2002 HONDA CIVIC SI

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Grinding or crunching into second gear, Difficulty downshifting to second under load, Complete lockout of second gear in severe cases

Fix: Transmission rebuild with synchro replacement is the proper fix, 8-12 hours labor. Many shops won't tackle it; expect to pull and send out or do a used trans swap (4-6 hours). Syncro kits run $300-500, but you're already in there so bearings and seals get done too.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 miles), Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Low compression on one or more cylinders, Metallic knocking or rod knock at idle

Fix: K20A3 engines were often abused due to lack of VTEC crossover — owners rev them hard looking for power. Ring land cracks or bearing wear result. Proper fix is teardown, new pistons/rings, bearing inspection, 16-20 hours labor. Many opt for used K20 swap instead.

Estimated cost: $3,000-5,500

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking on takeoff or aggressive shifts, Excessive driveline movement visible under hood, Vibration in cabin under load

Fix: Rear trans mount hydraulic fluid leaks out, mount collapses. Aftermarket polyurethane mounts last longer but increase NVH. OEM replacement is 1.5-2 hours labor, easy DIY.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration, Difficulty starting when hot, Fuel pump whine audible in cabin

Fix: The in-tank sock filter clogs on neglected cars. Requires fuel tank drop, 2-3 hours labor. While you're in there, inspect the pump. Honda doesn't sell the filter separately in the aftermarket easily; many replace the whole pump assembly.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots on driveway, Low fluid level on dipstick, Burnt smell if severely low

Fix: Rubber lines to the small cooler deteriorate. Easy 1-hour fix, but if neglected leads to trans overheating and accelerates that second gear synchro death. Replace both lines and flush fluid.

Estimated cost: $150-300

Typical onset: 150,000+ mi

Symptoms: Slight oil weepage between head and block, No overheating or coolant loss, Visible residue on passenger side of block

Fix: K-series don't typically blow head gaskets like older Hondas, but high-mileage examples can seep oil. If no coolant crossover, monitor it. Full HG job is 6-8 hours labor if you address it, but most live with minor seepage.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400