IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1999–2009 Honda S2000

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1999–2009 Honda S2000. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Structural Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Rust in the rear arches, sills, chassis rails, subframes and boot floor is the biggest financial risk on UK S2000s and can easily turn a tidy-looking car into a restoration case.

Estimated cost: £1,500–£8,000+Affects: 1999–2009Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Bubbling around rear arches
  • •Soft jacking points
  • •Rusty or flaky subframes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the inner and outer sills carefully
  • ✓Check the boot floor and underbody seams
  • ✓Look for recent underseal hiding welding rather than documented rustproofing

Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

ModerateEngine

A worn timing-chain tensioner causes an unmistakable rattle on startup or around idle, and ignoring it risks the chain jumping and damaging the engine.

Estimated cost: £250–£700Affects: 1999–2009Often appears around: 60,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Rattle on startup
  • •Metallic ticking from the front of the engine
  • •Noise that changes with revs

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Start the engine from cold with the bonnet open
  • ✓Listen around idle after a blip of throttle
  • ✓Ask whether the tensioner has ever been replaced proactively

Soft-Top Wear and Water Ingress

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The hood fabric, seals and frame wear with age, causing tears, leaks and expensive replacements, especially on cars that live outside.

Most affected: Early cars with plastic rear window, All roadsters

Estimated cost: £400–£1,200Affects: 1999–2009

Typical symptoms

  • •Wet carpets
  • •Tears above the side windows
  • •Cloudy or damaged rear screen

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Operate the roof fully and listen for strained movement
  • ✓Check the seatbelt towers and carpets for damp
  • ✓Inspect stitching, seals and the rear screen closely

Buying Tips for the 1999 Honda S2000

  • ✓Check the oil level before and after the drive; a careful owner will know these engines use oil and keep it between the marks.
  • ✓Inspect arches, sills, chassis rails and subframes on a ramp because UK S2000 rust is often much worse underneath than it looks from above.
  • ✓Try the roof several times and check for damp carpets or a tired rear screen on earlier cars.

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Other Honda S2000 Year Periods

1999–2009

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