The 2002 Honda Civic is a popular compact car that has been in production since 1972. While it is generally known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, it is not immune to problems.
Some common issues that have been reported by 2002 Honda Civic owners include transmission problems, engine issues, and problems with the electrical system. In addition, some owners have reported issues with the suspension, brakes, and other mechanical components.
While many of these problems can be addressed through regular maintenance and timely repairs, they can be frustrating and costly for Civic owners. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common problems reported by 2002 Honda Civic owners, as well as potential solutions for these issues.
2002 Honda Civic Problems
1. Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor
This is a common problem reported by 2002 Honda Civic owners, in which the airbag light on the dashboard illuminates due to a failed occupant position sensor. The occupant position sensor is a device located in the front seat that detects the presence and position of the driver or passenger, and sends this information to the airbag control module.
If the sensor fails or becomes damaged, it can cause the airbag light to turn on, indicating a problem with the airbag system. This can be a safety concern, as the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a collision. To fix this issue, the faulty sensor must be replaced.
2. Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle
Another common problem reported by 2002 Honda Civic owners is issues with the engine mounts. The engine mounts are components that secure the engine to the frame of the car, and help to isolate engine vibrations from the rest of the vehicle.
If the engine mounts are damaged or worn out, it can cause vibration, roughness, and rattle when driving. This can be a nuisance for drivers and passengers, and may also cause other mechanical problems if left unaddressed. To fix this issue, the faulty engine mounts must be replaced.
3. Power Window Switch May Fail
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported problems with the power window switch, which is the switch that controls the power windows. If the switch fails, it can cause the power windows to stop working or work intermittently.
This can be inconvenient and may also pose a safety risk if the windows are needed to be closed in an emergency. To fix this issue, the faulty power window switch must be replaced.
4. Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the hood release cable breaking at the handle. The hood release cable is a component that allows the hood of the car to be opened when the handle is pulled.
If the cable breaks, it can be difficult or impossible to open the hood, which can make it difficult to access the engine or other components located under the hood. To fix this issue, the broken cable must be replaced.
5. Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the shift control solenoid, which is a component of the transmission system. The shift control solenoid is responsible for controlling the movement of the gears in the transmission, and a fault with this component can cause problems with shifting or gear engagement.
This can result in a number of issues, such as difficulty shifting gears, transmission slipping, or the transmission going into “limp mode,” in which it will only operate in a single gear. To fix this issue, the faulty shift control solenoid must be replaced.
6. Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the windshield wiper motor, which is the component that powers the wipers. If the wiper motor fails, it can cause the wipers to stop working or to work intermittently.
This can be a safety concern, as the wipers are an important tool for visibility during inclement weather. In addition, if the wipers do not park properly when turned off, it can cause wear and tear on the wipers and windshield, and may also cause the wipers to become damaged or to fall off the car entirely.
To fix this issue, the faulty wiper motor must be replaced.
7. Low rumbling sound when in Reverse = Bad Engine Mounts
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported a low rumbling sound when the car is placed in reverse gear. This issue is often caused by bad engine mounts, which can allow the engine to move excessively and create noise.
In addition to the rumbling sound, bad engine mounts can also cause vibration and roughness when driving, and may cause other mechanical issues if left unaddressed. To fix this issue, the faulty engine mounts must be replaced.
8. Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the door locks becoming sticky or not working properly. This issue is often caused by worn door lock tumblers, which are components that control the movement of the lock cylinder.
If the tumblers become worn or damaged, it can cause the lock to become difficult to operate or to not work at all. To fix this issue, the faulty door lock tumblers must be replaced.
9. Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catayltic Converter
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter becoming cracked or damaged.
The exhaust manifold is a component that collects the exhaust gases from the engine and directs them out of the car, while the catalytic converter is a device that converts harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions.
If either of these components becomes cracked or damaged, it can cause exhaust leaks and other problems. To fix this issue, the faulty exhaust manifold or catalytic converter must be replaced.
10. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the front brake rotors becoming warped, which can cause vibration when braking.
The brake rotors are components that the brake pads press against to slow and stop the car, and if they become warped, it can cause the brakes to vibrate or pulse when applied.
This can be a safety concern, as it can reduce braking performance and make it difficult to control the car. To fix this issue, the warped brake rotors must be replaced.
11. Front Compliance Bushings May Crack
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the front compliance bushings cracking. The compliance bushings are components that help to isolate vibrations and noise from the road, and if they become cracked, it can cause a variety of problems.
These problems may include increased noise and vibration when driving, reduced handling performance, and increased tire wear. To fix this issue, the faulty compliance bushings must be replaced.
12. Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the head gasket, which is a component that seals the engine block and cylinder head.
If the head gasket becomes faulty, it can cause leaks of oil and coolant, which can lead to engine overheating and other problems. To fix this issue, the faulty head gasket must be replaced.
13. Coolant Leaking and Engine Overheating
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the car experiencing coolant leaks and engine overheating. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty head gasket, a damaged radiator, or a faulty thermostat.
To fix this issue, the root cause of the coolant leak and engine overheating must be identified and addressed.
14. Engine rear main oil seal may leak
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the engine rear main oil seal leaking. The rear main oil seal is a component that helps to prevent oil from leaking out of the engine, and if it becomes damaged or worn, it can cause oil leaks.
To fix this issue, the faulty rear main oil seal must be replaced.
15. Drivers Seat Bushings Can Wear Out
Some 2002 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the drivers seat bushings wearing out. The seat bushings are components that help to support and stabilize the seat, and if they become worn or damaged, it can cause the seat to become loose or unstable. To fix this issue, the faulty seat bushings must be replaced.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Airbag light due to failed occupant position sensor | Replace faulty occupant position sensor |
| Bad engine mounts causing vibration, roughness, and rattle | Replace faulty engine mounts |
| Power window switch failure | Replace faulty power window switch |
| Hood release cable breaking at handle | Replace broken hood release cable |
| Possible shift control solenoid fault | Replace faulty shift control solenoid |
| Wipers won’t park due to windshield wiper motor failure | Replace faulty windshield wiper motor |
| Low rumbling sound when in reverse (bad engine mounts) | Replace faulty engine mounts |
| Door lock becomes sticky and does not work due to worn door lock tumblers | Replace faulty door lock tumblers |
| Cracked exhaust manifold/catalytic converter | Replace faulty exhaust manifold/catalytic converter |
| Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking | Replace warped front brake rotors |
| Front compliance bushings cracking | Replace faulty compliance bushings |
| Faulty head gasket causing oil and coolant leaks | Replace faulty head gasket |
| Coolant leaking and engine overheating | Identify and address root cause of coolant leak and engine overheating (e.g. faulty head gasket, damaged radiator) |
| Engine rear main oil seal leaking | Replace faulty engine rear main oil seal |
| Driver’s seat bushings wearing out | Replace faulty seat bushings |
2002 Honda Civic Recalls
| Recall Number | Problem | Affected Models |
| 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 |
| 19V499000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 14 |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | 10 |
| 15V370000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Defective | 7 |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective | 10 |
| 14V700000 | Front Airbag Inflator Module | 9 |
| 12V136000 | Low Beam Headlights May Fail | 3 |
| 04V086000 | Honda Recalls Certain 2000-2002 Civic and Insight Vehicles for a Low Beam Headlight Issue | 2 |
| 07V512000 | Honda Recalls Certain 1998-2007 Civic CNG Vehicles to Add Insulation for the CNG Tank | 1 |
| 01V329000 | Honda Recalls Certain 2001-2002 Civics for a Concern with the Air Cleaner Box | 1 |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects certain 2002 Honda Civic models equipped with a passenger airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the car.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects certain 2002 Honda Civic models equipped with a driver’s airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the car.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects certain 2002 Honda Civic models equipped with a driver’s frontal airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the car.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2002 Honda Civic models equipped with a front passenger airbag. The recall was issued due to a potential issue with the airbag inflator being installed improperly during replacement. This could cause the airbag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Recall 15V370000:
This recall affects certain 2002 Honda Civic models equipped with a
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2002-honda-civic/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2002/
All Honda Civic years we talked –
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