On November 4, 2006, I was turning the corner going up a ramp when my 2002 Honda Civic ex steering wheel locked up in the right turn position. I was heading off of the ramp to the right when I jerked the steering wheel back straight to find that the key in the ignition and my other car key on the same ring were bent terribly and unusable. It appeared to me that the other car key had somehow gotten lodged in the steering column causing the wheel to lock up and, after a jerk from me, bent and freed the wheel. Upon looking at the column, there are 2 holes in the column itself, and 2 holes in the cruise control console on the steering wheel that it appeared to me the key could have gotten lodged in. I started thinking of the more serious consequences such as if I had hit someone or my wife or daughter were traveling with me. So I called american Honda and spoke with kenitra. She suggested that I take the vehicle to a local Honda dealer, which I did, and she would follow up. We then spoke again and she said there was no record of anything like this ever happening to this vehicle. She said she herself went out and looked at her friends 2002 Civic to try and understand where the key could have gotten lodged and couldn't find any conceivable place. She said that the best she could figure is that my knee either bumped the key or that I had too long of a keychain, or too many keys on the ring. I told her that my knee did not bump the key and that the keyring was an average length and I had owned and used it for a very long time without incident. I didn't feel that Honda took my concern seriously or really checked into this. It really happened and was terrifying. I am afraid it may happen again.

- Massillon, OH, USA

2002 Honda Civic involved in vehicle accident.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

The car was purchased new on April 20, 2002. Since the very first day several problems were discovered which Honda has been unable to resolve. One ongoing problem is a vibration at 55 mph in the steering wheel, which Honda has attributed to a wheel balance problem and tire problem. The car has been serviced 14 times by Honda and Firestone (tire manufacturer) and merchant tire (balance). Honda tried to balance the wheels and after several failed attempts told me it was a problem with faulty tires (oem). Honda told me they could do nothing further about the problem and told me I had to take care of the problem on my own with the tire manufacturer despite the fact that the car was obviously still under Honda warranty. None of the balancing solved the problem and Honda told me it must be defective (original) tires. Firestone them replaced 3 tires under warranty and the problem still persisted. They attempted to balance the wheels 2 more times. I went back to Honda and they balanced the wheels again with no success and they would not investigate the problem further. There are several other problems. One is a problem with hissing and static in the radio reception when the rear window defogger is on (since new). Honda replaced the radio and defogger switch but the problem is still there. Another problem is a visibility problem in the rear window (since new). A hazy sticky film develops on the rear window. It is very difficult to clean with household glass cleaner. Another problem is that the original Honda floor mat wore right through when the car was not even a year old. I had to purchase a whole set for about $90. The drivers seat upholstery also began to wear prematurely. Another problem that developed over the past year is a damp moldy musty odor coming from the air conditioner/heater vents. The odor is sometimes strong and when I turn on the ac or heater it makes me cough and feel ill. I am very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Multiple manufacturing defects in a car which was purchased new and about which Honda of America does not seem concerned.

- Sterling, VA, USA

Fuel gauge shows "empty" when there are 3+ gallons in the tank

- Nashville, TN, USA

While driving at 30 mph, battery and oil light illuminated. Then, engine died. Another driver almost rear ended consumer. Dealer has been contacted.

- Beaumont, TX, USA