Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
I have had my SRS light on since I purchased this car in July of 2017. My seat belts do not lock at the appropriate times. I was also involved in a wreck driving in rain on the interstate and hydroplaned. I hit a median going about 50 MPH. No air bags ejected from the impact. The results of the impact were a dented fender, replacement of the driver side control arm, new ball joints, as well as a desperately needed tire alignment. I feel if this impact was hard enough to bend the control arm then my air bags should have ejected, but I'm no mechanic. Thank you.
My daughter was driving a 2002 Honda Civic ex at 30 MPH around a slight curve to the right. The car suddenly jerked hard to the right and went off the road into a utility pole. She had attempted to steer left but the steering was entirely non-responsive. This was not a skid situation. The steering did not respond. A witness to the accident stated that the right front wheel assembly appeared to be detached as the car went off the road.
On Sunday 9-7-08 at apx. 0945 hours I was driving east on I-64 in huntington, wv at mile marker 14 on my way to church. I started to hear a flapping noise and then a grinding noise so I immediately exited at the adjacent exit #15 and pulled off the roadway. A witness saw the tire smoking and was concerned for my safety so he pulled off to help me. This good samaritan changed my tire for me and put on the small emergency donut and I proceeded to church in barboursville arriving 15 minutes late. Cooper tire was contacted and a claim for damages to my vehicle was submitted. No decision on replacement or repairs were made at the time of this complaint. The tire tread on both sides of the tire had completely separated from the lower portion of the tire. I am concerned because the other 3 tires on my Honda Civic are the same brand and model and were purchased at the same time on 5-5-08.
I purchased 2 kelly charger tires-size 215/40r17-on 10/13/03-my tires blew in June of 04 then again in July of 04. They blew once again on 10.21.04, causing a major accident on my part on 95 south. I lost control of my car and was run over by an 18 wheeler flat bed. Luckly I obviously survived with no injuries, however, I am filing this complaint because of the numerous times I had to replace the tires. The car I was driving was destroyed and I am curious regarding the liability of the manufacturing company. I have photos of the accident scene and the police report which has a statement from a witness stating that he saw my tire blow out. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, elizabeth ponte.
While driving on a highway at approx. 65 MPH, the tread separated from the tire which resulted in uncontrollable driving. No accident occurred because there was no other traffic at that time of day. Damage to the vehicle included the driver's side of the rear bumper was torn off, the steel frame to which the bumper mounts has been twisted and bent, broken driver's side tail light, dents and paint scratches are found from the rear of the car to the mirror on the driver's side. Nothing has been done to correct it. I was never notified of a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic with yokohama trz avid tires, line size p225/60r/16. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH the vehicle started to jerk and the tires started to make a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine why the failure was occurring but stated that the tires were not safe and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The tires were replaced. The dot or VIN were not available. The failure and current mileage was 106,000.
All four tires wore out prematurely which resulted in the vehicle sliding when driving on wet surfaces. Goodyear indicated that it was a factory defect and was willing to pay half for a new set of tires. The vehicle could not gain enough traction. The consumer was told that two more tires would be needed. The consumer requested compensation for all four tires.
The car was purchased new on April 20, 2002. Since the very first day several problems were discovered which Honda has been unable to resolve. One ongoing problem is a vibration at 55 MPH in the steering wheel, which Honda has attributed to a wheel balance problem and tire problem. The car has been serviced 14 times by Honda and Firestone (tire manufacturer) and merchant tire (balance). Honda tried to balance the wheels and after several failed attempts told me it was a problem with faulty tires (OEM). Honda told me they could do nothing further about the problem and told me I had to take care of the problem on my own with the tire manufacturer despite the fact that the car was obviously still under Honda warranty. None of the balancing solved the problem and Honda told me it must be defective (original) tires. …
I have had four flat tires within three months due to valve stem failure. These were tires purchased from sears at the end of 2006. Fortunately, the deflations occurred when the car was parked, so there were no accidents as a result. Sears replaced the valve stems for me, but their personnel professed to be mystified concerning the reason for the repeated valve stem failures. After the fourth failure, I did some research online and found about the defective stems made in china and sold by dill. I examined what I could see of my valve stems; three were chrome, but one was rubber, and the cap said "dill." I returned to sears with a news release about the valve-stem recall. The man who waited on me kept saying that the problem had occurred a long time ago and couldn't be affecting my tires now. …
After the first years maintenance tires were rotated. Since then I have had numerous steering problems. I do not feel I have safe control of vehicle while driving. Contacted dealership and service as done again for free. Dealership stated a wheel alignment was needed. This still did not correct the problem. I still have steering problems and it feels unsafe at times I am nervous during turns. At one point when I'm at a light and press gas wheels steer off without control. This has happened a number of times. At one point another driver told me smoke was coming from my wheel I looked and saw no problem since it hasn't occurred but steering is still an issue. Date below is most recent issue. I am notifying before a accident occurs. Dealership tested and stated there is no more problem but yet I feel unsafe since first maintenance at dealership. Before then car was excellent. …
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Honda Civic, 3% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Civic wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to wheels & tires 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.