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 CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, a grayish-white smoke began to emit from underneath the engine without warning. As the vehicle began to smoke, the contact lost complete power steering also without warning. With excessive force, the contact was able to drive the vehicle into an independent mechanic as the contact heard a loud booming sound emit from the vehicle. The independent mechanic discovered that the serpentine belt had snapped in half which the mechanic linked to his defective air conditioner compressor. The contact initially emailed Honda customer service about the defect and a representative called him back to inform him that a letter in regards to the failure would be sent to him. The contact had yet to receive the letter. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,137. …
Car in driveway. Not driven for 3 days, just not needed but working. During day, car caught on fire. Fire inspectors was unable to determine the cause due to the extent of damage. They believed it could have been electrical. Fire concentrated in dash and engine area. Windshield blew during fire. Have owned this car since new, for 17 years. 140,000 miles.
I am filing a report due to oil that was leaked onto the exhaust system of my car and resulted in my car catching on fire. This damage has been attributed to oil filter gaskets that have not been properly removed. I have contacted Honda, and they have only offered to provide me with a letter explaining that it is best to have my oil change at their dealership. I feel it is a manufacture defect to have a car model that is prone to oil filter gaskets sticking, only to result in oil leakages and finally car fires. Such practices are not only dangerous, but it is unethical to market a product to the public that poses such danger. Furthermore, not all Honda buyers are notified. I bought my Honda used, and never receive and such letters or updates, being unknowingly exposed to harm. I'm outraged.
We bought this car in March, 2013. Now in 2014, we noticed the ac wasn't working we attempted to recharge it with freon, but I was told the compressor needed to be replaced. The compressor was replace, the condenser, lines, ex valve, even a sensor. Pretty much all the ac system has been replace. Now we have noticed that once the compressor is on. It causes the engine to stall while driving or making turns. It feels as if the compressor will cause the engine to turn off. As if not bad enough once the car is on park with ac on the compressor will shut-off and the ac will start blowing a humid-smelly air. Once it does this, the compressor's emergency valve will open and flush some freon. It is a very serious safety hazard. I don't feel safe driving the car with my family in it. Specially now that I've read about all the other recalls and complains. …
I am asking your assistance with a problem with my Honda crv. I took my Honda in for the airbag recall on September 1, 2015. Was told it was accomplished and drove home in the evening to discover that my Honda had no oil in it. (the checklist provided by the service technician showed that my oil was fine.) not only is the ABS light back on but my car has now developed a throttle issue. A copy of my September 17, 2015 letter to both the local Honda dealer and their corporate offices follows.at least as much of it as your form allows. I have not had the courtesy of a response from either. September 17, 2015 "Honda corporate offices via fax [phone] princeton Honda via fax [phone] I am simply going to present the facts. I do not want any telephone calls. I will accept e-mail correspondence on the matter only. …
I have a Honda CR-v 2002. On 09-22-2008 the A/C compressor exploded. I went on-line and checked this issue. It was a Honda factory defect which cause a lot of compressor failure. I read a lot of Honda customer reports from www.topix.com. In many cases Honda paid from 80%-100% of cost. I called Honda America [phone] and opened case number # n 012008-09-2300147. My case person is a mr. Darrell harville and his boss is mrs. Holly muhammed. I have talk to them many times and told them that I know this on going defect issue with A/C compressors. I asked them to pay 100% cost because of Honda factory defect. They offered pay $ 1800 and I have to pay $ 1200 to the ed morse Honda dealership. I told them "no" because I am not paying for Honda factory defect. I requested 4 times to talk to mrs. Holly muhammed (general manager) but she didn't responded to me yet. I live in south florida. …
We own a 2002 Honda . The air conditioning compressor and other parts involving the air conditioning went out in 2005 (oct) just after the warranty expired. We had it all replaced. They called it "goodwill" and we did not have to pay for it. Yesterday July 14, 2008 it appears to have gone out again, the same way as before. I went to an online board on edmonds and read up on all the complaints that they have had with the 2002-2004 (maybe later) compressors blowing up and shooting pieces of metal all over causing other parts to break. There is obviously a serious condition with hondas air conditioning compressors! They have not done a recall on them, but from what I hear some get them replaced for free (as did we) but only the first time, after that it costs them apx $3,000 to replace everything involved. This is happening too frequently to be normal. Some said it was every 40,000 miles. …
I am the original owner of a 2002 Honda CR-v which has an air conditioner failure at 86,000 miles. All components need to be replaced. It was first noticeable with a rattling noise under the hood - needs compressor, dryer, receiver, condenser etc replaced for around $1000-2200 at an independent mechanic. Dealer is approx. $2500-3500 which I have not pinned down yet. Am. Honda will do nothing. Mileage should not be a factor here; Honda manufactured a defective part and should pay the entire repair amount. I am sure if am. Honda rep. Was faced with same situation, he would be demanding payment as well. Hope for definitive class action lawsuit. Also, oxygen sensor needs to be replaced and door locks will no longer work therefore you cannot lock the car. Have replaced tail lights 3x in a year and now Honda says it needs a socket replacement. …
2002 Honda crv: I was making a turn from a stop light, into the freeway on ramp, and I heard a loud gear dragging sound from the engine compartment. I lost power steering and the car and it was pulling to the right. I immediately attempted to pull over just as I was ascending on to the on ramp, however the engine stalled and smoke was visible coming from the engine bay before I could safely pull over to the shoulder. I had to put the gear on neutral and push the car to the shoulder. It was nerve racking with my wife and two kids in the car. I noticed that fluid was leaking underneath the car. I inspected all the fluid levels and realized that it was from an air conditioner compressor failure, which caused the accessory belt to drag and stall the engine. The vehicle restarted but ac was not functional.
I had the A/C compressor replaced at 31000 miles at the local dealer under warranty .then the compressor went out again around 4/30/05 at 68320 miles and talked to several mechs. At dealers and they told me that Honda told them to replace everything hoses lines & etc. After they fixed mine the first time at 31000 miles now it is 37000 + later and having to get another compressor replaced I guess every 30000 miles they will need to be replaced thought Honda was a better vehicle than that. Cant get help from dealership yet. Sad thing is it's almost paid for guess I will fix it and then trade this car being Honda isn't what they use to be very unhappy hope they get there problems fixed soon to many 02's A/C problems thanks m.p.
Engine complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Honda CR-V, 13% of the model year's 515 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda CR-V engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 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.