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 Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
First week I purchased the car in tallahassee I had a major oil leak loose screws and and couldn't steer . First week I ran into the back of a safety police office while on campus at tallahassee community college we did the initial insurance report but she claim she wasn't hurt , I couldn't stop and when I hit her rear end I got whiplashed , this was my first car I didn't know anything about cars , the man just sold I to me with no warnings months later start receiving mail about a recall I squeduled but they never came and got the car so years later I just sold it to pick and pull cause it was in operability. On school campus
Dt: 2002, Honda Civic lx, was involved in a accident when slowing for traffic. The consumer rear ended another motorist when he attempted to slow down. The consumer hit the median, then, went across 4 lanes of traffic and hit a mountain. This resulted in a major car crash. Owner sustained 2 broken bones in the lower right leg, air bag burned. After the car went hood first into the mountain the car was revving, and gas was still flowing, then , vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was recalled prior to the wreck. It was taken to the dealership, and they were the only ones to work on the vehicle. It was always regularly maintained, and the owner saw no record of any work done concerning a recall. The accident was on the freeway instead of surface road. The consumer believed that recall 01V329000 May have been the cause of his accident.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle independently shifted out of gear while being operated at various speeds. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician flushed the transmission fluid however the failure recurred. The contact replaced the transmission however after being operated for 60,000 miles, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic lx. While driving at speeds of 80 MPH, he heard an unusual noise and shifted into third gear. He then engaged the accelerator pedal and shifted into second gear. The vehicle accelerated and as he shifted into drive, the engine exploded and flames were under the hood. The contact was able to move the vehicle off of the road and exit the vehicle without incident. He then observed fluids leaking from under the vehicle. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 133,000.
"Takata recall" I have a Honda and it has less than 100,000 miles on it and my transmission is not working. I have taken it to two different mechanics both say the same. To get in contact with Honda and to make a complaint that my car is low on miles to be giving me this kind of problems.I take really good care of my car and it is very disappointed to have this kind of a problem on a well taken car.
The consumer had the oil changed by the dealer, she drove the vehicle home, parked the vehicle in the garage and later smelled smoke coming from the garage. Upon entering the garage the consumer noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and there was a substantial amount of damage to the home.
The first thing was I noticed the temp starting to rise, immediately was shut off and radiator replaced. Few months later November of 2013, temp started to rise, didn't even get hot. Blown head gasket. It sat till July 2014, when a new motor was installed. Drove good until October 2014 when out of no where my transmission quit working!
Transmition went out at 74400 miles with no warning ⚠️ town driving took corner no 3rd or 4th gear on automatic transmition could only go20 miles an hour got it back home cost 2500 buck s to fix with hondas "good will " policy. Now it has blown cylinder head at 1400000 car loses coolant and comes out over flow tank
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and unknown warning lights flickered. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the relay switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During the assembly process, the air cleaner box cover May have been damaged, and a broken plastic piece could travel into the intake chamber.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the air cleaner box for damage. If damage is found, the dealer will locate and remove the broken plastic piece, and replace the air cleaner box lid. Owner notification began on October 25, 2001.
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Honda Civic, 7% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Civic engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-329 (engine, Oct 22, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda Civic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries 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.