general problems of the 2002 Honda Civic

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Civic with yokohama trz avid tires, line size p225/60r/16. The contact stated while driving 35 mph the vehicle started to jerk and the tires started to make a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine why the failure was occurring but stated that the tires were not safe and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The tires were replaced. The dot or VIN were not available. The failure and current mileage was 106,000.

On Sunday 9-7-08 at apx. 0945 hours I was driving east on I-64 in huntington, wv at mile marker 14 on my way to church. I started to hear a flapping noise and then a grinding noise so I immediately exited at the adjacent exit #15 and pulled off the roadway. A witness saw the tire smoking and was concerned for my safety so he pulled off to help me. This good samaritan changed my tire for me and put on the small emergency donut and I proceeded to church in barboursville arriving 15 minutes late. Cooper tire was contacted and a claim for damages to my vehicle was submitted. No decision on replacement or repairs were made at the time of this complaint. The tire tread on both sides of the tire had completely separated from the lower portion of the tire. I am concerned because the other 3 tires on my Honda Civic are the same brand and model and were purchased at the same time on 5-5-08.

While driving on a highway at approx. 65 mph, the tread separated from the tire which resulted in uncontrollable driving. No accident occurred because there was no other traffic at that time of day. Damage to the vehicle included the driver's side of the rear bumper was torn off, the steel frame to which the bumper mounts has been twisted and bent, broken driver's side tail light, dents and paint scratches are found from the rear of the car to the mirror on the driver's side. Nothing has been done to correct it. I was never notified of a recall.

The car was purchased new on April 20, 2002. Since the very first day several problems were discovered which Honda has been unable to resolve. One ongoing problem is a vibration at 55 mph in the steering wheel, which Honda has attributed to a wheel balance problem and tire problem. The car has been serviced 14 times by Honda and firestone (tire manufacturer) and merchant tire (balance). Honda tried to balance the wheels and after several failed attempts told me it was a problem with faulty tires (oem). Honda told me they could do nothing further about the problem and told me I had to take care of the problem on my own with the tire manufacturer despite the fact that the car was obviously still under Honda warranty. None of the balancing solved the problem and Honda told me it must be defective (original) tires. Firestone them replaced 3 tires under warranty and the problem still persisted. They attempted to balance the wheels 2 more times. I went back to Honda and they balanced the wheels again with no success and they would not investigate the problem further. There are several other problems. One is a problem with hissing and static in the radio reception when the rear window defogger is on (since new). Honda replaced the radio and defogger switch but the problem is still there. Another problem is a visibility problem in the rear window (since new). A hazy sticky film develops on the rear window. It is very difficult to clean with household glass cleaner. Another problem is that the original Honda floor mat wore right through when the car was not even a year old. I had to purchase a whole set for about $90. The drivers seat upholstery also began to wear prematurely. Another problem that developed over the past year is a damp moldy musty odor coming from the air conditioner/heater vents. The odor is sometimes strong and when I turn on the ac or heater it makes me cough and feel ill. I am very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle.

All four tires wore out prematurely which resulted in the vehicle sliding when driving on wet surfaces. Goodyear indicated that it was a factory defect and was willing to pay half for a new set of tires. The vehicle could not gain enough traction. The consumer was told that two more tires would be needed. The consumer requested compensation for all four tires.

While driving and making a turn the vehicle was being pulled in the opposite direction at turn. 185/70r14, dot# w2rvs9h, original equipment, 622 miles, Honda, Civic 2002. Tires were very noisy. Dealer stated that the manufacturer changed the suspension and maybe this is causing the problem.