Honda S2000 Problems

If you own or are thinking about buying a Honda S2000, you should know about the common Honda S2000 problems. While it’s a legendary sports car, it has a few known mechanical issues that can catch you off guard.

This guide will walk you through the most frequent problems. We’ll cover everything from engine woes to transmission quirks. Knowing these issues helps you maintain your car better and make a smarter purchase.

The S2000 is incredibly reliable for a high-strung sports car, but it’s not perfect. Certain components are known to wear out or fail due to the car’s design and age. Let’s break down the big ones you need to watch for.

1. Engine Issues: The F20C and F22C

The heart of the S2000 is its fantastic engine. But it has some specific vulnerabilities you must be aware of.

Valve Adjustment and Valve Train Wear

The S2000 engine requires regular valve adjustments. Honda recommends it every 25,000 miles, but many owners do it more often. If you ignore this, you risk serious damage.

You’ll hear a distinct ticking noise from the engine when the valves are out of spec.
Poor adjustment can lead to burned valves and loss of compression.
It’s a precise job best left to a mechanic familiar with these engines.

Oil Consumption and Leaks

These engines can use a bit of oil, especially if you drive them hard. It’s normal to add a quart between changes. However, excessive consumption or leaks point to problems.

Common leak points include the VTEC solenoid gasket and the oil cooler o-ring.
Always check your oil level every other time you get gas. Running low on oil is a fast way to destroy this engine.
Use the recommended oil weight (usually 10W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic).

Spark Plug Tube Seals

A very common issue is leaking spark plug tube seals. Oil leaks into the spark plug wells, which can cause misfires.

You might notice a rough idle or a check engine light for a misfire.
Remove the valve cover and ignition coils to check for oil in the tubes.
Replacing these seals fixes the leak and prevents further issues.

2. Transmission and Drivetrain Troubles

The S2000’s manual transmission is a joy, but it can develop problems, particularly in earlier models.

Second and Third Gear Pop-Out

This is a classic S2000 problem, mainly in AP1 models (1999-2003). The transmission can pop out of 2nd or 3rd gear, especially under deceleration.

It’s often caused by worn gear synchronizers or a bent shift fork.
The fix usually involves a transmission rebuild or replacement with a later, stronger unit.
Using the correct Honda MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid) is crucial for longevity.

Clutch Differential and Axle Issues

The differential is known to be a weak point, especially if you add sticky tires or increase power. The clutch-type limited-slip differential can wear out.

Listen for a chattering noise when turning, especially when cold. This is a sign of a worn diff.
Axle nuts can also come loose, leading to a worrying vibration. They should be torqued properly and staked in place.
Upgrading to a stronger aftermarket differential is a common solution for tracked cars.

3. Suspension and Steering Concerns

Keeping the S2000’s sharp handling means paying attention to its suspension components.

Front Lower Ball Joints

This is a critical safety issue. The front lower ball joints can fail, leading to a loss of control. Honda issued a recall for certain model years.

Check for any play or looseness in the front wheels by jacking up the car.
Look for torn or cracked rubber boots on the ball joints.
If you have an early AP1, check if the recall was performed. Replace them immediately if there’s any doubt.

Worn Bushings and Shock Absorbers

Given the car’s age, rubber bushings throughout the suspension are likely worn. This degrades handling and causes clunks.

Common culprits are the control arm bushings and compliance pivot bushings in the rear.
Original shock absorbers are probably tired by now. Upgrading or replacing them makes a huge difference.
A professional alignment is needed after replacing any suspension parts.

4. Soft Top and Interior Problems

The interior and roof, while simple, have their own set of wear items.

Soft Top Tears and Mechanism Issues

The vinyl rear window is prone to cracking and turning yellow. The fabric itself can tear at the seams.

Always lower and raise the top slowly, and make sure it’s not frozen.
Use a protectant on the vinyl window to slow deterioration.
The soft top latch mechanisms can also wear out, making it hard to secure the roof.

Worn Driver’s Seat Bolster

This is almost a given on any high-mileage S2000. The side bolster on the driver’s seat gets worn down from entry and exit.

You can find replacement seat covers or have the bolster repaired by an upholstery shop.
Being careful how you get in and out can help prolong its life.

5. Electrical Gremlins

Thankfully, the S2000 has simple electronics. But a few things can go wrong.

Ignition Switch Failure

A failing ignition switch can cause intermittent problems. The car might not start, or accessories may not work.

Symptoms include the check engine light coming on with no codes, or the fuel pump not priming.
Replacing the ignition switch is a relatively straightforward fix.

Window Regulators

The power window regulators, especially on the driver’s side, are known to fail. The window may move slowly or not at all.

You might hear a grinding noise from the door panel.
Replacing the regulator motor or the entire assembly is the solution.
It’s a common job for S2000 owners to do themselves.

Buying a Used S2000: What to Check

If you’re looking to buy one, here’s a focused checklist. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist.

Service History: Look for records of valve adjustments, oil changes, and transmission fluid changes.
Transmission Test Drive: Test 2nd and 3rd gear thoroughly for any pop-out. Listen for diff chatter on slow turns.
Check for Oil Leaks: Look under the car and in the spark plug wells.
Inspect the Soft Top: Check the rear window and seams carefully. Operate the top up and down.
VIN Check for Recalls: Verify the front ball joint recall was completed.
Body and Frame: Check for accident damage or rust, especially behind the front wheels and under the trunk carpet.

Preventative Maintenance is Key

The best way to avoid major Honda S2000 problems is through consistent, preventative care. Stick to a strict maintenance schedule.

Change the oil and filter every 3,000-5,000 miles with quality synthetic oil.
Adjust the valves every 25,000 miles or sooner.
Change the transmission and differential fluid every 30,000 miles.
Regularly inspect suspension components, especially the front ball joints.
Keep the soft top clean and conditioned.

Following these steps will keep your S2000 running strong for many more miles. It’s a car that rewards good ownership.

FAQ: Honda S2000 Issues

What is the most common problem with the Honda S2000?
The most frequent issues are the 2nd/3rd gear pop-out in early models, valve adjustments, and spark plug tube seal leaks. The soft top rear window also commonly cracks.

Are Honda S2000 expensive to maintain?
They are more expensive to maintain than a typical Honda due to their performance nature. Valve adjustments and potential transmission work can be costly, but general upkeep is reasonable if you stay on top of it.

What mileage is too high for an S2000?
Mileage is less important than maintenance history and how it was driven. A well-cared-for S2000 with 150,000 miles can be a better buy than a neglected one with 60,000. Just budget for wear items.

Do all S2000 have valve adjustment problems?
They all require regular valve adjustments as part of normal maintenance. It’s not a “problem” per se, but a required service. Ignoring it turns it into a serious problem.

Is the S2000 a reliable car?
Yes, it is considered very reliable for a high-revving sports car. Its main issues are well-documented and manageable with propper maintenance. Many examples run flawlessly well over 200,000 miles.

What year S2000 is the best?
Many prefer the 2004-2005 AP2 models. They have a slightly more forgiving engine with more torque, a stronger transmission that fixed the pop-out issue, and updated styling. But the earlier AP1’s higher-revving engine is a purist’s dream.