Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Shaking at different speeds wheels feel like they are going to fly off crv. Torque converter shuttering cause tires to shake uncontrollable. Torque converter shakes so bad causes other problems with crv. This major safety issue been for years with Honda. Honda knows it. They just passing time. Then to fix it solve the problem for hundreds even thousands of people There transmission is flawed because their so many on the road they won't recall a transmission because the money. They scammed people . Even if you put new transmission or torque converter you end up with the same problem because it's poorly made. No one should have to drive a vehicle that shakes and makes the wheels feel like they going to fall off. If you don't find that major safety issue then this department isn't doing it's job.. stop letting these car mandatories get away with bad vehicles.
While I was shopping, my parked crv popped out of gear, going from park to neutral. It then rolled backwards into another parked vehicle. I left my crv in park, and it is impossible to have removed the key unless it was in park. Honda readily agrees this to be the case. Honda has torn my car apart, searching for the cause, and come up with nothing. Subsequently, I have seen many news reports of Honda's "popping" out of gear, and I am afraid. I drive a treacherous mountain/canyon road to and from work each day; I cannot afford to have this happen on that road, for all reports indicate that the driver loses control of the vehicle when it happens. I am thankful that my crv was parked when it popped out of gear.
Vehicle jumped out of park and crashed into farming equipment on private property. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that some of the transmission parts were corroded. Honda didn't inform the consumer of the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for months with a complaint of difficulty shifting. The consumer was almost rear ended twice because the vehicle wouldn't shift from reverse to drive.
Consumer states while vehicle was parked and without any indication it rolled backwards. The mechanic informed the consumer the shift cable was dirty which May have caused the vehicle to roll.
My 2002 Honda crv has only been serviced by Honda dealerships. All maintanence has been performed according to their schedule, yet just after 50,000 miles the dealer says my transmission needs replacement. I was driving at 30 MPH and accelerated to pass a car when the vehicle violently shuddered. I pulled over immediately to check the car and found no leaking fluid, no warning lights, but the sound of metal pieces rolling around the transmission when I depress the gas...even with the vehicle in "park." after so many recalls on this vehicle, not to mention other problems that ocurred and were repaired during the warranty, I do not feel confident in my purchase of this vehicle. If a transmission failure of this type were to occur at high speeds, loss of control could have resulted in a crash. Thank goodness traffic was light when this happened!
Prior to turning over 50,000 miles, the transmission failed. While driving down the interstate, the vehicle shuddered and began making a whine. Pulled over immediately and heard the sound of metal pieces rolling around in the transmission no matter what gear vehicle was in. No warning light indication had occurred. Had the vehicle towed to Honda dealer and mechanic stated that the torque converter had failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. Manufacture warranty had expired, estimated cost was 3500 for part and 700 for labor. I feel it should be covered by Honda since a failure should not have occured this soon in the lifespan of the vehicle.
Tl*- while stopped at a traffic light the contact put the 2002 Honda CR-v into park and then switched the gear back to drive, but the shift locked into gear and would not switch over to drive. The contact had experienced the failure 3 times this year. The contact took vehicle to the dealership, and they replaced a fuse. The contact was not sure which fuse they replaced because he did not have a copy of the invoice. The failure mileage was 52,000 and the current mileage was 52,000. Update
Transmission problems, vehicle hard to shift. The consumer received a recall notice regarding the automatic transmission shift cable. The consumer took the vehicle to have the repair made, in which is was supposedly completed the same day, however on aug 9th 2004, the vehicle accelerated from a parked position and crashed into a wall. The consumer did not believe the recall was performed completely, however the dealer stated otherwise.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle at his residence, he left the key in the ignition and within a few minutes when he returned to take the keys out of the vehicle, it was rolling backwards. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. No injuries were reported. The police did not respond. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 105,000.
The gear shifter became hard to shift at times, the consumer was told to make sure the brake was pressed hard enough when the gear was placed into park or being taken out of park. Three weeks later the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle rolled while still in park, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the consumer was told the part was exposed to elements which caused it to rust.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
Remedy: Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on August 19, 2003. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Honda CR-V, 5% of the model year's 515 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-274 (automatic transmission, Jul 29, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.