2006 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 2006 Honda S2000 problems
The Honda S2000, produced from 1999 to 2009, is known for its performance and reliability. However, certain model years and components have been reported to have issues. Here are some common problems with the Honda S2000, based on complaints from owners:
- Excessive noise from the wheel bearings: Worn or damaged wheel bearings can cause noise, especially during acceleration or braking. Replacing the affected wheel bearings can fix this issue.
- Engine misfiring: Engine misfiring can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become serious.
- Vibration during acceleration: This problem can be caused by worn CV joints, particularly on the left side when cornering to the right. Swapping the left CV joint with the right one or replacing the worn CV joint can help fix the issue.
- Heavy oil consumption: The S2000 is known for using more engine oil than some other vehicles. Regularly checking and topping up the oil levels is essential to maintain the engine's health.
- Growling noise from the clutch: This issue can be caused by a worn or damaged clutch plate. Fitting a modified clutch plate can help resolve the problem.
- Oil valve modification: Vehicles produced between 1999 and 2001 may require an oil valve modification to improve reliability and performance. Checking and ensuring that this modification has been made can help ensure optimal performance.
- Rattling on the front of the windscreen: Loose roof latches can cause a rattling noise from the front of the windscreen. Adjusting the roof latches can help resolve the issue.
- Transmission hard to shift when cold: All S2000 owners have reported this issue. Giving the car time to warm up can help alleviate the problem.
- CEL (Check Engine Light) codes related to random misfires: Members on S2Ki forums have reported various CEL codes related to random misfires, such as P1399, P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304. Negcamber's checklist can help diagnose and address these issues.
- Whistling sound coming from the engine bay: This issue can be caused by removing the air box cover. Replacing the air box cover can help eliminate the whistling sound.
- Engine noise coming from the engine bay: This issue can be caused by a worn or damaged timing chain tensioner (TCT). Replacing the TCT can help resolve the problem. Modified replacement units are recommended, as they are stronger and less likely to need replacement.
- Dash begins to bubble, blister, or wrinkle: This issue is particularly common in MY06+ models. Dash replacement can help resolve the problem.
- When accelerating, the car pulls on the left or right side: This problem can be caused by uneven tire pressure. Checking and adjusting the tire pressure according to the OEM specifications can help alleviate the issue.
- Clicking noise from the rear when moving in first gear or reverse: This issue can be caused by insufficiently torqued axle nuts. Honda used to torque the axle nuts to 180 lbs. Tightening the axle nuts to the correct torque can help eliminate the issue.
- Faulty timing chain tensioners: A known weak spot in the S2000 is the timing chain tensioner (TCT). A faulty TCT can cause the timing to slip out, potentially damaging the engine. Replacing the TCT with a stronger modified unit can help prevent this issue.
It is important to note that regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address many of these issues. Additionally, some problems may be more prevalent in certain model years or components than others. Always consult the owner's manual, Honda dealership, or trusted mechanic for specific recommendations and guidance regarding your 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.
2006 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:
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Honda S2000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Honda S2000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Honda S2000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-22
- VIN: JHMAP21456S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: airbag light on , no accident .will take to Honda dealer soon wondered if this is related to tatka airbag problems.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-31
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: A SLIT, ABOUT 1" LONG, APPEARED IN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP REAR QUARTERPANEL. YESTERDAY, I NOTICED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR, IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT, AN INDENTATION, ABOUT TO BECOME ANOTHER SLIT. HONDA DEALER AND CUSTOMER COMPLAINT BOTH NOTIFIED. THEY HAVE NOTHING ON FILE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO SOLUTIONS. THERE OBVIOUSLY IS AN ISSUE WITH THE RETRACTION MECHANISM DESIGN OR FUNCTION. WEAR ON A RETRACTED CONVERTIBLE TOP , TO THE POINT OF PENETRATION, IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-01
- VIN: JHMAP21456S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CONVERTIBLE TOP ON MY HONDA S2000 HAS RIPPED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME THE TOP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. UNDER INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION THE TOP WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT WHERE THE FABRIC TOP RUBS AGAINST A SHARP METAL COMPONENT OF THE TOP FRAME CAUSING A TEAR. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-07
- VIN: JHMAP21416S
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 2006 HONDA S-2000 HAS HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH HIGH COLD START IDLE THAT CAN EXCEED 2500 RPM MAKING THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE UNTIL SUFFICIENT TIME HAS ELAPSED FOR THE ENGINE TO WARM UP. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO HONDA OF NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE, HONDA ARRANGED FOR ME TO DROP THE VEHICLE OFF AT A LOCAL HONDA DEALER TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. AFTER THREE DAYS WITH THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION, HONDA NOW STATES THAT; THE IDLE SPEED FOR THE VEHICLE IS NORMAL AND NO DEFECTS COULD BE FOUND IN THE CAR. THEY FURTHER STATE THAT THE VEHICLE IS ONLY SAFE TO OPERATE IF GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME TO WARM UP. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-12
- VIN: JHMAP21466S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA S2000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METAL LINK ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS PLACED DIRECTLY OVER HIS SKULL. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, HIS HEAD WOULD STRIKE THE METAL LINK AND CAUSE INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO CHECK IF THE ISSUE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE A HARD TOP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,000. THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HAS A PROTRUDING METAL JOINT AND OTHER UNSHIELDED METAL PIECES. UPDATED 07/21/09.*JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-25
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAP21406S
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER LEAK RESULTING IN COMPONENT FAILURE AND UNSAFE HANDLING AND BRAKING. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DEER RAN OUT I SWERVED HIT A TREE HEAD ON. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMAP21426S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA S2000. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH FOR THE FRONT AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,764.
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-10
- Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MECHANICAL CLIP THAT HOLDS FLOOR MAT IN PLACE ON FLOOR BENDS AND DOES NOT HOLD THE FLOOR MAT IN PLACE. THIS CAUSES THE FLOOR MAT TO BECOME LODGED UNDERNEATH THE CLUTCH, BRAKE AND ACCELERATION PEDAL. CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER FIXED THIS WITH NO QUESTION. HOWEVER, THE DESIGN OF THE PART TENDS TO BE WEAK AND WILL MOST LIKELY BEND AGAIN. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-15
- VIN: JHMAP21416S
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN CAR WAS 8 MONTHS OLD WITH ABOUT 25,000 MILES ON IT, IT BEGAN STALLING. ONLY PREMIUM SHELL GASOLINE WAS EVER PUT IN THIS CAR. INJECTOR CLEANER WAS PUT IN A FEW TIMES WITH NO RESULTS. CAR WAS TAKEN INTO ONE DEALERSHIP TO BE TOLD FIRST THAT "SHE MUST NOT BE PUSHING THE CLUTCH IN ALL THE WAY" AT WHICH TIME THEY DID AN EXTENSIVE TESTING OF THE CLUTCH. WE HAD BOTH TOLD THEM THIS WAS NOT CLUTCH RELATED AS THE CAR WOULD ALSO DIE IN NEUTRAL. SO THEN THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN BAD GAS, AT WHICH TIME THEY GAVE IT BACK. THE SECOND TIME THEY DECIDED IT WAS BENT VALVES, WHICH "COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY DRIVER DOWNSHIFTING". THIS IS NOT THE CASE, BUT WAS STILL TOLD IT WOULD COST $2600.00 TO FIX, BECAUSE HONDA WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT. SO, I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO AFTER WAITING (NOT ON PEOPLE IN FRONT OF ME, JUST WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP ME)15 MINUTES, AND HAVING DRIVEN 15 MILES ON MY LUNCH HOUR, I WAS RUDELY APPROACHED AND HATEFULLY ASKED "WHAT I WAS THERE FOR". AFTER EXPLAINING THE SITUATION WITH THE CAR, HE SAID "OH, OKAY SO WE'RE TEST THE VALVES AGAIN?" AND "THERE WILL BE AN $85.00 DIAGNOSIS FEE". AT WHICH TIME I SAID FORGET IT AND WALKED OUT. I CALLED HONDA CORPORATION THIS MORNING JUST TO EXPLAIN IT ALL OVER TO THEM AND THEN ASKED WHAT THEY COULD DO TO HELP, I WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT MAKE A DEALERSHIP DO ANYTHING. THERE IS A RECALL FOR HONDA ENGINES BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE IN THE S2000 DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM SO IT DOESN'T APPLY, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS. IT STALLS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
2006 Honda S2000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2006 Honda S2000.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
- Remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 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 ...
Any one have a abnormal amount of issues with there s2000? : r ...
Jul 11, 2021 ... And for the miscellaneous garbage: Rear axle bucket wear-related vibration on acceleration. The clutch slave cylinder fork needs regreasing ...
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 ...
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 ...
What Are Common S2000 Problems / Issues? - S2KI Honda S2000 ...
Sep 11, 2007 ... S2000 Talk - What Are Common S2000 Problems / Issues? - Hi there, I'm looking at a couple of nice used S2000's in my area --- all AP1's ...
Other years of Honda S2000
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