The sub-frame is rusted/rotted through on the passenger-side front adjacent to oil drain plug. I went to a mechanic for a power steering system inspection and they pointed out the extent of rust damage and told me the car was unsafe to drive. I looked into the prevalence of this issue and found this is a common defect affecting only the sub-frame at the passenger-side front.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Sub frame is rotted through on passenger side front adjacent to where the oil drain plug is located. I've been taking my car to the local Honda of mentor dealership for oil changes for years. No mention of this problem when they have completed their safety checks. Most recent oil change was in the last 30 days. The sub frame is not rusting at all on the other side of the vehicle.

- Concord, OH, USA

I was changing some unrelated parts on my car when I realized my passenger side sub frame rear beam was almost completely rusted through while the driver side is fine. If this would snap it could pose a significant safety issue in my opinion. After doing some research online realized that this is a major issue with this generation of Accord.

- Findlay, OH, USA

While taking off my tires to inspect the tierods and brakes I noticed a significant amount of rust on the passenger side front end vehicle subframe directly below the air conditioner drain line. It is rusted through currently only on the top side but it is a matter of time until this progresses to the underside as well. This leaves only the lower portion to hold the suspension and engine in place. I did some research and found many others have had this problem seeming caused by the drain line being positioned directly above this piece of the subframe. I purchased this vehicle a year ago from a local Honda dealership that in hind sight definitely seemed like they were trying to get rid of a lemon. There were a number of other issues with the car (electrical, etc) and now I find this. This car was serviced at this dealership its entire life (since new) and the dealership absolutely should have noticed this subframe rotting as they performed routine oil changes, tire changes, tire rotations, etc. I believe that Honda should be responsible for this since 1) the vehicle was purchased and maintained at the Honda dealership and 2) it seems to be a significant design flaw to have the drain immediately above this area...the drivers side does not show any rust at all and appears structurally sound.

- Ellington, CT, USA

A loud, clunking sound began when I would go over uneven road or bumps in the road. This was followed by that loud, clunking noise appearing when I would turn the vehicle to the left and when I would go over bumps. Finally, the loud, clunking noise was heard at all times driving, only coming from the passenger side. When my mechanic, who specializes in foreign cars, inspected my car he said the rear subframe on the passenger side was rusted almost completely through and was knocking on the rest of the frame/beam on that side. He indicated that the air conditioning drain tube is directly above this spot. When I asked how the subframe looked on the driver side, my mechanic replied that it looked good as new. I conclude that normal wear and tear and weather elements could not be solely responsible for such rusting on one side of the vehicle - that rust damage would be on both sides. I believe that the location of the A/C drain tube is majorly responsible for this damage and should be paid for by Honda ($1500-$2000 estimate). I am extremely concerned about the my safety while in my vehicle now and need to repair this soon as I am afraid it will completely fall apart soon and very likely cause a crash. I do not see any recalls of the 2002 Honda Accord, but many complaints for the very same problem - which was fixed on later model Accord.

- Muskego, WI, USA

Your urgent response and an action needed 1.request for an immediately recall for Honda Accord LX 2002 models as having dangerous transmission problems, widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS ), and overall the cars safety or quality numerous concerns. 2.to fix the problems and refund caused damages and personal injuries due to it, refund paid purchase cost including damages, replace to a new car with included paid and damages occurred to whom it may concern, 2002 Honda Accord problems & complaints carcomplaints.com notes: The 2002 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS). We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague. The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000S model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109K miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck. Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000. The SRS warning light likes to come on due to a defective seat belt sensor -- typically the driver's side. This sensor is covered under Honda's lifetime seat belt warranty, but some dealers charge a $100+ "diagnostic fee" or tell customers the entire SRS unit ($800) is bad.

- Morrisville, NC, USA

While getting my required yearly NY state inspection (performed by a certified Honda mechanic) the subframe rear beam (cross member) was found to be unsafe and rusting out with holes on the passenger side. The mechanic told me that this was a common problem due to a design flaw that allows for the collection of water at the problem spot. It is a very expensive fix that he was surprised that Honda has not recalled because it happens so frequently and is a safety concern.. the rest of the undercarriage and frame was in good condition. Why hasn't Honda recalled this safety issue?

- Linwood, NY, USA

On August 3, notice a loud cracking sound in right front of car. Took car to Honda dealer Aug. 9. was contacted by service representative, stated front cross beam was cracked nearly into two pieces and that due to the serious dangerous condition of the car it can not be driven. I was asked to come and observe the condition. Upon arriving I asked how this could occur, car is garaged, excellent condition, well maintained. I was informed they have seen this condition before and that the air conditioning drains onto this beam making it wet all the time. They believe this helped the beam rust, in one area only, until eventually nearly breaking into 2 pieces. I asked if Honda acknowledged this defect I was told they know the drain drips on the beam and that they have seen this before but there was no recall?? I called Honda usa for assistance on this extremely dangerous safety condition, I was instructed that because of the cars age they would not assist. I was only asking for Honda to supply the part, I was willing to pay the labor costs. If this front cross beam would have broken completely through while driving it certainly would have caused a traffic crash resulting in injury or worse. I learned that Honda recognized the safety problem and changed the ac drain location in newer models years 2004 or 2005 so that it no longer drains onto the beam. This is a serious safety condition that certainly has had to result in traffic crashes, hopefully no injuries have occurred.

- Tallmadge, OH, USA

Honda has a manufacturing defect for a rear beam place. At the Honda dealership, a Honda and state of Michigan certified mechanic has certified that Honda put cars in production with a defective place for air conditioning drain. The drain from the air conditioner comes straight on the top of the rear beam and make this piece of metal corroded and rust out. The position for drain has not been manufactured in the right place. The cause is to break the rear beam and put the driver in extensive danger with having car running on less than four wheels and driving on highway can kill a person along with others may get hit with the vehicle. Repair costs $2000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA