2005 Honda S2000 problems
The Honda S2000 is a front-mid engine open top sports car that was manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda, from 1999 until 2009. First shown as a concept car called the SSM at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, the production version was launched on April 15, 1999, to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of two litres, while "S" stood for "sports" carrying on in the tradition of the S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 1960s.
Several revisions were made throughout the car's production life, including changes to the engine, gearbox, suspension, interior and exterior. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1; though cosmetically similar, the facelifted version, known as the AP2 in North America and Japan, incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Production of the S2000 ceased on August 19, 2009.
The Honda S2000 was notable for its exceptional specific power output of about 124 hp per litre, or about two horsepower per cubic inch, the highest of any mass production, naturally aspirated engined car, until 2010.
The S2000 has since become a legitimate modern classic car, having seen a significant appreciation in price for valued examples in good condition. In the JDM community and the car community as a whole, the most sought-after models are special edition productions such as the CR (Club Racer) in the USA market; the standard AP1 and AP2 models have achieved collectible status as well.
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Common 2005 Honda S2000 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2005 Honda S2000, several common problems have been reported:
- Power Loss: Over 200,000 miles, owners have reported power loss, which can be expected as the vehicle ages. This issue may impact the performance and drivability of the car, requiring attention to maintain optimal functionality.
- VSA Module Failure: The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) module in the 2005 Honda S2000 has been reported to fail prematurely, with one owner experiencing this issue after only 2,000 miles. Replacing the VSA module can be costly, with repair estimates reaching around $2,200.
- Steering Wheel Lock-Up: Another problem reported by owners involves the steering wheel locking up around 80,000 miles. The cause of this issue is not entirely clear, and the solution is not apparent. This can pose a severe safety risk, as one owner claimed they almost had a fatal accident due to this problem.
These issues highlight some of the common concerns that owners of the 2005 Honda S2000 have faced. Addressing these problems promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the performance, safety, and longevity of the vehicle.
What is the common issue with S2000?
As idle / hesitation / kangerooing / misfire problems and misfires seem to be a common problem on the S2000, and indeed on most cars, I thought I would construct a thread to aid people in diagnosing their problems.
Is the S2000 a reliable car?
According to redriven.com, the S2000 has superb reliability, as is typical of the Honda name. You will find excellent scores for the Honda S2000. It's an incredible choice for those who want a speedy vehicle, and the Honda S2000 is a race car. It's generally a dependable option.
Which Honda S2000 is best year?
We'd lean toward well-maintained second-gen models with their improved low-end torque and refined suspension, though there's undeniable joy in revving an early S2000 to its 8900-rpm redline. Of the early cars, the 2002–03 examples are the best, with their transmission and interior upgrades and a glass rear window.
How long do S2000 engines last?
The reliability of the Honda S2000 is in a class of its own, it has the best reliability despite being classified as a race car, and it is capable of driving 300,000+ miles in its lifetime with minimum maintenances, the only maintenance it needs regularly is the oil change every 6000 miles.
2005 Honda S2000 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda S2000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Honda S2000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Honda S2000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Honda S2000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMAP21455S
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THIS 2005 HONDA S2K LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THEN BENT THE TIE ROD AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE AND WHICH SENT THE TIRE UNDER THE UNIBODY OF THE CAR. WHICH FOR A REAR WHEEL DRIVE CAR IS VERY BAD. YOU WILL HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE CAR IN THIS SCENARIO.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-21
- VIN: JHMAP21445S
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE LEFT SEAT ADJUSTMENT RAIL FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE BOLT HOLDING THE FORWARD END OF THE RAIL TO THE FLOOR. THIS ALLOWED THE DRIVERS SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. I HAD ADJUSTED THE SEAT FORWARD TO MY USUAL DRIVING POSITION, AND PUSHED BACKWARD ON THE SEAT TO CHECK THAT THE ADJUSTER WAS LOCKED. WHEN I DID THAT, THE SEAT BRACKET BROKE LOOSE AND THE SEAT TILTED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE REPLACED THE BROKEN RAIL, HONDA PART NUMBER 81660-S2A-A02. I PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE RIGHT SIDE DRIVER'S SEAT RAIL (81670-S2A-A02) WHEN THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM JAMMED, IN JANUARY2011. THAT PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE NEW FROM HONDA. ALL BOLTS WERE REINSTALLED ACCORDING TO TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS IN THE HONDA S2000 FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-25
- VIN: JHMAP21425S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: SATURDAY AUGUST 25 WAS DRIVING MY CAR FROM BRANFORD CT TO GUILFORD CT THRU NORTH BRANFORD. DROVE FOR AROUND 10 MINUTES CAME TO A STOP LIGHT WITH A LINE OF TRAFFIC. SLOWED TO A STOP AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. THE CAR TURNED OFF AND WOULD NOT START. TOWED BY AAA TO MY MECHANIC TO FIND OUT WHY IT WOULD NOT START. HE CALLED AND STATED HE COULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER. TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS AND THE MOTOR WOULD NOT CRANK OVER EVEN WITH A BAR. HE STATED THE ENGINE SEIZED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-25
- VIN: JHMAP21485S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 2005 HONDA S2000 THAT HAS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT HAS COME ON & HAS A INTERNAL ERROR COMING FROM MY OBS2 READER. THE CAR ACTS UP LIKE YOU TURNED THE KEY OFF & ON WHEN DRIVING. IF THEY ARE A RECALL I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ONE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 9 MONTHS & IT STARTED AT 6 MONTHS. THE CAR PROBLEM SEEM TO HAVE EFFECTED THE ACCELERATION AT LOW RPMS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-30
- VIN: JHMAP21465S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: STARTED MY 2005 HONDA S2000 WITH 144,456 MILES ON IT. THE SRS AIRBAG CODE ILLUMINATED. I HAD THE CODE READ AND IT IS A 02-2 FOR A INCREASED RESISTANCE IN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED BUT HAS A FAULTY AIRBAG. I AM WONDERING IF THIS CAR MAY FALL INTO A UPCOMING AIRBAG RECALL. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS AIRBAG. WHAT CAN I DO?
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-30
- VIN: JHMAP21445S
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH - ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL - THE CAR IMMEDIATELY PICKUP UP SPEED AND CONTINUED ACCELERATION AT INCREASING RATES. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL (WHICH NORMALLY DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL) DID NOT DISENGAGE CRUISE. DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH - WHICH NORMALLY DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE, AND THE ENGINE RACED AWAY. ONLY WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS SWITCHED OFF DID THE ENGAGE REDUCE THE SPEED. THE CAR WAS LEFT IN A BUSINESS INTERSECTION THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED AS THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I RECREATED THE INCIDENT AGAIN SHORTLY THEREAFTER, AND AGAIN HAD TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF TO SHUT DOWN THE RACING ENGINE. THE CAR STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL AND STOPPED THIS TIME. AT THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER THIS MORNING - VIC BAILEY IN SPARTANBURG, SC - THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE SWITCH AND A CABLE REEL (?) BEING THE SOURCE OF THE MALFUNCTION. THEY ARE REPAIRING THE CAR AT A COST OF $580. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO SAVE ALL THE PARTS AND RETURN WITH THE CAR. THIS INCIDENT IS TO NO WAY REFLECT ON VIC BAILEY HONDA AS THE CAR WAS NOT PURCHASED THERE, NOR SERVICED THERE ON A ROUTINE BASIS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-07
- VIN: JHMAP21415S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA S2000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DOWN SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-21
- VIN: JHMAP21485S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA S2000. THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A CROSS BAR ON THE INTERIOR ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAS BROKEN DOWN THE FABRIC OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP AND HAS CAUSED THE TOP TO SPLIT. THE DEALER STATED THIS WAS KNOWN, BUT THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE DEALERS STATEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAP21445S
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 HONDA S2000 IN AUGUST OF 2005. I DROVE THE CAR SUMMERS UNTIL AUGUST 2009 ACCUMULATING 13,700 MILES. THE CAR WAS SERVICED EXCLUSIVELY AT PORTER HONDA IN CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS. ON AUGUST 28, 2009 THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING IT NEAR MY HOME IN WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS. FLAMES ESCAPED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND THE PASSENGER CABIN FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ESCAPED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT OF THE INCIDENT. I APPLIED TO PORTER HONDA FOR ASSISTANCE. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN APPLIED TO HONDA MOTOR COMPANY IN AMERICA AND JAPAN. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE NO CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAD BEEN DETERMINED, THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND REFUSED ANY COMPENSATION. HONDA MANUFACTURES CARS WITH A POTENTIALLY DEADLY DEFECT AND REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-17
- VIN: JHMAP21455S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA S2000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS THE RPMS INCREASED WHENEVER SHE WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD SINCE HER FOOT WAS ON THE CLUTCH. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,300 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 12/9/09 *CN UPDATED 12/10/09.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-05
- VIN: JHMAP21495S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HONDA S2000 SOFT TOP TEARS DUE TO FRAME RUBBING AGAINST VINYL. HONDA HAS NOT ADMITTED TO THIS BEING AND ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THERE CARS FIXED A PART OF WARRANTY. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
- VIN: JHMAP21475S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEARS GRIND FROM 1ST TO 2ND AT ANY SPEED. THOUGH THIS IS NOT HAPPENING TO ALL HONDA S2000'S AMERICAN HONDA INSISTS THAT IT IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR" AND WILL NOT REPAIR THE SYNCHROS. PROBABLY BECAUSE IT IS AN 8 HR PROCESS. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAP21425S
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE HOOD AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE STARTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTOR DETERMINED THE FIRE BEGAN IN THE HEADLIGHT AREA AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMAP214X5S
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 60MPH ON WET ROADS WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A PATCH OF UNEVEN PAVEMENT ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING INTO A TREE BACKWARD. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS, BUT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR WHIPLASH INJURIES. BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE TOOK A REPORT AT THE SCENE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE INSURANCE AGENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SHOULD NOT BE USED DURING WET CONDITIONS PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS INFORMATION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND KNOWS OTHERS ARE NOT AWARE AS WELL. THE SALESMAN WHO SOLD THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF USING THE CRUISE CONTROL DURING WET CONDITIONS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-16
- VIN: JHMAP21445S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR POPS OUT OF 6TH GEAR INTERMITTENTLY + TIMES IN 3700MI. WHEN BROUGHT TO DEALER THEY COULDN'T MIMIC PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME TO WAIT TILL PROBLEM GETS WORSE OR BREAKS. THIS DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. *NM
Positive 2005 Honda S2000 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Honda S2000 problems:
Common S2000 Problems/Solutions (1999-2009) - S2KI Honda ...
Mar 18, 2009 ... Problem: Wind noise / Soft top noise. ... Problem: After sitting for a long time, my car doesn't start on the first try. Fact: Several S2000 ...
2005 Honda S2000 Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Problem with your 2005 Honda S2000? Our list of 11 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2005 Honda S2000.
What to look for when buying a used S2000 / or just bought a used ...
Mar 23, 2010 ... Wheel bearings can go bad and are pricey. · Shifting problems. Don't skip shift · Oil consumption. This is difficult to evaluate prior to buying ...
Common Problems - S2000.club
Idle / Hesitation / Kangerooing / Misfire Problems As idle / hesitation / kangerooing / misfire problems and misfires seem to be a common problem on the S2000, ...
What are some common problems with the Honda s2000? - Quora
Dec 30, 2015 ... Soft top common complaints were wind noise… Which I mean, c'mon, it's a convertible. Poor heat in cooler temps in the soft top model. Again, it ...
Other years of Honda S2000
Are you having problems with your 2005 Honda S2000?
Jan Schowalter 2025-01-03
I absolutely love my Suzuka Blue Metallic S2000! It's not just a mid-life crisis car, as some people might think. I spent a year in Iraq researching and thinking about the perfect car to buy when I got home, and this was it. The acceleration is quick, the handling is precise, and I haven't even reached the top end yet - if there even is one! Even though my daily commute is 35 miles each way on I-5 from Puyallup to Olympia (WA), I don't mind a little traffic because I get to put the top down, feel the sun and wind, and enjoy the beautiful views of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Plus, I have the optional hardtop for the wet winter months, which provides good visibility with the full rear window and reduced road noise. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my S2000!
Moises Tromp 2024-11-21
After purchacing my S2000 in Anchorage in March, I quickly realized that a second car was needed in any area that required driving in the snow. That being said, this is the most fantastic car that I've ever driven. Though it packs quite a punch (240 hp), it is a very tame every day driver. But, when you want to unleash that horsepower, it's always there on command. It's handling is extremely precise, and there is little or no body roll in the corners. The chassis is extremely rigid, and the car feels as it is one piece. Having 6 speeds, the shifter is crisp and has short throws. The seats are firm and supportive. There is very little trunk room, though, so pack lightly.
Xander Terry 2024-11-03
This car replaces a 2004 Honda Element I owned. This is just the most fun car I have driven and I can say that truthfully. This makes about the 40th something vehicle I have bought and driven. Of course, being 5' 7
George Osinski 2024-11-03
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with the S2000. After spending a lot of time researching and test driving different 2 seaters, I finally decided on the S2000 and I couldn't be happier with my choice! Even though I had to put it away for most of our New Hampshire Winter, it still met all my expectations of a sports car. I did have some trouble driving it on ice and snow, but I knew that going in and planned accordingly. I've even seen a few out there this Winter, so some people must add snow tires and probably studs to make it work. The rest of the year is pure joy! The suspension and handling are consistent and predictable, and the engine is smooth and very powerful for a 2.2 L. Thanks for letting me share!
Claude Dooley 2024-10-24
This car is really impressive! The limited slip rear makes tight corners so much fun, and I'm constantly amazed by its ability to handle curves. Even though it's compact, you forget about its size as you watch the scenery fly by. And when you hit 6,500 rpm, it really hits its power-band like a CR 250. I can't help but wonder when Honda will release an eight cylinder monster!