Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
06-00902/05/200810024565Warranty extension: opds unit or opds sensor triggers srs. csc was received. *nj04/24/2008
0701200507/01/200510018018Speedometer needle sticks; won't go back to zero. honda. servicenews. *tt12/13/2005
0701200507/01/200510018021Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. honda service news. *tt12/13/2005
0500602/25/200510017631Diagnostic trouble code p1298 is stored in the ecm/pcm. *tt11/14/2005
40504/16/200510016353Transferring odometer mileage at odometer r&r. *tt09/08/2005
0116200501/16/200510014746Bank 1 too lean. *eh05/09/2005
0801200408/01/200410014286Troubleshooting a/t (automatic transmission) dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p1705 or p0705. *sc04/29/2005
70407/16/200410014106Poor radio reception, seek-stop test. *sc04/28/2005
0403207/09/200410010753Malfunction indicator lamp comes on with diagnostic trouble code p1420. *tt12/10/2004
0201200402/01/200410009144Clean modulator pump motor ground for diagnostic trouble code 51/53. honda. servicenews. *tt09/13/2004
0101200401/01/200410009067Update replacement control unit/module software. honda. servicenews. *tt09/09/2004
40404/16/200410009053Reading srs diagnostic trouble codes. honda. tech line summary. *tt09/09/2004
100210/16/200210005932Srs diagnostic trouble code 1-1 to 1-5, driver's airbag inflator circuit. honda october tech line information. *tt03/18/2004
100210/16/200210005933Keyless, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included. *tt03/18/2004
100210/16/200210005931Gauge assembly printed circuit board damaged. honda october tech line information. *tt03/18/2004
11010211/01/200210005881Keyless entry, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. honda servicenews. *tt03/18/2004
0307710/24/200310004805Malfunction indicator lamp on with unknown diagnostic trouble code. *tt01/08/2004
04010304/01/200310003144Key beeper, light chime, ceiling light don't work. *tt10/09/2003
30303/16/200310001832Troubleshooting intermittent anti-lock brake (abs) or traction control system (tcs) diagnostic trouble codes. *tt07/22/2003
02010302/01/200310001810Erratic gauges or odd odometer display. reset the gauge control module. *tt *jb07/18/2003
0300201/21/200310000994Malfunction indicator lamp comes on with diagnostic trouble code p0128. *tt04/10/2003
10707/16/2002637665Information on servicing srs diagnostic trouble code 6-7 and / or 7-2 internal failure of srs unit. *tt12/03/2002
01010201/01/2002629301Subject regarding faulty ground g551 for driveability problems. *tt04/01/2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
60206/16/2002638066Subject regarding diagnostic trouble coe p0740, lock up system error. *tt12/10/2002
01070207/01/2002637008Information on what to do when diagnostic trouble code p0740 is set when checking for contaminated solenoids. *tt11/19/2002
0201102/26/2002629521Subject regarding electronic control module/powertrain control module software update. *slc04/02/2002
01110111/01/2001627521Subject regarding multiple safety restraint system diagnostic trouble codes after dash replacement. *slc02/11/2002
01120112/01/2001627340Subject regarding multiple safety restrain system diagnostic codes after dashboard replacement. *slc02/06/2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
60306/16/200310003204A condition may exist where the ignition key gets warm. *tt10/10/2003

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
EA11012Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)09/12/201109/17/2012Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating12V136000
 This investigation was prompted by preliminary evaluation (pe) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.odi's pe information request letter asked honda for certain data on model years (my) 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2008 pilot, 2003-2008 element, 2001-2005 civic, and 2000-2001 s 2000 vehicles.analysis of complaint and honda data show that a complete low beam headlight circuit failure occurs in models with 2-bulb headlight systems (i.e., a single bulb on each side for high and low beam).models with 2-bulb systems include my 2002-2004 cr-v, 2003-2005 pilot, 2001-2003 civic, and 2003-2008 element.models with 4-bulb headlight systems (i.e., two bulbs on each side, one for high and one for low beam) have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism as the 2-bulb system.my 2000-2001 s 2000 models with 2-bulb high intensity discharge headlights also have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism.honda introduced the 4-bulb headlight system in cr-v in my 2005, in pilot in my 2006, and in civic in my 2004.on march 29, 2012 honda submitted a defect information report (dir) to recall 554,428 vehicles, including my 2002-2004 cr-v and my 2003 pilot.in the dir, honda stated that tension from the combination switch wiring harness to the electrical terminal for the low beam headlight circuit could cause a small amount of motion as the combination switch was operated.this motion, over time, can wear the surface of the terminal creating copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, which may cause the terminal to melt within the harness connector.odi continued its investigation, and on august 31, 2012 honda submitted another dir to recall an additional 820,789 vehicles.this report included the my 2002 civic vehicles which were not subject to a prior safety recall (04v-086) for headlights, all of my 2003 civic, and my 2004-2005 pilot.honda's dir advised that operation of the turn signal switch lever at high speed and/or with heavy force can cause movement between the combination switch body and the sub-harness wiring connector.this can cause wear and continued movement can create copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, and potentially causing the terminal to melt within the harness connector. please see both dirs at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/ under safety recall 12v-136 for complete details.honda also provided additional information on the element model, stating that it was not recalled due to it's very low failure rate.honda sold 301,497 element vehicles in the united states and received 17 reports, while odi received one report (see voq 10395219).honda's technical explanation for the low rate, which was submitted under request for confidentiality, is that the headlight switch, as installed in the element, reacts differently to the forces applied to it as compared to the recalled models.see attachment for additional information.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10/16/20121500001
 I took my honda civic 2002 into condon auto in sioux city, iowa, for a light switch recall. the recall was completed. i drove the car home. tried to start the car again and no starter. $350 later they replaced wires to the starter and the car runs again. it is possible this was a coincidence but beware having recalls done at this location. *tr
10/16/2012150000
 I took my honda civic 2002 into condon auto in sioux city, iowa, for a light switch recall. the recall was completed. i drove the car home. tried to start the car again and no starter. $350 later they replaced wires to the starter and the car runs again. it is possible this was a coincidence but beware having recalls done at this location.
10/24/2012
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000 (exterior lighting: headlights: switch) and since then have lost functionality of the gear shift indicator. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was unknown. pmb
10/24/2012
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated she had her vehicle repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) and since then have lost functionality of the gear shift indicator. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileages were unknown. mh
02/07/20121310001
 I bought this car from a used car dealer. the horn works intermittently about 10% of the time. i was nearly run off the road on several occasions since then because i could not honk at people drifting into my lane. i have spent over $300 investigating this issue and replacing parts that i was told were the culprit. i do not know where else to turn. this is a serious safety issue, and it should be a recall with all hondas/acuras since they all use the same assembly. *tr
02/07/2012131000
 I bought this car from a used car dealer. the horn works intermittently about 10% of the time. i was nearly run off the road on several occasions since then because i could not honk at people drifting into my lane. i have spent over $300 investigating this issue and replacing parts that i was told were the culprit. i do not know where else to turn. this is a serious safety issue, and it should be a recall with all hondas/acuras since they all use the same assembly.
05/24/2012132895
 Low beam headlights failed to work when driver switched from high to low beam. american honda motor company and local dealer contacted. i was informed that this individual vehicle was not a part of nhtsa campaig 04v086000. i would like to register my complaint as i find it ironic that the same problem would occur on vehicles not included in the original recall.
01/01/201290000
 The driver side window does not go up as fast as it used to. when it gets close to the top, it goes very slow. i suspect that this may be the modulator. at this current rate, my driver side window probably won't be operational by the end of this year.
04/15/2012100000
 There are so many electrical problems with my honda that it just seems to underscore a much greater problem - honda using subpar components - that i find this one also important to note. there is a problem with one of the interior lights in the car. when in the on position, the light may not turn on. however, it will eventually turn on (sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later), but when illuminated, the light will just cut out (sometimes immediately, sometimes minutes later). the issue is that the on and off position for the light is the same position; the only difference being whether there's light. basically, someone can't tell what position the light is in if there is no light to begin with. this could cause the battery to die if someone leaves it in the on position, not realizing that it would most likely turn on later.
01/01/201290000
 The driver side window does not go up as fast as it used to. when it gets close to the top, it goes very slow. i suspect that this may be the modulator. at this current rate, my driver side window probably won't be operational by the end of this year.
04/15/2012100000
 There are so many electrical problems with my honda that it just seems to underscore a much greater problem - honda using subpar components - that i find this one also important to note. there is a problem with one of the interior lights in the car. when in the on position, the light may not turn on. however, it will eventually turn on (sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later), but when illuminated, the light will just cut out (sometimes immediately, sometimes minutes later). the issue is that the on and off position for the light is the same position; the only difference being whether there's light. basically, someone can't tell what position the light is in if there is no light to begin with. this could cause the battery to die if someone leaves it in the on position, not realizing that it would most likely turn on later.
01/01/201290000
 The driver side window does not go up as fast as it used to. when it gets close to the top, it goes very slow. i suspect that this may be the modulator. at this current rate, my driver side window probably won't be operational by the end of this year.
04/15/2012100000
 There are so many electrical problems with my honda that it just seems to underscore a much greater problem - honda using subpar components - that i find this one also important to note. there is a problem with one of the interior lights in the car. when in the on position, the light may not turn on. however, it will eventually turn on (sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later), but when illuminated, the light will just cut out (sometimes immediately, sometimes minutes later). the issue is that the on and off position for the light is the same position; the only difference being whether there's light. basically, someone can't tell what position the light is in if there is no light to begin with. this could cause the battery to die if someone leaves it in the on position, not realizing that it would most likely turn on later.
01/01/201290000
 The driver side window does not go up as fast as it used to. when it gets close to the top, it goes very slow. i suspect that this may be the modulator. at this current rate, my driver side window probably won't be operational by the end of this year.
04/15/2012100000
 There are so many electrical problems with my honda that it just seems to underscore a much greater problem - honda using subpar components - that i find this one also important to note. there is a problem with one of the interior lights in the car. when in the on position, the light may not turn on. however, it will eventually turn on (sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later), but when illuminated, the light will just cut out (sometimes immediately, sometimes minutes later). the issue is that the on and off position for the light is the same position; the only difference being whether there's light. basically, someone can't tell what position the light is in if there is no light to begin with. this could cause the battery to die if someone leaves it in the on position, not realizing that it would most likely turn on later.
02/01/201267500
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated. after the failure occurred, the driver
02/01/201267500
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated. after the failure occurred, the driver
02/01/201267500
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated the brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact stated the that after this occurred the driver side door would not open, even with the key. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the multiplex needed to be replaced. the multiplex is the fuse box assembly. the failure mileage and current mileages were 67,500.rl
01/13/201296000
 Both low beams failed at the same time. high beams unaffected. inspected combination switch and connector, switch is failing and low beam wire and connector is discolored indicating overheating. it is obvious that nhtsa recall 04v086000 / honda service bulletin 04-015 applies to this vehicle even though the honda service bulletin and dealer claims it is out of range.
06/01/2011142000
 2002 honda civic lx the car will shut down with no indication that anything is wrong. the engine shuts down, but all other options work-radio,a/c, lights, etc. after letting the car sit for 10-20 minutes the car fires up as nothing is wrong at all. this has happened 5 times in the last 4 weeks (500 miles of driving) 142,000 miles on car. i have replaced coil packs, relays and fuel pump. i believe, after researching online, that this issue is related to the ignition switch just like the 1997-2000 honda recall on 3.3 million honda products in may 2002. we have been fortunate enough to safely get the car to the side of the road at 70 mph (coasting). i will be replacing my igintion switch to solve this problem asap..
03/10/201198000
 Ignition key switch fails/ jams, cannot turn key to start postion. web search turns up numerous recalls from honda about faulty ignition key switchs. honda dealer refused to fix problem. money from me was their only solution
04/23/2009
 I was driving from san diego to my house in riverside in rush hour traffic and with no warning all power shut down. there was nothing except other cars going at least 70 on the 15 freeway. luckily i was in the lane next to the slow lane and made it to the shoulder without inncident. my machinic did process of elimination and he said it was the ecu. we towed it to the shop where repairs were going to be made and the shop said maybe before you put that much money into it i'll have my auto electrical machinic look at it first. so come to find out the main wire that leads off of the engine block snapped right off. may car had to be re-wired! talk about a pretty penny. $900 bucks,
07/15/2010110000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated that while driving in reverse at 3 mph the contact is able to pull out the keys from the ignition. the dealer was informed about the failure and they stated that her vehicle was not under no recalls and will not repair it. this has occurred 3 additional times. the failure mileage was 110000 and the current mileage was 119554.cv
01/11/2010800001
 Low beam terminal on head light wire harness overheated causing smoke in the interior of the vehicle. low beams lights not functioning which may cause an accident. *tr
11/15/2009750001
 I am having the same issue related to honda recall bulletin[04-015]. my headlight switch and harness is overheating and smoking. this can result in a loss of headlights and fire in the cockpit. honda says my vehicle was not part of the recall. however, i am experiencing the same issues as on recalled vehicles. dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. if heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler. if no heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler. my issue is that the dealer and honda motors america state my vehicle was not under recall and will not replace the part under the recall. however the part and issue are the exact same attached to the recall. *tr
01/11/2007100000
 Whenever the contact drives the vehicle she noticed that the interior lights and air conditioner had stopped working, also the contact noticed that all of the electrical features in the vehicle had began to malfunction. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership and the contact noticed beforehand that the door locks rear defroster had stop working. the current mileage is 131000, failure mileage was at 100000. bml
07/02/200975000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 honda civic. the contact stated that the abs light illuminated on the dashboard. the vehicle suddenly stalled and shivered before shutting off. the contact had to wait a couple of minutes before the vehicle would restart. the failure occurred intermittently. the dealer stated that a diagnostic would cost $100. the manufacturer stated that the cause of the failure may have been due to the internal capacitors, but offered no assistance. the current and failure mileages were approximately 75,000.
04/20/20091
 The srs light came on recently and did not go off. the diagnosis by honda costs $90 if the problem is not cover by the extended warranty, which deters people to take the risk to check the problem. honda should cover the whole diagnosis cost because it is related to safety issue. *tr
900110/01/2001
 Electronic doors automatically locked by themselves within 5 to 10 seconds. this could cause a problem when getting out of the vehicle with the key still in the vehicle. consumer contacted the dealer, who stated there was no solution for this problem. *ak when the key was in the ignition, the doors locked by themselves. *jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
12/14/200442300105/15/2002
 My complaint is with a 2002 honda civic ex model. i have taken my car into the dealership on 2 separate occasions to have an oil change and to have my car detailed within the past 2 months. on both occasions i asked them to check out my car because i smelled a burning plastic smell. on both occasions they said they found nothing. well 2 weeks later i need a new alternator which surprised me considering the newness of the car. what i'm more surprised at is that the alternator is giving out too much power and is slowly melting out my battery, the burning plastic smell. i am filing a complaint because i believe an alternator should last more that 3 years on a new vehicle. i am very disappointed in this last honda that i have leased, being my third honda that i have had, and don't believe i will release a honda. i feel the makers are using cheaper parts on theses cars and this 2002 doesn't have the stability and longevity of the ones i have owned and leased in the past. consumers want a great product for the money that they spend and although i have been a big believer in honda's , this occurrence, along with others that i have had with this car, have changed my mind about owning or leasing another honda product.*ak
10/06/2002206/29/2002
 Consumer states that the alternator light illuminated. dealer stated motor needs replacing. mr radiator leaked out coolant and engine locked up due to short block and head failure. thermostat failed and was replaced. check the engine light came on and dealer replaced converter as a cause. *yh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
01/30/2002
 While driving at 30 mph, battery and oil light illuminated. then, engine died. another driver almost rear ended consumer. dealer has been contacted. please provide any further information.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
10/13/2004711/13/2002
 Serveral times while driving car stalls. there is no telling as to when and where car' s engine will cutoff and how fast i might be going. car has stalled when driving at speeds of 60mph. i lose power steering and i have to coast to come to a stop. no battery light or any other lights display on the dash. once car is put back into park the car starts with no problem. this is a very serious safety issue and the honda dealership continues to guess as to what the problem may be. they told me that my keychain is the problem and that i should just use the ignition key by itself. i just don't want to get involved in a serious accident which can cost my life or anyone else's. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - INSTRUMENT PANEL
01/03/20133
 2002 honda civic lx. consumer writes in regards to problem with low beam lights recall notice. *smd the consumer stated his complaint, was with the extent of the recall by honda. the left side low beam had already been replaced earlier in the year. when he inspected the light, the end socket which attached to the light bulb had melted on the low beam side. he cleaned the melted plastic from the inside of the freely swinging low beam terminal and from around the ground terminal and re-attached the socket. the low beam worked again. the consumer then checked on buying a replacement socket from honda, but he discovered honda only offered the entire wiring harness. the consumer was hoping, the recall addressed the socket, but he stated the main problem was at another connection. also, the air bag light illuminated at the beginning of the year. a recall had been issued for the air bag and the consumer had the procedure done on 03/15/12. the air light went off for about a week, and then came back on. the maintenance required light also illuminated. the consumer stated it would not turn off, because the knob on the odometer had bad contacts.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
12/15/2009300003
 The srs (secondary restraint system) light in our 2002 honda civic has come on. this is at least the third time this has occurred. the first time before we owned the vehicle at about 30,000 miles. the second some time in between. this last time at about 70,000 miles. the honda dealership said the computer tells them the light comes on because of the buckle on the passenger side sea belt is defective. they have replaced the buckle at least twice. they refuse to replace it again because they claim that is not the problem, the seat buckle warning light does not come on when a passenger is sitting in the passenger seat, without the seat belt being latched. i believe this means the airbags are not operational. the honda dealership does not know what the problem is. they claim that the problem is either in the wiring harness or the computer. one fix would cost $400, the other $600. they refuse to do anything further, although they offered to split the cost of replacing the harness or computer. they claim a lifetime warranty on the seat belts but are not honoring it in this case. *jb