IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Honda S2000

The 2004 facelift brought 17-inch wheels and revised suspension geometry. This is the most desirable version of the S2000, offering improved stability and refinement.

What changed for 2004

  • •Facelift with 17-inch wheels
  • •Revised suspension geometry
  • •Improved stability and refinement
  • •All early issues addressed

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Timing chain tensioner rattle
  • !Soft top deterioration on older cars
  • !Suspension bush corrosion
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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£8,000+
Warning Signs:

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

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

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£700
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,200
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2004 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.
2000–20032005–2008
Check a 2004 Honda S2000 by Registration