2008 Honda S2000 problems

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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.

2008 Honda S2000

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Common 2008 Honda S2000 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Honda S2000 2008 model, several common problems have been reported:

  • Grinding When Shifting into Second Gear: Some owners have experienced grinding issues when shifting into second gear, which can be an annoyance during driving.
  • Noisy Cam Chain: A noisy cam chain can be caused by a failing tensioner in the engine, leading to unwanted noise and potential maintenance concerns.
  • Faulty MAP Sensor: Issues with the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor have been reported, causing intermittent rough running, misfires in the VTEC rev range, and 'kangarooing' at slower speeds. Cleaning or replacing the sensor can resolve this problem.
  • Corroded Wiring to the ECU: Corroded wiring to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can result in rough running problems that are challenging to diagnose. This issue may require careful inspection and repair to ensure optimal performance.
  • Failed Oxygen Sensors and Intake Air Temperature Sensors: Failures in oxygen sensors and intake air temperature sensors have been reported, which are relatively common issues but can be easily fixed with simple DIY solutions.
  • Issues with Transmission Synchro: Some hard-driven cars have shown problems with the synchromesh in higher gears, affecting the smoothness of gear shifting. This problem may require attention to maintain the transmission's performance.

These reported problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to address issues promptly and ensure the Honda S2000 2008 model's optimal performance and longevity.

2008 Honda S2000 engine

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.

2008 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:

  • Engine problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Honda S2000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2008 Honda S2000 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Honda S2000.

2019-09-11

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-03
  • VIN: JHMAP21448S
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: THIS 2008 HONDA S2000 HAD 65,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE ENGINE FROZE AND WOULD NOT START. THE OWNER WAS SHOPPING AND WHEN SHE RETURNED THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SHE WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOPS THAT THE ENGINE WAS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM IS BEGINNING TO SHOW UP ACCORDING TO HONDA REPAIR SHOPS.
2018-09-15

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-14
  • VIN: JHMAP21458S
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING AT START UP AND WHILE DRIVING
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Honda S2000 problems:

Common s2k problems - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums
Common s2k problems - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-talk-1/common-s2k-problems-889834/

Aug 13, 2011 ... Also saying that the clutch disc itself has weak springs and causes a buzzing noise. Maybe ill get lucky and find a nice 02 in my price range.

Any known issues i should be made aware of? - Honda-Tech ...
Any known issues i should be made aware of? - Honda-Tech ...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-s2000-5/any-known-issues-i-should-made-aware-2257543/

Mar 23, 2008 ... Other things that are known problems with the S2000 are the following: -Earlier models (MY00-midMY02) had a problem with the banjo oil jet bolts ...

What Are Common S2000 Problems / Issues? - S2KI Honda S2000 ...
What Are Common S2000 Problems / Issues? - S2KI Honda S2000 ...
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-talk-1/what-common-s2000-problems-issues-524410/

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 ...

How reliable is a Honda S2000? - Quora
How reliable is a Honda S2000? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/How-reliable-is-a-Honda-S2000

Nov 18, 2018 ... Their engines are known for reliability ... What are some common problems with the Honda s2000? ... I have a 2008 Fit. Got it new from the ...

Common S2000 Problems/Solutions (1999-2009) - S2KI Honda ...
Common S2000 Problems/Solutions (1999-2009) - S2KI Honda ...
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-under-hood-22/common-s2000-problems-solutions-1999-2009-a-681492/

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 ...

Other years of Honda S2000

honda s2000 2000 photo
S2000 2000
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3

26

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honda s2000 2001 photo
S2000 2001
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23

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0

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honda s2000 2002 photo
S2000 2002
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22

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24

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honda s2000 2003 photo
S2000 2003
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25

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S2000 2004
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5

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honda s2000 2005 photo
S2000 2005
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15

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24

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2008 Honda S2000 photo