Honda

S2000 (AP1/AP2)

2000-2009 · Sports Car · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.2)
121 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
4 Fire Reports
17 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Honda S2000 Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.2)
40 complaints 6.7 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
8
transmission
6
safety systems
6
other
5
engine
4

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (8 complaints)
Transmission Issues (6 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (6 complaints)

F20C1

2.0L 4-cyl / 240 hp
Avoid (1.9)
51 complaints 12.8 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
11
cooling
11
exterior
7
other
7
steering
5

Known Issues

Engine Issues (11 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (11 complaints)
Exterior Issues (7 complaints)

F22C1

2.4L 4-cyl / 240 hp
Avoid (1.8)
30 complaints 6.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
8
engine
4
body
4
safety systems
3
suspension
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (8 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Honda S2000 regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (15 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (14 complaints)
transmission critical
Body/Trim Issues (12 complaints)
body critical
Cooling System Issues (11 complaints)
cooling critical
Exterior Issues (7 complaints)
exterior critical

Recalls (5)

13V246000Jun 12, 2013serious
Service Brakes

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain a vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed, decreasing brake assist.

06V270000Jul 25, 2006cosmetic
Equipment

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

04V257000Jan 5, 2004cosmetic
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE LENS OF THE SIDE MARKER LAMP AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR IN THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECT DYE.

00V016000Jan 23, 2000serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. WHEN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS DOWN AND THE SEAT IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY BACK, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RETRACT PROPERLY RESULTING IN SLACK IN THE SEAT BELTS.

00V316000Oct 9, 2000critical
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CAN DEFORM AND CAUSE COMPLETE OR FREQUENT LOCKING OF THE RETRACTOR. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELTS CANNOT BE PULLED OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND CANNOT BE USED.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2009 Honda S2000 problems?

The 2000-2009 Honda S2000 has accumulated 121 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Honda S2000 engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2009 Honda S2000 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 a good used car?

The 2000-2009 Honda S2000 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 121 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2009 Honda S2000 have?

The 2000-2009 Honda S2000 has 121 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2009 Honda S2000?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2009 Honda S2000 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Honda S2000?

Before buying a used Honda S2000, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the S2000 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2009 Honda S2000. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 121 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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