2002 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 15th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,050; 64 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 23.3; 423,220 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.80×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 428; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2001 Accord 2003 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2002 Honda Accord?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2002 Honda Accord is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly slipping (431 of 1,050 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the frame and body structure. 428 of the 1,050 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2001 scores 73.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Transmission: slipping431 complaints
Airbag warning light120 complaints
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion57 complaints

How the 2002 Accord Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.86×	−15
Everyday problems	0.67×	−6
Recalls	1.4×	−7
Score		72

What Owners Report

We read all 1,050 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Transmission: slipping
431 complaints (41%)
Slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and failure or loss of drive. 243 of these 431 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 44 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
120 complaints (11%)
Warning lights and a failure. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 10 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
57 complaints (5%)
Rust or corrosion, shattering or cracking and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 57 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 121,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
50 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injured occupant. 6 of these 50 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
40 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, damage and deployment with no crash. 13 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start failure
34 complaints (3%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and the car rolling away. 19 of these 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Seat belts failure
34 complaints (3%)
A failure, the system not working when needed and locking up. 4 of these 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
26 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 19 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
23 complaints (2%)
A failure, a stored fault code and parts breaking or coming apart. 5 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
23 complaints (2%)
A leak. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
22 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, a failure and early wear. 12 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
20 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a failure. 5 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
17 complaints (2%)
A leak, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
17 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and early wear. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
13 complaints (1%)
Damage, discoloration and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.

Show 47 more problems

Engine: stalling
11 complaints (1%)
Stalling, surging and a leak. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
11 complaints (1%)
Stalling. 8 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
8 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Headlights: damage
7 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Trunk lid support failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Cooling system: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Engine failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, stalling and shattering or cracking. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 128,000 miles.
Interior trim: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and not closing or latching. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Cruise control: surging
4 complaints (under 1%)
Surging, the system acting on its own and not releasing. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: not closing or latching
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Taillights or brake lights: warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and water leaking in.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, locking up and sticking or stiffness. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Wheel bearings failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
ABS: loss of braking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking, the system acting on its own and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Ball joints and control arms failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 128,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and not closing or latching.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
SRS sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Throttle body: sudden acceleration
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration, a failure and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Uneven tire wear failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and early wear.
Brake power assist: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and loss of braking. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Cylinder head gasket: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Horn: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and damage.
Screen and audio: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Manual transmission or clutch: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Accelerator cable failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Cylinder head: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Immobilizer: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and the car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Struts or shocks: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and a failure that needed a new part.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and warning lights.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.

Reported Once (54)

Show the 54 problems reported once

A/C: works on and off
EVAP system: warning lights
Alternator or charging failure
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brake calipers: rust or corrosion
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Climate controls: stopped working
CV axles failure
Engine sensors or computer failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior lights failure
Exterior trim: damage
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel leak
Hood latch: not closing or latching
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
EGR valve failure
Airbag cover: damage
Airbag wiring: parts breaking or coming apart
Alarm system: the system acting on its own
Clock backlight: stopped working
Cruise control cable: sudden acceleration
Dashboard light sensors
Differential: damage
Door handles: stopped working
Drive belt failure
Electrical system (part not stated)
Exterior door handles: stopped working
Fog lights: shattering or cracking
Front differential: slipping
Ignition system failure
Interior door handles: parts breaking or coming apart
Luggage rack: parts breaking or coming apart
Odor (cause not stated)
Partial electrical power loss: stopped working
Rear main seal failure
Shifter backlight: stopped working
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Switch failure
Thermal coupler failure
Tire valve stems: a leak
Transistor: unusual noises
Transmission carrier bearings: damage
Unintended vehicle movement (cause not stated)
Wheel cover: parts breaking or coming apart
Oxygen sensor: fault code
Piston rings: fault code
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Sway bar links failure
Timing belt: unusual noises
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2002 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 6th generation, 2000 to 2002, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2003	Caution	60	1.6×	44.4	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2002 This year	Good	72	0.80×	23.3	5	Transmission: slipping
2001	Good	73	0.68×	22.5	7	Airbag warning light
2000	Good	73	0.66×	25.7	8	Airbag warning light

See every Accord year

2002 Honda Accord Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: switch
If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 05V025000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 28, 2005.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 02V226000Issued Aug 28, 2002.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
The problem:
The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-009
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-046Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Power seat bracket breaking in Accords
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in October 2002 after 10 complaints about power seats in 1998-2002 Accords. A bracket holding the seat bottom could break, mostly in 1998 and 1999 cars. No crashes or injuries were reported. Honda offered a free seat reinforcement. NHTSA did not identify a safety defect and closed the case in March 2003.
Oct 2, 2002 to Mar 28, 2003
Ignition interlock defect in Accords and Preludes
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered ignition interlocks in 1999-2002 Accords and 1997-2001 Preludes. Some locks from Honda's Japanese plant could have defective parts. With wear, the key could come out when the car was not in Park, so it might roll away. Honda announced recall 05V-025 in January 2005. NHTSA closed the case in February 2005.
NHTSA PE05002 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 13, 2005 to Feb 2, 2005
Ignition key removal outside Park in 2002-2003 Accords
Led to a recall
NHTSA's recall query looked at 16 complaints that 2002-2003 Accords with automatic transmissions let the key come out when not in Park. Eleven described rollaway crashes. Earlier recalls 03V-423 and 05V-025 did not cover all these cars. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA09-001. Its record links recall 10V-364.
NHTSA RQ08006 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 8, 2008 to Jan 5, 2009
Timeliness and scope of Honda air bag inflator recalls
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query checked whether Honda's two recalls for rupturing driver air bag inflators, 08V-593 and 09V-259, came on time and covered enough cars. It listed 2001-2002 Accords and 2001 Civics. NHTSA found no sign Honda made late defect decisions. Every inflator from the problem press was already recalled, so NHTSA closed the query in May 2010.
NHTSA RQ09004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 2, 2009 to May 6, 2010
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2002 Accord no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2002 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat3/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

4-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2002 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 15V320000
Electrical system: switch NHTSA 05V025000
Engine and engine cooling: engine NHTSA 02V226000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Transmission
Airbag warning lights
Frame and body structure
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.