and has been meticulously maintained. Engine light is intermittent with the problem and has indicated that the catalytic converter has failed, code p0420. However the engine light clears with drive and start cycles. Online research points more directly at a worn ignition switch issue. Vehicle was purchased new in ca, relocated to az in 2003 and has been there ever since. Items that have been replaced are, timing belt, water pump, radiator, thermostat, A/C system, alternator, ignition coil and spark plugs, suspension bushings, front struts and coils, fuel pump, camshaft positioning sensor. All recalls have been complied with.
While driving the low beam exterior headlights go dark leaving the high beams operable. I contacted Honda about this issue and am being told that it was fixed back in 2004 and in the same breath also I am being told that it does not apply to my vehicle. Then I was told I have to pay to have a diagnoses done when there is a recall notice for this issue. This has happened quite a few times over the last few months or so but as it is the high beams were operable and I didn't bother too much until now. I was going for an inspection and as the vehicle is being tested for inspection the low beams would go on and off and not stay lit as designed failing inspection. After this is when I contacted Honda knowing there was some sort of recall on this problem. So now what do I do?
Transmission - car died on the highway. Had it towed to the mechanic. Service code that appeared was p0730, and I need a new transmission. Car has 140K on it, is a 2002 Honda Civic, I'm the only owner, and I have serviced this car completely by the book. I just spent $1200 for the timing belt and water pump last month as a preventive measure, $150 on the battery in jan 2017, tires <7K miles ago, brakes last nov, and now a $5000 estimate given to me by the dealership in order for them to replace the transmission.
Progressive failing of the multiplex control unit, part # 38200-s5p-a11, for my 2002 Honda Civic hx 5sp has resulted in various problems that can prove to be very dangerous such as failure of turn signals, tail lights, windshield wiper motor, dashboard lights, dome light, power door locks, etc. Exactly when these failures occurred are hard to pin point but so far I have avoided property and bodily harm but not great inconvenience and repair cost. Please act to prevent this problem from causing harm or loss of life.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the passenger side low beam headlight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the head lamp and fuse. The failure recurred after the repair. In addition, an unknown warning indicator illuminated and the air conditioner became inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. Ma 09/25 updated 11/08/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that a burning odor was present inside the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and returned to discover flames and smoke coming from the cruise control switch. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. The fire caused damage to the driver's side of the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer of the defect. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. When the vehicle was taken to be inspected, it was diagnosed that an electrical failure occurred with the seat belt that caused the SRS warning indicator to illuminate. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA investigations
Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating
This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.Some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.ODI's PE information request letter asked…
Electrical complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Honda Civic, 7% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Civic electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 Honda Civic, though it has 11 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 Civic electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.