Thinking about buying a used Honda S2000 (1999–2009) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
13
Critical
$600–$2,200
5
High-revving F20C engines (9000 rpm redline) are prone to rod bearing spun bearings or failure at high mileage, particularly in cars with track use history or infrequent oil changes. Oil starvation under sustained cornering loads accelerates wear. Failure results in catastrophic engine damage requiring full rebuild or replacement.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
The S2000 power soft-top can suffer failed hydraulics, motor or the glass/plastic rear window separating or cracking. Early cars had plastic rear windows that yellow and split. Repairs and a new top are costly.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 13 documented faults for the Honda S2000, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and transmission. A Honda S2000 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Honda S2000, covering engine, body & rust, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
Most single repairs on the Honda S2000 fall between $600–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Yes. A Honda S2000 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.