What are the most common Honda S2000 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,195+ owner reports, the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: VTEC Oil Consumption and Burning, Rear Differential Noise and Limited Slip Failure, Valve Retainer Failure at High RPM (AP1). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda S2000 reliable?
The 2000-2009 Honda S2000 has 12 known issues documented across 1,195+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: VTEC Oil Consumption and Burning and Rear Differential Noise and Limited Slip Failure and Valve Retainer Failure at High RPM (AP1) and Banjo Bolt Oil Jet Insufficiency - Cylinder 4 Oil Starvation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda S2000 problems?
Repair costs for known Honda S2000 issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, VTEC Oil Consumption and Burning, typically costs $50-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Honda S2000 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Honda S2000. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 with 12 documented issues documented across 1,195+ owner reports.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 VTEC Oil Consumption and Burning?
High-revving F20C and F22C engines consume oil at higher rates than typical engines, especially in VTEC mode. Normal consumption is approximately 1 quart per 1,000 miles, but excessive consumption (more than 1qt/1000mi) indicates PCV valve clogging, worn valve guide seals, or cyl… Repairs typically run $50-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Rear Differential Noise and Limited Slip Failure?
S2000 uses Torsen limited-slip differential prone to noise and potential internal failure. CRITICAL: Some dealers mistakenly filled S2000 diffs with VTM-4 fluid (CR-V/Pilot spec), causing diffs to fail within hours to weeks. Honda has specific S2000 differential fluid requirement… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2003 Honda S2000 Valve Retainer Failure at High RPM (AP1)?
Stock AP1 valve retainers crack or split when engine exceeds 9,000 RPM consistently. VTEC engagement raises valve spring pressure, and over-revving (money shifting or redline bouncing) causes keepers to fail, leading to catastrophic head damage. AP1 valve retainers start failing… Repairs typically run $1,000-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda S2000 Banjo Bolt Oil Jet Insufficiency - Cylinder 4 Oil Starvation?
Early AP1 banjo bolts (before VIN ~VT006255 or engine #F20C-1025386) have only 2 oil delivery holes instead of 4, restricting oil flow to cylinder walls. Cylinder 4 is most prone to oil starvation and scuffing, particularly under sustained high-RPM operation. This is a design fla… Repairs typically run $50-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Second Gear Synchronizer Grinding and Pop-Out?
S2000 transmission has weak synchronizers, especially 2nd gear. AP1 (2000-2003): Grinding on downshift. AP2 (2004-2009): Gear lever pops out of 2nd/4th/6th during hard deceleration (2004-mid-2005 most common). Aggressive downshifting or fast shifting causes grinding. TSB 00-055 f… Repairs typically run $50-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Soft Top Tears and Rips?
Canvas soft top material can tear at 100,000+ miles, especially at stress points like rear lock handle and passenger-side rear corner. Material degrades over time from UV exposure. Small tears can be repaired with Tear-Aid kits (~$20-40). Full replacement: $1,500-2,500 installed… Repairs typically run $20-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Compliance Bushing Failure (Front Lower Control Arm)?
Front lower control arm has compliant (soft) rubber bushings that split and tear from road vibration and hard cornering. Typically shows wear at 80,000-100,000+ miles. Honda does not sell bushings separately - only full control arms (~$350+ each). Causes steering to feel loose or… Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 CV Joint and Boot Wear?
CV joints wear and boots tear at 80,000+ miles, allowing grease to escape and dirt to enter. Repetitive clicking sounds indicate joint damage. Left CV joint typically fails first. CV boots tear from road debris and age. OEM Honda axles cost ~$876 but have strong reputation. Many… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Alternator Failure?
Alternator can fail at 80,000+ miles, preventing battery charging. Internal voltage regulator (AP2 especially) can malfunction. AP1 and AP2 alternators are interchangeable. Symptoms include battery discharge, charging light illuminated, dimming headlights under load, weak starter… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Rear Window Clouding, Creasing, and Scratching?
Rear window (vinyl on soft top) can become clouded from road grime/oil film, creased from improper folding, or scratched from cleaning or rubbing. Clouding: Accumulation of road grime and dirt. Creasing: Permanent fold lines from improper top operation. Scratching: Damage from ab… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: low.
What is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 Window Regulator / Motor Failure?
Automatic window regulators fail at 80,000+ miles, leaving windows stuck. More common in older cars. Can be expensive to repair at dealership ($400-600) but DIY replacement with aftermarket part is achievable (~$200-300). JDM regulator swaps available. Many enthusiasts replace DI… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2009 Honda S2000 Dashboard Bubbling and Wrinkling (AP2)?
Dashboard surface can bubble, wrinkle, or blister from heat and UV exposure, particularly in hot climates. Primarily affects 2006+ AP2 models. Dashboard develops bubbles or wrinkles, sticky texture, shiny/warped appearance. Prevention with dashboard cover or sunshade (~$30-50) is… Repairs typically run $30-$1,500. Severity: low.
