The 2002 Honda Civic is a compact car from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2002 Civic VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (13.6%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Honda Civic is a compact car that blends fun-to-drive dynamics, efficiency and strong safety into an affordable package.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
2002
Make
Honda
Model
Civic
Body
Compact Car
Country of origin
Japan
Available engines (model line)
Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder
Engine
1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Fuel Economy (2002 Honda Civic)
26
City MPG
35
Highway MPG
30
Combined MPG
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA).
NHTSA safety ratings
—
Overall
—
Frontal
—
Side
—
Rollover
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Real-world pricing & specs — 2002 Honda Civic
Used-market medians (U.S. listings)
U.S. used-market listings for the 2002 Civic (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $3,100 at roughly 189,000 miles, based on 54 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$3,100
Median mileage
189,000
Sample: 54 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
Median used price by state — 2002 Civic
States with the most listings for this model year (Craigslist 2020–2021 snapshot; only states with enough listings to quote):
Source: Craigslist used listings (2020–2021 snapshot). Regional variation reflects local supply and demand, not vehicle condition.
NHTSA safety recalls — 2002 Honda Civic
24
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Honda dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 19V182000 · Filed: 06/03/2019
Defect description: 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 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Consequence: 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.
Corrective action: 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 owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 19V501000 · Filed: 27/06/2019
Defect description: 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 service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective action: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 19V499000 · Filed: 27/06/2019
Defect description: 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 part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective action: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
AIR BAGS
Campaign: 14V700000 · Filed: 04/11/2014
Defect description: 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, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective action: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 18V268000 · Filed: 26/04/2018
Defect description: 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.
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective action: 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. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
1.5L turbo oil dilution
AC compressor issues on some years
Sun-visor rattles
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 2002 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 2002 Civic
717
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
AIR BAGS — 191 reports
POWER TRAIN — 167 reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING — 39 reports
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT — 12/31/2009
I PURCHASED MY HONDA CIVIC BRAND NEW IN FEBRUARY OF 2002. I HAD MY RIGHT FRONT STRUT REPLACED THE FIRST TIME ON APRIL 8, 2003. I HAD TO HAVE THE SAME RIGHT FRONT STRUT REPLACED AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2004. MY CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY IN 2005, HOWEVER I STILL NOTICED THAT THE AUTOMOBILE DID NOT SEEM TO HANDLE BUMPS/HOLES IN THE ROAD VERY WELL, SHAKING AND RATTLING WITH EVERY ONE. BEING A FAIRLY YOUNG DRIVER, AND THIS BEING MY VERY FIRST CAR, I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THIS WAS AN ACTUAL PROBLEM - I JU
POWER TRAIN — 12/31/2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 HONDA CIVIC IN 2004 FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND IT HAD ABOUT 55,000 MILES. IT NOW HAS 95,000 AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY GONE OUT. IT WILL NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE STREET NEEDING A TOW TO GET HOME. THE FIRST ESTIMATE FOR A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS $2700. I MAY END UP SELLING THE CAR AT A REDUCED PRICE JUST TO TRY AND GET RID OF IT. THE CAR WAS REGULARLY SERVICED AND DRIVEN RELATIVELY LOW MILES, AS I LIVE ONLY 5 MILES FROM MY PLACE OF WORK. UNT
AIR BAGS — 12/31/2003
THE SRS LIGHT IS ACTIVATED AND REQUIRES A VISIT TO THE DEALER TO RE-ACTIVATE THE SRS SYSTEM IF A CELL PHONE IS LEFT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. PER THE DEALER, THE CELL PHONE INTERFERES WITH THE SRS SENSORS THAT MEASURE SEAT VS SEATBACK PRESSURE AND TELLS THE SYSTEM TO SHUT OFF. ADDITIONALLY, IF A SMALL PACKAGE IS PLACED ON THE FRONT SEAT, THE SRS DEACTIVATES - WHICH IS FINE, BUT IT MAY REMAIN DEACTIVATED AFTER THE PACKAGE IS REMOVED.
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 2002 Honda Civic owners & buyers
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 2002 Civic?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Honda or any government agency.
