Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had been driving for approximately 30 minutes. As I drove along I-575 - a 4-lane highway - I noticed a kind of power surge from my engine. My speedometer registered 80 MPH! I applied the brakes but was unable to slow the car more than 20-30 MPH, and then it started to creep back up. I exited at that point, knowing I needed help. I was still going much too fast. I looked for a service station and not only was there none, within seconds I was faced with a red light with 4 lanes of cross traffic (george busby parkway) - I couldn't stop the car! So I took it off the road in a controlled crash, going over the curb, 6 or so feet of grass, a huge hedge, and crashed into a very tall, mature crape myrtle. Thank god the car finally stopped. I was fortunate the crape myrtle consisted of multiple trunks rather than being an oak or similar. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Honda CR-v. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. However, the contact's vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. With the motor still running and the brake pedal depressed, the contact's vehicle accelerated and crashed into the vehicle a second time. While attempting to move the vehicle, a service worker experienced the same failure. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The driver sustained an injured left arm and eye irritation, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000. ...updated 05/17/17 the consumer stated due to no codes showing up after the failure; the failure is never investigated. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Honda CR-v. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to slow the vehicle. The contact crashed into a guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The contact sustained scratches and bruises to the upper arm and body that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V370000 (air bags) and 15V320000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Three bolts hold on the clutch master cylinder cover.one bolt head head was sheared/blown off upon depressing the clutch pedal when starting the car. Brake fluid leaked out. Clutch was inoperable and power braking diminished. The clutch master cylinder was replaced and 11 months later the same incident occurred. The bolt head position that was blown/sheared off was the same in both incidents.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V136000 (exterior lighting) and NHTSA campaign number: 15V320000 (air bags) however, the brake warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
I own a 2002 Honda CR-v which has a disk brake defect. All 4 disk brake calipers are developing corrosion inside of the pistions. The dealer replaced the rear pads and rotors because they had worn and frozen to the wear indicators after 13,000 miles. They stated that they were "insufficiently lubricated" from the factory and added more grease to take care of the binding condition. The front ones are now showing the same signs of failure after 15,000 miles. Is there a way to persue that the dealer replace all 4 brake calipers due to the corrosion defect? My concern is that the pistons inside of the calipers are rusting through and May fail, causing accident/injury.
When applying pressure to the brake pedal a "clanking" noise is heard. Dealer has to replace the clips that hold the brake pads in place. Approximately two months after purchasing the vehicle consumer heard and felt a loud clunk noise in the brakes. Dealership advised this was a "normal characteristic" of the brakes. Now a year and a half later, they state there is a "fix" for the problem. Now they use clips to hold the caliper pads in place to keep them from moving. Consumer questioned if this was normal why is there fix for it.
A few months after buying the CR-v I have noticed a strange clacking noise around the front wheels mainly when slowly bumping into speed-bumps or during some sudden low-speed braking. I have reported the strange sound twice to Honda service personnel during maintenance service visits and they have told me that the sound is characteristic to this model without attempting to troubleshoot the issue or file it into the car service report.
ABS light came on intermittently in 2002 Honda crv. Honda wanted $500 to replace ABS control unit. I called Honda customer service, and Honda agreed to fix the problem for $100 deductible. I think this is a safety issue--this should not be happening in a 5-year-old vehicle--and I wonder if it is a common occurrence.
While approaching an intersection and without prior warning. Another vehicle jumped in front of consumer causing him to apply brakes. The other vehicle hit him from the side. Front driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Dealer was aware of problem. Please fill in addition problem.
Brake complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Honda CR-V, 5% of the model year's 515 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › pads (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda CR-V brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Honda CR-V, though it has 15 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 CR-V brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.