10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 125,980 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
While completing a routine oil change in a 2002 Honda Accord coupe ex, noticed the sub frame passenger side completely rusted in half (approximately 4-5 inch section). Rust caused by ac condensation from drain located directly above sub frame. Remaining frame in excellent condition.
- Kingsland, GA, USA
When I purchased my 2002 ex Honda Accord in 2015; I thought I was getting a reliable dependable car. Honda is know for its reliability but little did I know that the whole sub-frame (front & back was fully rusted). My SRS warning light comes on quite often. The A/C drain I strongly believe was installed improperly which causes the sub-frame to rust and crack. I bought the car with only 82,358 miles and purchased a extended warranty through Honda dealership which my powertrain only covered up to 90,000 miles. I had taken the car for its first oil change which was at 91,000 miles and all of a sudden I started to have powertrain problems. Even though on my bill of sale it stated as is Honda dealership knew that a customers such as myself would look under the body of the car. I went online and have read numerous complaints about the same problem I was having with this model & year. Also their extended warranty problem was an issue. Why is the federal government & states allowing Honda to sell a car with improperly installed A/C drain, sub-frame rotting & crack issues, transmission failure, defective seat belt sensor. I pray that no one dies from this vehicle. 1999-2002 models. I'm a mother of four with a non-curable disease and I just want my car to be fully repaired at the expense of Honda. Driving on the highway and turning is dangerous for me to be operating but this is my only means of transportation. My mechanic has to me I shouldn't have purchase this vehicle but I didn't realize that Honda would do there customers wrong like this just for a profit!!!!
- Englewood, NJ, USA
While brake work was being done on the 2002 Honda Accord ex, the mechanic noticed that the engine sub-frame was badly worn and in danger of collapse. The car cannot be moved safely.
- Beverly, MA, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 40 mph, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the vehicle veered in the opposite direction. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the axle, tie rod, and bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.
- Lancaster, SC, USA
My SRS light is on... does that have to do with the recall of the airbag problem"??", I constantly deal with steering problems. Replaced my struts at least twice!!! I really would like to get some help!!! the SRS light came on a couple of months ago when I go in my car to go somewhere as it sat over night!
- Stoughton, MA, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving various speeds, a clunking sound emitted from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician stated that the drain for the air conditioner leaked onto the subframe and caused it to become rusted and fractured. The technician also stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and the part was unable to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond between second and third gears without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission slipped; however, a repair was not provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
My Accord is suffering from some severe rust on the passenger side sub frame. I recently discovered that it is worse than I had thought. The rust affects the area in which the sway bar is mounted to the frame, where the lower control arm is mounted, and also supports the engine. It is my understanding that this is a common problem with this year/make/model, caused by an A/C drain hose. I am concerned about my safety and hope Honda hears my/our concerns.
- Plattsburgh, NY, USA
Driving around 60 M/P/H on 08/12/15, a bang came from the right passenger side of the car. When I got home I inspected the problem. The engine sub-frame had rotten and fell apart, I was very lucky I did'nt have a bad accident. I went online and found out that Honda had it ac drainpipe directs water, which is right onto the sub-frame in this section, which cause it to rust out faster than the rest of the frame. I will be getting it repaired, because my granddaugther need this car to get work & college. Honda motor should repay me. I understand that Honda know about this problem some years ago. (1999 - 2002 problem).
- West Henrietta, NY, USA
The rear beam of the front sub frame has completely rusted through on the passenger side of the car. This location directly affects the sway bar bushing mount as well as a body attachment to the sub frame. The car was exhibiting a squeaking/clunking noise during turns and has increased in frequency in a short matter of time. The rest of the front sub frame shows no signs of rust or damage while the passenger side is completely destroyed. It appears that the cause may be linked to the location of the ac drain hose directly above this location.
- Allendale, MI, USA
The rear front sub-frame or cross member of my vehicle has rusted out on the passengers side due to the A/C dripping on that certain part of the vehicle. The drivers side is almost in perfect condition. This is happening to all the models 98-02. If something isn't done there will be an accident. The repairs are very expensive and it's almost impossible to find a used part because this happens to all the vehicles. It's my understanding that Honda knows about it but only address when asked, they have not informed the public of this potential hazard. It is an engineering flaw of Honda's that is going to get someone hurt. Toyota did the right thing with their trucks when the frames were splitting in half, Honda should as well. 2002 Honda Accord ex coupe.
- Powell, OH, USA
As I slowed to make a U-turn (turning the steering wheel left) on a residential street, the right front lower ball joint broke. The car collapsed on to that wheel and the engine stalled. The right axle was pulled out in the process. As I waited for the tow truck I looked and noticed the shaft where the screw connects to the ball joint was split in half. It was a loud frightening moment and now that wheel was sticking out away from the car with the other still in place. I lifted the car up with the jack...the cars fender edge collapsed onto that tire and I was afraid the sharp pressure could make it blow. I am thankful this happened on a residential street with no traffic at a low speed. I had just finished driving the car about 20 miles that morning and wondered what if this would have broken on me on the freeway going through a hilly curve or hitting a pothole. The car was able to be repaired. The ball joint and axle where replaced but it could have been worst was the message the tow truck driver told me, and I knew it also.
- San Jose, CA, USA
I dropped my car off at the mechanic's to have my upper ball joints replaced. Bob called me with an estimate and I gave him the go ahead to complete the repair. Sadly, he called me back 2 hours later to tell me that there was no sense in spending the money on the repair because the subframe on the passenger side of the car was completely rusted out and that the car would soon fall apart. He said that he had never seen damage like that before, that it was odd for a car of that age, and that the rest of the car was in good condition. He advised me to contact Honda to see if any recalls had been issued. I searched online and found no recalls (as you know) but found many complaints from others documenting the same issues.
- Superior, WI, USA
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
During a professional safety inspection, the certified mechanic spotted rotted/rusted suspension cross K-frame "rear beam" (part #: 50200-S84-A00) on the passenger/right side. Immediate replacement is recommended. I was also told that such replacement should not been done typically if no accident involved. Esp., since severe corrosion happened only on the passenger/right side, it might be related to the design of the drainage of the A/C right above the rusted part.
- Hershey, PA, 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
I was driving down the road when the car began to shake in the front. Upon inspection at a local Firestone autocare center, it was discovered that the right side of the sub frame was rotted away and ready to collapase. I was told at the Honda dealer it was a common problem and there was nothing they could do for me. This car is in very good condition yet the frame is rotted through. Im told its due to Honda design and that the A/C drain hose is likely the culprit. Dont they have an obligation to the consumers who trust them and buy their product to inform them of something so dangerous
- Mexico, NY, 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
I jus got into the vehicle in a parking lot along hugh howell rd reverse from out of my parking space as soon as I put the vehicle in drive I heard a loud revved coming from the engine the car then sped off I tried to stopped it but they brakes would not stop it. About 30-40ft it crashes into a guard rail. Both airbag deploy. Damage front bumper, front passenger door and left front axle.
- Stone Mountain, GA, USA
- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA