2002 Honda VFR800 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 13, 2013 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other VFR800 years
Not enough data 2nd of 6 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Honda VFR800. That ranks 2nd out of 6 VFR800 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (5 complaints, 83%), typically at around 20,054 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Honda VFR800 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System5 · ~20,054 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~9,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1 · ~17,000 mi
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System583%20,054——
Engine and Engine Cooling117%9,000——
Exterior Lighting117%17,000——
Unknown or Other117%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2006, with 3 complaints
2005: 1200512006: 3200632007: 1200712008: 120081

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Honda VFR800 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:wiringAug 15, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V359000 · 6,952 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the front fairing sub-harness (section of the wiring harness) transfers the electrical grounding load of the headlights, front turn signals, instrument panel, and various relays to the main wiring harness via an 18-pin connector. Under certain conditions, the ground wire terminals inside the connector can overheat, resulting in melting of the connector and a loss of power to various circuits.

Risk: As a result, a loss of critical lighting or engine power could occur without warning, which could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a re-designed sub-harness. If damage is found, the main wiring harness will also be replaced free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on september 26, 2007. Owners were re-notified on november 10, 2007, to take their motorcycles to dealers to have the parts installed. Owners may contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 24, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V010000 · 36,046 vehicles

Problem: Certain motorcycles equipped with combined-brake systems have a proportioning control valve (pcv) that mechanically proportions brake force when the rear brake is applied. A seal in some pcvs is improperly shaped, and brake fluid leakage may occur.

Risk: If the motorcycle continues to be used after a leak occurs, the rear brake would eventually become inoperative. A loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake forleakage. If leakage is confirmed, the dealer will replace the pcv free of charge. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 866-784-1870.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Southern Honda Powersports (AQ12001) — opened May 14, 2012, closed May 13, 2013.
  • Stalling & sudden headlight outage (PE05047) — opened Sep 2, 2005, closed Dec 20, 2005, led to recall 07V359000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 honda vfr800. The contact mailed in a warranty card notifying the honda manufacturer that he now owns the motorcycle. The warranty information was entered into honda's system incorrectly and now it states that the motorcycle is stolen. There is a nhtsa campaign id number…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 17, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10234684

I own a 2002 honda vfr 800 motorcycle that has incurred electrical problems that 2 dealers were unable to repair. The electrical problems occurred while i was driving on the highway at highway speeds, and when trying to use turn signals. The headlights went out and the engine died...a very…

Electrical System · received May 23, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10191600

Motorcycle engine died while running. I did troubleshoot to find an electrical 30 amp fuse wire insulation scorched and burned through. Copper conductor had become very hot. *jb

Electrical System · received Oct 3, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10169814

Had starting problems and went to check the battery. Found that the fuse holder, a connector and the small wire between the two had discolored to a brown. There were signs of melting on the wire insulation. The part has not failed to date but gets very hot to the touch when the vehicle engine is…

Electrical System · received Sep 11, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10167823

30amp main fuse holder melting. Engine stopped on freeway. *nm

Electrical System · received Feb 17, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10150565

Other Honda VFR800 years

← 1999 VFR800 · 2003 VFR800 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2006 VFR80031
2005 VFR80031
2004 VFR80032
2003 VFR80082
200262
1999 VFR80020

See all Honda VFR800 problems by year, every Honda model, or the Honda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Honda VFR800?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Honda VFR800?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Honda VFR800 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other VFR800 model years, the 2002 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.