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 Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 30 MPH on a smooth road the vehicle suddenly pulled to the right then to the left and struck a vehicle on the opposite lane. There was no warning. Everything was working until the time of the incident. The driver sustained broken ribs and the two children in the back seat sustained bruises and cuts. The vehicle was a totaled .
During last year ny state inspection, a technician said, the two front strut was leaked; later on when I am driving the car, I can hear a noise and feel it uncomfortable and unsafe. So this year inspection in pep boys (store id # 1072), I was asked to replace the two, by monroe part # 71433/71434, $204.39 per unit.
I bought a 2002 Honda Civic ex in 2002. The car always sort of jumped when the automatic transmission changed gears. I did tell the service people about this at the first few required services. They made off like it was just normal so I dropped complaining. The car now has 130K miles and 4 days ago the transmission broke down. I found that this could have been from a number of issues from your site. I spoke with the service mgr at leith Honda in raleigh where my car was towed. He emphatically states that there is no service issue with the 2002 Honda Civic transmissions. My car was serviced as required in fact since I use synthetic oil more than required. I has been taken to Honda dealerships for big mile check ups or other reputable service places for normal oil changes. …
I purchased my Honda Civic brand new in February of 2002. I had my right front strut replaced the first time on April 8, 2003. I had to have the same right front strut replaced again on February 22, 2004. My car went out of warranty in 2005, however I still noticed that the automobile did not seem to handle bumps/holes in the road very well, shaking and rattling with every one. Being a fairly young driver, and this being my very first car, I did not realize that this was an actual problem - I just thought that it was the way the car handled. I had the car looked at for another reason not too long ago and was informed by my mechanic that this was not normal and was due to yet again a suspension/strut problem. I have encountered several Honda Civic owners, especially within this particular generation of Civic that have had the same problem as I have. I believe the parts to be defective.
Took my 2002 Civic to the dealer for road vibration, audible popping from front end when applying the brakes (includes feeling the "pop" through the brake pedal) clunking and popping when turning the steering wheel, clunking and popping when encountering any bumps. Symptoms are getting progressively worse. Advised by dealer that this is a problem with the Civic......May take upwards of three weeks to get parts......May eventually turn into a recall.......meanwhile, contrary to anyone with any type of common sense, Honda expects us to keep driving the car. I asked if they would recommend anyone ignoring the symptoms,...they said no!. But still expect me to drive the vehicle. Typical attitude that nothing will be done until someone gets killed!
Tl contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic. The contact stated that when large amounts of morning dew were on the windshield and rear window, it was hard to remove. The failure only occurred on cold mornings. The contact used the windshield wipers, but the dew remained. The defroster would take a long time to activate and the interior glass would clear up, but the outside glass would remain fogged. The contact called Honda care and took the vehicle to the dealer, but neither could correct the failure. The current and failure mileages were 42,000. Updated 01-14-08. The brakes made a noise when the consumer applied the brakes, the suspension felt rough. The dealer was unable to duplicate the consumer concerns. Updated 12/12/07.
(1) crunching sound with any bumps in the road (2) the damage to right front tire, the cv boot & shaft, was due to defective strut coming loose. (3) all parts were replaced under warranty that was within the 1st year of ownership, with 3,000 miles on the car. This again happened again in 2006 on the left side, with 25,000 miles on the car, this time they said it had a defective cv joint shaft & boot was twisting with left side shock being defective & damaged also. Honda dealer paid for all but 300.00 to replace & repair all that they found. This 2002 Honda Civic lx still has a crunching sound in the front end with bumps & turns after repair 6 weeks ago.
I was hearing noises the passenger side of my 2002 Honda Civic. I took to heritage Honda in westminster, md to have them check it out. The dealership informed me the passenger side strut was defective and had to be replaced. It has been six weeks since the original complaint and the strut has not been replaced. I contacted Honda motor car in california, they admitted to a problem with the strut, but said it was not a defect or recall. I file a case with Honda. This a safety issue and should be addressed.
Tl* - the contact stated that the passenger side strut was leaking. The contact called Honda and was told that this was an issue but, their is no recall because it is not a safety issue. The contact took the car to the dealer, who is willing to replace the part at no charge but the contact will have to pay for the labor and alignment.
Problems with right front strut. Dealer was contacted and stated and that they don't have the part on stock and they have a back order. Manufacture was contacted and has stated the same thing as the dealer .also stated that this only happens on the to door coupe ex. Ts no date yet for repairs.
Suspension complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Honda Civic, 5% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is front › macpherson strut (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Civic suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries 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.