2002 Honda CR-V
The 2002 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It was offered with a single engine option, a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the CR-V for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Honda’s reputation for longevity. Common complaints revolve around its somewhat underpowered engine, dated styling, and potential for rust in certain climates.
Engine
2.0L Inline-4 Cylinder (K20A4)
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
- Solution: A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the cause. Possible fixes include replacing piston rings, valve stem seals, or, in severe cases, an engine rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the extent of the repair
- Recalls: None Found
- Distributor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, and difficulty starting are common symptoms.
- Solution: Replacement of the distributor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear or 2nd and 3rd gear.
- Solution: Start with a transmission fluid change using Honda ATF-DW1 fluid. If the problem persists, it could indicate a faulty solenoid or wear within the transmission. In some cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) to $2,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear can also occur.
- Solution: Replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly, erratically, or not at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the power window regulator and/or motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition Switch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle won’t start, stalls intermittently, or the radio and other accessories cut out while driving.
- Solution: Replacement of the ignition switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rear Quarter Panels/Wheel Wells
- Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the lower rear quarter panels, particularly around the wheel wells. This is common in areas with road salt.
- Solution: Rust removal and body repair, followed by painting. The extent of the rust will determine the complexity and cost.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per panel depending on severity.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Cracked Dashboard
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or using a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) to $1,000+ (dashboard replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2002 Honda CR-V, while generally reliable, can experience a range of issues. The most concerning issues are related to excessive oil consumption and transmission problems, which can be costly to repair. Rust on the rear quarter panels is a common cosmetic issue. Electrical problems, like power window regulator and ignition switch failures, can also occur. The severity and cost of these issues vary greatly depending on the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect a 2002 CR-V, paying close attention to the engine, transmission, and rear quarter panels, and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.