2002 Honda Accord suspension problems

SUSPENSION

-The front subframe on the passenger side completely rusted through and broke. The driver side is perfectly fine and still has factory paint on it, but the passenger side is completely rusted out. Yes the vehicle and issue are available for inspection. -The front subframe is the frame component that holds and supports your front suspension, steering, engine and transmission. With the failure of the subframe the front passenger side of the car dropped down and the steering and suspension were compromised. Very unsafe for the driver and passengers to lose control of the vehicle. Loss of control is also very dangerous for others on the road. -The problem is very prominent for this year and model of car. It is an engineering flaw from the factory for years 1998-2002. The air conditioning evaporator drain hose is routed right onto the passenger side sub frame. The moisture from the drain is what accelerates the rust. The car only has 55,000 miles on it and it has failed this soon. -The car has been inspected by a shop previously and the shop welded a new support piece to “patch” the frame to make back home. -There were no symptoms, there was just a loud clunk on the front end and it dropped down.

NHTSA complaint #11693726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The right side of the main front subframe of the car broke. The subframe on the right side was completely rusted out and corroded away. However, the left side of the subframe was perfectly intact with no damage and only minor surface rust. The car has only 50,000 miles on it. When the subframe broke my friends [XXX]aunt [XXX] old) was driving and the right side of the car dropped down and the steering was compromised. The broken subframe resulted in a loss of control of the car but an accident was avoided thankfully due to her only driving at low speeds. They took the car to an independent mechanic, who welded some support brackets to the subframe to get the car to move. After doing some research, I found multiple forums, websites, videos, and repair TSBs about this issue. The failure occurred because of an engineering failure of the placement of the HVAC evaporator drain hose. The hose drips the draining moisture right onto the right side of the subframe. Over time, this trapped moisture leads to corrosion and rust formation on the subframe. The corrosive effect weakens the structural integrity of the subframe, which caused the subframe to break under normal driving conditions. A mechanic has inspected and patch repaired the subframe. I am willing to have the car inspected if requested. There were no symptoms before the failure, it happened all of the sudden. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11607061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

UPON INSPECTION OF THIS VEHICLE, PART OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH, FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER HOSE EMPTYING ON TOP OF IT. ATTACHED PHOTOS SHOW THE EXTENT OF VISIBLE DAMAGE; OTHER DAMAGE WITHIN THIS STRUCTURE IS NOT VISIBLE TO THE EYE. HONDA REFERS TO THIS PART AS THE "REAR BEAM," PART NUMBER 50200-S87-A00. THE STEERING RACK AND FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ATTACH TO THIS PART, ALONG WITH THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT, AND CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THIS GENERATION OF ACCORD.

NHTSA complaint #11299012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHILE COMPLETING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE IN A 2002 HONDA ACCORD COUPE EX, NOTICED THE SUB FRAME PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY RUSTED IN HALF (APPROXIMATELY 4-5 INCH SECTION). RUST CAUSED BY AC CONDENSATION FROM DRAIN LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE SUB FRAME. REMAINING FRAME IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

NHTSA complaint #11208539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHEN I PURCHASED MY 2002 EX HONDA ACCORD IN 2015; I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING A RELIABLE DEPENDABLE CAR. HONDA IS KNOW FOR ITS RELIABILITY BUT LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT THE WHOLE SUB-FRAME (FRONT & BACK WAS FULLY RUSTED). MY SRS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON QUITE OFTEN. THE A/C DRAIN I STRONGLY BELIEVE WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WHICH CAUSES THE SUB-FRAME TO RUST AND CRACK. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH ONLY 82,358 MILES AND PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH HONDA DEALERSHIP WHICH MY POWERTRAIN ONLY COVERED UP TO 90,000 MILES. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE WHICH WAS AT 91,000 MILES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I STARTED TO HAVE POWERTRAIN PROBLEMS. EVEN THOUGH ON MY BILL OF SALE IT STATED AS IS HONDA DEALERSHIP KNEW THAT A CUSTOMERS SUCH AS MYSELF WOULD LOOK UNDER THE BODY OF THE CAR. I WENT ONLINE AND HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM I WAS HAVING WITH THIS MODEL & YEAR. ALSO THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY PROBLEM WAS AN ISSUE. WHY IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT & STATES ALLOWING HONDA TO SELL A CAR WITH IMPROPERLY INSTALLED A/C DRAIN,SUB-FRAME ROTTING & CRACK ISSUES, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT SENSOR. I PRAY THAT NO ONE DIES FROM THIS VEHICLE. 1999-2002 MODELS. I'M A MOTHER OF FOUR WITH A NON-CURABLE DISEASE AND I JUST WANT MY CAR TO BE FULLY REPAIRED AT THE EXPENSE OF HONDA. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURNING IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO BE OPERATING BUT THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. MY MECHANIC HAS TO ME I SHOULDN'T HAVE PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT HONDA WOULD DO THERE CUSTOMERS WRONG LIKE THIS JUST FOR A PROFIT!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11113853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHILE BRAKE WORK WAS BEING DONE ON THE 2002 HONDA ACCORD EX, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE SUB-FRAME WAS BADLY WORN AND IN DANGER OF COLLAPSE. THE CAR CANNOT BE MOVED SAFELY.

NHTSA complaint #11088386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VEERED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE, TIE ROD, AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11042159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

MY SRS LIGHT IS ON ... DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE RECALL OF THE AIRBAG PROBLEM???? , I CONSTANTLY DEAL WITH STEERING PROBLEMS. REPLACED MY STRUTS AT LEAST TWICE!!! I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME HELP!!! THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WHEN I GO IN MY CAR TO GO SOMEWHERE AS IT SAT OVER NIGHT!

NHTSA complaint #10956213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLUNKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DRAIN FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER LEAKED ONTO THE SUBFRAME AND CAUSED IT TO BECOME RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE PART WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED; HOWEVER, A REPAIR WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10904650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

MY ACCORD IS SUFFERING FROM SOME SEVERE RUST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME. I RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT IT IS WORSE THAN I HAD THOUGHT. THE RUST AFFECTS THE AREA IN WHICH THE SWAY BAR IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME, WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS MOUNTED, AND ALSO SUPPORTS THE ENGINE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, CAUSED BY AN A/C DRAIN HOSE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND HOPE HONDA HEARS MY/OUR CONCERNS.

NHTSA complaint #10809358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

DRIVING AROUND 60 M/P/H ON 08/12/15 , A BANG CAME FROM THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN I GOT HOME I INSPECTED THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE SUB-FRAME HAD ROTTEN AND FELL APART, I WAS VERY LUCKY I DID'NT HAVE A BAD ACCIDENT. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT HONDA HAD IT AC DRAINPIPE DIRECTS WATER, WHICH IS RIGHT ONTO THE SUB-FRAME IN THIS SECTION, WHICH CAUSE IT TO RUST OUT FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE FRAME. I WILL BE GETTING IT REPAIRED, BECAUSE MY GRANDDAUGTHER NEED THIS CAR TO GET WORK & COLLEGE. HONDA MOTOR SHOULD REPAY ME. I UNDERSTAND THAT HONDA KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SOME YEARS AGO. (1999 - 2002 PROBLEM).

NHTSA complaint #10749533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE REAR BEAM OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THIS LOCATION DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE SWAY BAR BUSHING MOUNT AS WELL AS A BODY ATTACHMENT TO THE SUB FRAME. THE CAR WAS EXHIBITING A SQUEAKING/CLUNKING NOISE DURING TURNS AND HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY IN A SHORT MATTER OF TIME. THE REST OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME SHOWS NO SIGNS OF RUST OR DAMAGE WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. IT APPEARS THAT THE CAUSE MAY BE LINKED TO THE LOCATION OF THE AC DRAIN HOSE DIRECTLY ABOVE THIS LOCATION.

NHTSA complaint #10694360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE REAR FRONT SUB-FRAME OR CROSS MEMBER OF MY VEHICLE HAS RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE DUE TO THE A/C DRIPPING ON THAT CERTAIN PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS ALMOST IN PERFECT CONDITION. THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALL THE MODELS 98-02. IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A USED PART BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS TO ALL THE VEHICLES. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT HONDA KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT ONLY ADDRESS WHEN ASKED, THEY HAVE NOT INFORMED THE PUBLIC OF THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD. IT IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW OF HONDA'S THAT IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE HURT. TOYOTA DID THE RIGHT THING WITH THEIR TRUCKS WHEN THE FRAMES WERE SPLITTING IN HALF, HONDA SHOULD AS WELL. 2002 HONDA ACCORD EX COUPE.

NHTSA complaint #10670104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

AS I SLOWED TO MAKE A U-TURN (TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT) ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE. THE CAR COLLAPSED ON TO THAT WHEEL AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE RIGHT AXLE WAS PULLED OUT IN THE PROCESS. AS I WAITED FOR THE TOW TRUCK I LOOKED AND NOTICED THE SHAFT WHERE THE SCREW CONNECTS TO THE BALL JOINT WAS SPLIT IN HALF. IT WAS A LOUD FRIGHTENING MOMENT AND NOW THAT WHEEL WAS STICKING OUT AWAY FROM THE CAR WITH THE OTHER STILL IN PLACE. I LIFTED THE CAR UP WITH THE JACK...THE CARS FENDER EDGE COLLAPSED ONTO THAT TIRE AND I WAS AFRAID THE SHARP PRESSURE COULD MAKE IT BLOW. I AM THANKFUL THIS HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH NO TRAFFIC AT A LOW SPEED. I HAD JUST FINISHED DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 20 MILES THAT MORNING AND WONDERED WHAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE BROKEN ON ME ON THE FREEWAY GOING THROUGH A HILLY CURVE OR HITTING A POTHOLE. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE BALL JOINT AND AXLE WHERE REPLACED BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORST WAS THE MESSAGE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME, AND I KNEW IT ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10655348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I DROPPED MY CAR OFF AT THE MECHANIC'S TO HAVE MY UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. BOB CALLED ME WITH AN ESTIMATE AND I GAVE HIM THE GO AHEAD TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. SADLY, HE CALLED ME BACK 2 HOURS LATER TO TELL ME THAT THERE WAS NO SENSE IN SPENDING THE MONEY ON THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE CAR WOULD SOON FALL APART. HE SAID THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN DAMAGE LIKE THAT BEFORE, THAT IT WAS ODD FOR A CAR OF THAT AGE, AND THAT THE REST OF THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. HE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT HONDA TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS HAD BEEN ISSUED. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NO RECALLS (AS YOU KNOW) BUT FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS DOCUMENTING THE SAME ISSUES.

NHTSA complaint #10648941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTED/ROTTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT ADJACENT TO OIL DRAIN PLUG. I WENT TO A MECHANIC FOR A POWER STEERING SYSTEM INSPECTION AND THEY POINTED OUT THE EXTENT OF RUST DAMAGE AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOOKED INTO THE PREVALENCE OF THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AFFECTING ONLY THE SUB-FRAME AT THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT.

NHTSA complaint #10644958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

SUB FRAME IS ROTTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT ADJACENT TO WHERE THE OIL DRAIN PLUG IS LOCATED. I'VE BEEN TAKING MY CAR TO THE LOCAL HONDA OF MENTOR DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGES FOR YEARS. NO MENTION OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SAFETY CHECKS. MOST RECENT OIL CHANGE WAS IN THE LAST 30 DAYS. THE SUB FRAME IS NOT RUSTING AT ALL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10643855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

DURING A PROFESSIONAL SAFETY INSPECTION, THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SPOTTED ROTTED/RUSTED SUSPENSION CROSS K-FRAME "REAR BEAM" (PART #: 50200-S84-A00) ON THE PASSENGER/RIGHT SIDE. IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT SUCH REPLACEMENT SHOULD NOT BEEN DONE TYPICALLY IF NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. ESP., SINCE SEVERE CORROSION HAPPENED ONLY ON THE PASSENGER/RIGHT SIDE, IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE DESIGN OF THE DRAINAGE OF THE A/C RIGHT ABOVE THE RUSTED PART.

NHTSA complaint #10563728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHILE TAKING OFF MY TIRES TO INSPECT THE TIERODS AND BRAKES I NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END VEHICLE SUBFRAME DIRECTLY BELOW THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN LINE. IT IS RUSTED THROUGH CURRENTLY ONLY ON THE TOP SIDE BUT IT IS A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THIS PROGRESSES TO THE UNDERSIDE AS WELL. THIS LEAVES ONLY THE LOWER PORTION TO HOLD THE SUSPENSION AND ENGINE IN PLACE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SEEMING CAUSED BY THE DRAIN LINE BEING POSITIONED DIRECTLY ABOVE THIS PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A YEAR AGO FROM A LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT IN HIND SIGHT DEFINITELY SEEMED LIKE THEY WERE TRYING TO GET RID OF A LEMON. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR (ELECTRICAL, ETC) AND NOW I FIND THIS. THIS CAR WAS SERVICED AT THIS DEALERSHIP ITS ENTIRE LIFE (SINCE NEW) AND THE DEALERSHIP ABSOLUTELY SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THIS SUBFRAME ROTTING AS THEY PERFORMED ROUTINE OIL CHANGES, TIRE CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS, ETC. I BELIEVE THAT HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SINCE 1) THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND MAINTAINED AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND 2) IT SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW TO HAVE THE DRAIN IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THIS AREA...THE DRIVERS SIDE DOES NOT SHOW ANY RUST AT ALL AND APPEARS STRUCTURALLY SOUND.

NHTSA complaint #10561090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE IN THE FRONT. UPON INSPECTION AT A LOCAL FIRESTONE AUTOCARE CENTER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME WAS ROTTED AWAY AND READY TO COLLAPASE. I WAS TOLD AT THE HONDA DEALER IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. THIS CAR IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION YET THE FRAME IS ROTTED THROUGH . IM TOLD ITS DUE TO HONDAS DESIGN AND THAT THE A/C DRAIN HOSE IS LIKELY THE CULPRIT. DONT THEY HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THE CONSUMERS WHO TRUST THEM AND BUY THEIR PRODUCT TO INFORM THEM OF SOMETHING SO DANGEROUS

NHTSA complaint #10545007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

A LOUD, CLUNKING SOUND BEGAN WHEN I WOULD GO OVER UNEVEN ROAD OR BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THAT LOUD, CLUNKING NOISE APPEARING WHEN I WOULD TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT AND WHEN I WOULD GO OVER BUMPS. FINALLY, THE LOUD, CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD AT ALL TIMES DRIVING, ONLY COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN MY MECHANIC, WHO SPECIALIZES IN FOREIGN CARS, INSPECTED MY CAR HE SAID THE REAR SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH AND WAS KNOCKING ON THE REST OF THE FRAME/BEAM ON THAT SIDE. HE INDICATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN TUBE IS DIRECTLY ABOVE THIS SPOT. WHEN I ASKED HOW THE SUBFRAME LOOKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE, MY MECHANIC REPLIED THAT IT LOOKED GOOD AS NEW. I CONCLUDE THAT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND WEATHER ELEMENTS COULD NOT BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH RUSTING ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE - THAT RUST DAMAGE WOULD BE ON BOTH SIDES. I BELIEVE THAT THE LOCATION OF THE A/C DRAIN TUBE IS MAJORLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DAMAGE AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY HONDA ($1500-$2000 ESTIMATE). I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MY SAFETY WHILE IN MY VEHICLE NOW AND NEED TO REPAIR THIS SOON AS I AM AFRAID IT WILL COMPLETELY FALL APART SOON AND VERY LIKELY CAUSE A CRASH. I DO NOT SEE ANY RECALLS OF THE 2002 HONDA ACCORD, BUT MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM - WHICH WAS FIXED ON LATER MODEL ACCORDS.

NHTSA complaint #10543194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

INVESTIGATING SOME STRANGE ISSUES, PULLING AND CLUNKS AT SPEED AND BUMPS, TRANNY ISSUES AND NOSE FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR I DECIDED TO DO AN INSPECTION. I TOOK THE PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL OFF AND DISCOVERED RUST HOLES RIGHT THREW THE REAR BEAM OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME! IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IN MY STATE AND MY FAMILY AND I ARE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. THIS HONDA HAS BEEN IN MY FAMILY SINCE NEW. AND HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED FOR ALL THE MAJOR SERVICE OVER THE PAST 11 YEARS AND THIS WAS NEVER SEEN? ITS NOT LIKE IT JUST HAPPENED TODAY IN MARCH OF 2013! I LOOKED AROUND UNDER THE CAR AND UNDER THE HOOD, I SEE THE DRAIN TUBE FOR THE AC DRIPS RIGHT ON THE SPOT THE FRAME IS RUSTED THREW! THEN I TOOK THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL OFF AND THERE IS NO RUST AT ALL! THIS IS A TRAGIC DEFECT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME IS TO SNAP WHEN I'M DRIVING IT? THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT CAR IN OTHER WISE PRISTINE CONDITION WITH ONLY LESS THAN 91,000 WOULD HAVE THIS KIND OF RUST AND WOULD HAVE TO SUFFER SUCH A HIDEOUS FLAW LIKE THIS. I CANT AFFORD TO FIX THIS NOW. ITS GOING TO BE WELL OVER $1500 AND NOT ONLY THAT MY LIFE AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE IS PRICELESS. AGAIN THE REAR BEAM OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED THREW DUE TO THE FACT THE AC DRAIN TUBE DRIPS DIRECTLY ON THIS SPOT. NO OTHER RUST ON THE REST OF THE SUB FRAME. POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP.

NHTSA complaint #10504297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

ON AUGUST 3, NOTICE A LOUD CRACKING SOUND IN RIGHT FRONT OF CAR. TOOK CAR TO HONDA DEALER AUG. 9. WAS CONTACTED BY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, STATED FRONT CROSS BEAM WAS CRACKED NEARLY INTO TWO PIECES AND THAT DUE TO THE SERIOUS DANGEROUS CONDITION OF THE CAR IT CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. I WAS ASKED TO COME AND OBSERVE THE CONDITION. UPON ARRIVING I ASKED HOW THIS COULD OCCUR, CAR IS GARAGED, EXCELLENT CONDITION, WELL MAINTAINED. I WAS INFORMED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS CONDITION BEFORE AND THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAINS ONTO THIS BEAM MAKING IT WET ALL THE TIME. THEY BELIEVE THIS HELPED THE BEAM RUST, IN ONE AREA ONLY, UNTIL EVENTUALLY NEARLY BREAKING INTO 2 PIECES. I ASKED IF HONDA ACKNOWLEDGED THIS DEFECT I WAS TOLD THEY KNOW THE DRAIN DRIPS ON THE BEAM AND THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL?? I CALLED HONDA USA FOR ASSISTANCE ON THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY CONDITION, I WAS INSTRUCTED THAT BECAUSE OF THE CARS AGE THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. I WAS ONLY ASKING FOR HONDA TO SUPPLY THE PART, I WAS WILLING TO PAY THE LABOR COSTS. IF THIS FRONT CROSS BEAM WOULD HAVE BROKEN COMPLETELY THROUGH WHILE DRIVING IT CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A TRAFFIC CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR WORSE. I LEARNED THAT HONDA RECOGNIZED THE SAFETY PROBLEM AND CHANGED THE AC DRAIN LOCATION IN NEWER MODELS YEARS 2004 OR 2005 SO THAT IT NO LONGER DRAINS ONTO THE BEAM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONDITION THAT CERTAINLY HAS HAD TO RESULT IN TRAFFIC CRASHES, HOPEFULLY NO INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED.

NHTSA complaint #10470836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

WHILE NOT CRASHES OR INJURIES HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE HONDA VEHICLE I OWN, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE WHICH ARE A CAUSE OF SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. I HAVE A 2002 HONDA ACCORD WITH ABOUT 131,000 MILES WHICH HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: 1. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AROUND 60,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED BY HONDA. AT AROUND 100,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO EXHIBIT SAME SYMPTOMS. I TOOK THE CAR IN, BUT, OF COURSE, HONDA DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THEN AROUND 116,000 MILES A HONDA MECHANIC SAID THAT MY MODEL OF A CAR HAS AN ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSIONS AND THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS BAD ENOUGH TO HAVE A WEBSITE DEDICATED TO IT. WHILE A TRANSMISSION FAILING IS NOT NECESSARILY A SAFETY ISSUE, LOOSING VEHICLE CONTROL AND DRIVABLE ON THE HIGHWAY COULD BE. 2. NOW THE VEHICLE STARTS TO VIBRATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DESPITE HAVING NEW AND BALANCED TIRES ON IT. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET NEW STRUTS. SINCE THEN I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC OF VERY HIGH INTEGRITY (NOT THE HONDA DEALER) AND THEY SAID THAT UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM MAY SIMPLY BE ?IMPOSSIBLE? TO FIX SINCE EVERYTHING THEY COULD SEE INDICATED THAT CAR SHOULD BEHAVE NORMALLY, I.E. THE TIRES WERE FINE, THE ALIGNMENT WAS FINE, AND THE CV JOINTS WERE FINE. THIS IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE OF THE ISSUE AND INDICATES A POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE. 3. THE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE ARE HORRIBLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT SERIOUSLY IMPAIRS THE VEHICLE DRIVABILITY. 4. THE RAILS FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AROUND 32,000 MILES AND NOW (AT AROUND 130,000 MILES) THE SEAT SEEMS TO WOBBLE AGAIN. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AS IT SEEMS THAT THE SEAT COULD SIMPLY DETACH IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR UPDATED 05/07/10.

NHTSA complaint #10298836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THREE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AND VEHICLE STILL NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS FINALLY TOLD THE CAMBER COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED.

NHTSA complaint #10109754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING OVER 30 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALERSHIP - FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR BEARING(S) WENT BAD - ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR OVER $600. DEALER WAS VERY HELPFUL - THEY CONTACTED HONDA AND HONDA WILLING TO PERFORM A GOODWLL REPAIR. MY COST WAS $100.54. IT'S A HONDA ACCORD - 4 CYC - EX MODEL (2002), PURCHASED ON 12/27/01. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, IT HAD 43000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10103974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

THREE OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN THE FIRST 36,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THERE ARE NOW 58,000 ON THE CAR, AND ANOTHER BEARING IS GOING BAD. I AM NOT SURE AT THIS TIME WHICH BEARING IT IS.

NHTSA complaint #10060130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #10053500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.