2002 Honda Cr-v: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Honda Cr-v: 15 recalls, 515 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
15 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V351000 · 2001 · 6,744 vehicles
What's wrong: The cr-v is equipped with two seat belt pretensioners - retractor and buckle - in both the driver and front passenger seating positions. Some buckle pretensioners use a part that restricts the full motion of the mechanism.
Why it matters: If these pretensioners activate in a crash, the seat belt could unlatch, leaving the front seat occupants unrestrained.
The fix: Dealers will repair both front seat belt buckle pretensioners. Customers will be provided with a rental car. Owners were originally contacted on November 14, 2001. A followup owner notification letter is being mailed during December 2001.
Seats Vehicle recall #02V251000 · 2002 · 2 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the front seat anchorage nut strength is insufficient because the nuts were installed improperly.
Why it matters: If a collision occurred, the seat anchorage would not withstand the force, and the front seat occupants would not be restrained properly.
The fix: Telephone calls were made to each owner and the vehicles have been replaced.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #03V274000 · 2003 · 247,019 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
Why it matters: If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
The fix: Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on August 19, 2003. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Electrical Vehicle recall #03V422000 · 2003 · 76,988 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, metal particles in the key cylinder body could interfere with the interlock lever operation, making it possible to remove the ignition key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Why it matters: If the vehicle operator 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and test ignition switches for contamination interference. Any switches that fail the test will be repaired. Owner notification began on novenber 3, 2003. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Airbags Vehicle recall #04V255000 · 2004 · 130,617 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the wire harness of the driver's front air bag was incorrectly wired.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the air bag inflation rate would be incorrect, which could increase the risk of injury to the driver.
The fix: Dealers will repair the wiring. Owner notification began on June 16, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #12V136000 · 2012 · 1,375,217 vehicles
What's wrong: In March 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v and certain model year 2003 pilot vehicles. In August 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 820,789 vehicles including certain model year 2004 and 2005 pilots and model year 2002 and 2003 civics. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,375,217. Due to tension from the combination…
Why it matters: If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights May become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in April 2012. Owners of vehicles involved in the September 2012 expansion will be notified in September 2012.
Visibility (wipers, glass), Electrical Vehicle recall #12V486000 · 2012 · 268,655 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver-side power window switch May fail or melt.
Why it matters: If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the recall repair has been performed.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V700000 · 2014 · 0 vehicles
What's wrong: American Honda motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda civic, 2003-2004 civic cng and element, 2002-2005 cr-v, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2005 accord, pilot, civic hybrid, and Acura mdx, 2005 Acura rl and 2006 Honda ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in alabama,…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V320000 · 2015 · 6,281,043 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2001-2004 Honda civic gx, 2003-2005 Honda civic hybrid, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, 2006 ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2003-2006 Acura mdx, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2tl vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that May be susceptible…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V370000 · 2015 · 3,498,481 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda civic gx vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda civic hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V268000 · 2018 · 1,335 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda accord and pilot, 2010 accord crosstour, 2001-2011 civic, 2002-2011 cr-v, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 element, 2007 and 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2012 insight, 2002-2004 odyssey, and 2012 ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag May have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Why it matters: An incorrectly installed air bag May deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V182000 · 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V499000 · 2019 · 3,947 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2003-2006 mdx, 2001-2007 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot and 2006 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V501000 · 2019 · 1,657,752 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura mdx, 2005-2012 rl, 2003-2007 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007-2008 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Electrical, Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #20V768000 · 2020 · 268,655 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 cr-v vehicles. Moisture May enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
Why it matters: If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #07E104000 · 2007 · 1,657 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass Ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp Inc., identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles May not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 205, "glazing materials."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) May be seriously injured by shattered glass.
The fix: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 17 mention a fire, 48 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (143): the most common themes are warning light on (30), fails to deploy (25), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (14).
- Electrical (95): the most common themes are electrical failure (25), door / lock issues (23), fire / smoke (23).
- Exterior lights (60): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), stalls / loses power (5).
- Engine & cooling (58): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), noise or vibration (10), leaks (4).
The 2002 Honda Cr-v has 515 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 30 Cr-v model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 533). Complaints peaked in 2015 (80 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 90,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (142 complaints, 1 recalls), 2003 (468 complaints, 13 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Honda Cr-v.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Honda Cr-v have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Honda Cr-v, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Honda Cr-v problems?
Owners have filed 515 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (143), electrical (95), exterior lights (60).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Honda Cr-v get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Honda Cr-v repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.