Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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).
Shortly after we purchased our Honda 2002 CR-v in October 2014 we noticed the driver's seat was loose: it actually rocks a bit: and upon investigation found that the bolts securing it to the floor could not be tightened without removing the entire seat. The seat is still loose. More recently we learned that there had been a recall, NHTSA campaign id number: 02V251000. The defect can lead to the seat failing to remain anchored to the floor in a crash. The information on the NHTSA website says that only two [sic] vehicles were affected by the defect, and that the owners were notified by telephone. We would like to know whether the recall applies to our vehicle. How should we proceed?
[redacted] calhoun ga 30701 my A/C compressor has went out again for the 3rd time. We have paid Honda hennessy of woodstock a total of $6000.00 in the past 5 years for this. We bought this Honda CR-v with only 3 miles. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Also my driver side seat reclines back and forth with out even using the latch. My door locks do not even work they have had to be pried open and I have to leave the key in the ignition switch or it won't start. Invalid VIN '
Ever since I have had my car the headlights burn out within 3-4 months. Change one, the other goes out. Averaging 2000.00 over the lifetime of owning my car. The front drivers seat's bolt broke...the service manager said it was bc of weight...I weigh 135# I had to pay to have my seat fixed. Not my fault!! My seat belt will not buckle until the 4-5 try..it keeps on bouncing out of the clicker.
The drivers seat is loose. It rocks back and forth when driving and when still. It is not solidly installed and can be shaken to the point where it looks like the seat can actually detach from its mounting. This is definitely a defect because there are many other people who are experiencing these same symptoms in their 2002 Honda CR-vs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda CR-v. While driving various speeds, the driver's seat became unstable and rocked back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Driver seat rocks like a rocking chair. Cannot be repaired without replacing rails and seat.
Repeated mechanical failures of the 2002 Honda crv that I bought brand new have been occurring since August of 2002. The car was bought in July of 2002. The odor from the inside cabin filter first occurred in August. The fuse to the warning devise that would alert the driver to lights being left on, etc. Went out within 3-4 months. Then major items which had to be replaced: differential, 2004(though still under warranty, Honda refused to replace it for 2 years), neck of fuel tank broke, 2006, air conditioning system, 2007, driver-side window fell off track because the plastic clamp cracked, 2008, catalytic converter, 2009, o2 sensor, 2009, driver's seat unstable since 2003, SRS slowly went out beginning with intermittent warnings about side door air bag being turned off beginning in 2003 which dealerships ignored as just an occurence from something or someone bumping against the closed …
I purchased my 2002 Honda CR-v used from a local Honda dealer. The driver seat rocked back and forth from the date of my purchase in 2003. A mechanic at the Honda dealer on a routine oil change said that it was broken, and that it would be a $300 plus repair. I haven't done it, because I figured for a car only having 20,000 miles on it should be under warranty, and they should have caught it when it went through the "certified" warranty program. My seat belt on the driver seat won't lock, unless I repeatedly put the clip in and out, and then it will finally engage after 8 to 10 tries. Again, it has been a problem since I purchased it, and I believe that it should have been taken care of in the "certified" warranty program. …
The driver's seat is loose, due to defective seat-track parts. This causes the seat to rock back and forth. In an accident, this could cause an exaggerated movement that the occupant would encounter, in my opinion. The seat rocks back and forth approximately 1/2 of an inch (estimate). I have removed the seat and discovered that metal bushings that are part of links that connect the upper seat track assembly to the lower seat track assembly are broken and worn, thus allowing too much play in the pivot bolts. The current mileage on the car is approx. 162000. This problem first started occurring around 50000 miles. When I went to get a state inspection last year, the inspector noticed it and said it should be fixed. That is what I am doing now.
My 2002 Honda crv's front drivers seat has been rocking or moving slightly as I drive around. I went to get my crv inspected in virginia as is required every year, but was rejected. He said the seat has to be fixed, it rocks. It seems to me if it failed to pass the virginia state inspection, then it is a safety hazard. I went on the Honda owners club forum and saw that other owners had the same problem. I called the Honda recall center, but there has been no recalls nor campaigns regarding loose/rocking driver seats. It must be a safety issue if it failed the state inspection. I'd like for Honda to fix my seat so it does not rock with out charge. I have owned hondas for about 25 years, now.
Related recalls
Seats
On certain sport utility vehicles, the front seat anchorage nut strength is insufficient because the nuts were installed improperly.
Remedy: Telephone calls were made to each owner and the vehicles have been replaced.
Seat complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2002 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the seats of the 2002 Honda CR-V, 5% of the model year's 515 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda CR-V seat problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-251 (seats, Sep 17, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda CR-V seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
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.