2000 Honda S2000 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
Ranks 8th of 8 S2000 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 40
- 8 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 35.0
- 9,154 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.1×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 12
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2000 Honda S2000?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2000 Honda S2000 is 69 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 8 S2000 years we score.
The most reported problem is the convertible top, mostly rear window clouded or yellowed (12 of 40 complaints). Owners also complain about taillights or brake lights and engine failure. 12 of the 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. For comparison, the 2001 scores 82.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed12 complaints
- Taillights or brake lights: lens fading5 complaints
- Engine failure3 complaints
How the 2000 S2000 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems12 complaints · average car: about 11 | 1.1× | −18 |
| Everyday problems20 complaints · average car: about 19 | 1.1× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: under 0.1 | Not counted | – |
| Recalls3 recalls · average car: about 3.3 | 0.94× | −6 |
| Score | 69 |
The last two years are not counted for the 2000 S2000. Honda made 9,154 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 0.1 complaints of any kind in two years. We need at least 5 to compare, so we leave this part out. Its 30% goes to serious and everyday problems instead, so they make up 80% of the score rather than 50%.
Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.
What Owners Report
We read all 40 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Honda S2000, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 40.
Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed
12 complaints (30%)
Rear window clouded or yellowed, rear window wrinkled or distorted and rear window scratched. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Taillights or brake lights: lens fading
5 complaints (13%)
Lens fading. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Engine failure
3 complaints (8%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Frontal airbags: delayed deployment
2 complaints (5%)
Delayed deployment and no deployment in a crash.
Headlights: lens deteriorated
2 complaints (5%)
Lens deteriorated and problems that come and go.
Tires: hydroplaning
2 complaints (5%)
Hydroplaning and parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Reported Once (13)
Show the 13 problems reported once
- Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Exterior lights: works on and off
- Fuel system: fuel cut-off in turns
- Manual transmission or clutch: jumps out of gear
- Vehicle rolls backward when brake is released (cause not stated)
- Piston rings failure
- Seat belts: unusual noises
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Valve train failure
- Windshield wipers: works on and off
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
How the 2000 Honda S2000 Compares With Other Years
Every S2000 year is here: the S2000 was made in one generation, 2000 to 2009.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2008 | Not scored | – | – | 11.6 | 0 | – |
| 2007 | Excellent | 85 | 0.31× | 6.1 | 1 | – |
| 2006 | Good | 76 | 0.62× | 17.7 | 2 | Convertible top: damage |
| 2005 | Good | 77 | 0.67× | 16.8 | 0 | Manual transmission or clutch: jumps out of gear |
| 2004 | Excellent | 90 | 0.22× | 6.7 | 0 | Manual transmission or clutch: jumps out of gear |
| 2003 | Excellent | 80 | 0.50× | 10.2 | 0 | Engine failure |
| 2002 | Excellent | 82 | 0.43× | 10.0 | 0 | Engine failure: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2001 | Excellent | 82 | 0.44× | 13.1 | 0 | Manual transmission or clutch failure |
| 2000 This year | Caution | 69 | 1.1× | 35.0 | 3 | Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed |
2000 Honda S2000 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2000 Honda S2000. The most recent was issued in June 2004: “Tail Light Side Marker Lens/FMVSS 108.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Tail Light Side Marker Lens/FMVSS 108
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the lens of the side marker lamp and side reflex reflector in the tail lamp assembly were manufactured with incorrect dye. This does not comply with the standard.
NHTSA 04V257000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 1, 2004.
Seat Belt Retractor
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury or death.
NHTSA 00V316000Issued Oct 10, 2000.
Convertible Top Cover/Seat Belts
When the convertible top is down and the seat is pushed all the way back, the seat belts may not retract properly resulting in slack in the seat belts. This slack can reduce the protective capability and effectiveness of the belts and increases the risk of injury to an occupant in a crash.
NHTSA 00V016000Issued Jan 24, 2000.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2000 S2000, from its three recalls and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Tail Light Side Marker Lens/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 04V257000
- Seat Belt Retractor NHTSA 00V316000
- Convertible Top Cover/Seat Belts NHTSA 00V016000
On the Test Drive
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Convertible top
- Taillights or brake lights
- Engine failure
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next