The 2002 Honda Civic has 6 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, with the potential for serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls address this airbag issue. Beyond the inflator rupture risk, some vehicles may have had the front passenger airbag installed incorrectly during a prior replacement, which can cause it to deploy improperly in a crash rather than providing the intended protection. Because earlier repair attempts may not have fully resolved the inflator concern, both the original defect and the improper-installation risk are worth verifying against your VIN.
On the engine side, a plastic piece from a damaged air cleaner box cover can break off during assembly and travel into the intake path. If it lodges in the throttle body, the throttle can stick in a partially open position, meaning the engine may continue to push the car forward even when the driver lifts off the accelerator. Applying firm brake pressure can still bring the car to a stop, but the unexpected engine behavior adds a real workload for the driver in traffic or on a downhill stretch.
The final recall covers the headlight wiring. The terminal on the low-beam wire harness can overheat, causing the low beams to cut out without warning. Losing low beams at night or in poor weather conditions reduces how far ahead the driver can see and may also make the car less visible to oncoming traffic.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front airbag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement, potentially affecting its ability to deploy properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag and replace the module assembly if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag inflator may build up excessive pressure when deploying, causing it to rupture. This rupture can send fragments toward occupants or damage the airbag module, preventing proper deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger airbag inflator and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-beam terminal on the headlight wire harness can overheat, causing the low beams to stop working suddenly.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the headlight switch and coupler for heat damage and replace damaged parts or replace the switch and one coupler pin if no damage is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During assembly, the air cleaner box cover may be damaged. A broken plastic piece could travel into the engine intake and lodge in the throttle body, causing the throttle to stick partially open.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air cleaner box for damage. If found, they will remove any broken plastic piece and replace the air cleaner box cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During assembly, the air cleaner box cover may have been damaged, allowing a broken plastic piece to enter the intake chamber.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air cleaner box for damage, remove any broken plastic pieces, and replace the air cleaner box lid.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
