2002 Honda Accord Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,050 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 141,478miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Honda Accord, 2% of the 1,050 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,478 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall: my transmission of my vehicle needs to be replaced because a faulty part was used in the vehicle. The transmission slips and will cost $3,000 to fix because Honda used a bad part. Honda has recalled transmissions in Honda accords years in close proximity of the vehicles year. They however did not do this one and I feel like I shouldn't have to pay for their mistake.”
NHTSA complaint #11079160, filed 2018-03, 86,000 miles“When iam traveling with my and my wife because of transmission problem in my Honda Accord 2002 gears are not changing .as Honda company know abt this transmission issue ( like know issue) and for fixing this we need to spend almost 5000$ .but we can't if Honda company know this is common issue why they are not recalling those types of cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10535440, filed 2013-08, 190,000 miles“I was driving in traffic and my car's d4 light began blinking and when I would slow down to a complete stop the car would jerk before coming to a stop. I had to restart the car to get it to stop jerking. This has happened maybe 4 times before and I took it to someone and they said that the transmission could be going and I would need a new one. There are thousands of complaints about the transmissions on these older Honda accords, and I think it is about time they do something to fix this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10532714, filed 2013-07, 148,761 miles“My Honda was idling as I was clearing the snow off of the vehicle. When I got into my car, I could smell exhaust fumes, I assumed it was because it was idling. As I drove home, the smell faded, so I did not pay much attention to it. On 1/31/15 I had my car inspected & the oil changed. Aside from having the brakes & rotors replaced, all was well & the car passed inspection. On 2/8/15 I was driving home from the grocery store. Suddenly my oil light starts to blink & the smell of exhaust fumes becomes over whelming. I opened my windows & continued home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10682782, filed 2015-02, 130,500 miles“I have Honda Accord 2002 which has been regularly serviced by Honda dealers. I recently got my 120k service done and spend about $1000 on service and parts. At that time everything was diagnosed ok. After couple of months driving the engine light came on. I went to the dealer and was told that my car needs transmission replacement with a cost of $4000 upward. I researched on the web and came to know that the 2002 Accord have transmission issues. A recall was done in 2004 for transmission. I didn't receive any recall notice from Honda in 2004. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561511, filed 2014-01, 131,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 11 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 13% |
| 2022 | 31 | 12% |
| 2021 | 38 | 16% |
| 2020 | 73 | 20% |
| 2019 | 185 | 27% |
| 2018 | 559 | 29% |
| 2017 | 62 | 12% |
| 2016 | 44 | 7% |
| 2015 | 106 | 18% |
| 2014 | 179 | 18% |
| 2013 | 179 | 13% |
| 2012 | 43 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 8% |
| 2010 | 116 | 20% |
| 2009 | 111 | 15% |
| 2008 | 210 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 4% |
| 2004 | 28 | 3% |
| 2003 | 51 | 3% |
| 2002 | 19 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 28 | 2% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Honda Accord
478 complaintsAir bags
273 complaintsBody and structure
75 complaintsElectrical system
69 complaintsVehicle speed control
46 complaintsSeat belts
39 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology