9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,330
Average Mileage:
110,700 miles
Total Complaints:
281 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace transmission (139 reports)
  2. rebuild transmission (64 reports)
  3. not sure (53 reports)
  4. replaced transmission, Honda covered cost of parts (9 reports)
  5. open a case with honda corporate (7 reports)
  6. scrapped car (4 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1

Oct 172007

(reported on)

Civic LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

2002 Honda Civic LX, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE 140,000Km Vehicle serviced routinely at dealership. Transmission serviced BY Honda at 90,000Km

Always had a concern with the way car shifted from slowing down to accelerating - slight bump noticed occasionally. Asked dealer about this (early in the warranty period), he stated this was common in the civic not really a cause for concern. Was probably an early warning sign but Honda took the path of least resistance. Be warned if you have this symptom.

Anyway, just out of power train warranty, I'm faced with a $3000 bill. Tried to locate a used transmission but no one has any in stock! Auto wreckers indicate that Honda vehicles from 2001 on, the transmissions are built so poorly they cannot keep any on the shelf - demand is so high. Consequently they sell at a premium; $1200 - $1400 with only a 4 month warranty (however still the same junky transmission).

I would recommend going with a used tranny and sell. However if you plan to keep the car for any length of time then I'd suggest to spend a little more and find a good transmission specialist who can rebuild, put in some decent parts and hopefully get you some extended life.

The Honda name for a good quality vehicle is a myth. Just read the ton other Honda complaints on this website.

That's my $0.02 worth.

- Lorne V., Chilliwack, BC, Canada