2001 Honda S2000 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
Ranks 3rd of 8 S2000 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 13
- Per 10,000 cars
- 13.1
- 9,942 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.44×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 4
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 0
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2001 Honda S2000?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2001 Honda S2000 is 82 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 8 S2000 years we score.
The most reported problem is the manual transmission or clutch (3 of 13 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the convertible top. 4 of the 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has no recalls. For comparison, the 2000 scores 69 and the 2002 scores 82.
Before you buy, get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Excellent reliability score of 82
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No recalls
Cons
- Manual transmission or clutch failure3 complaints
- Brakes: loss of braking2 complaints
- Convertible top: rear window fogs up in bad weather2 complaints
How the 2001 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 problems4 complaints · average car: about 12 | 0.41× | −10 |
| Everyday problems9 complaints · average car: about 20 | 0.49× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years1 complaint · average car: under 0.1 | Not counted | – |
| Recalls0 recalls · average car: about 3.2 | 0.41× | −3 |
| Score | 82 |
The last two years are not counted for the 2001 S2000. Honda made 9,942 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 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 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 13.
Manual transmission or clutch failure
3 complaints (23%)
A failure that needed a new part, sticking or stiffness and harsh or delayed shifts.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (15%)
Loss of braking and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Convertible top: rear window fogs up in bad weather
2 complaints (15%)
Rear window fogs up in bad weather and rear window clouded or yellowed.
Steering: works on and off
2 complaints (15%)
Problems that come and go and sticking or stiffness.
Tires: early wear
2 complaints (15%)
Early wear and collapsed and caught fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Reported Once (4)
Show the 4 problems reported once
- AWD or rear differential failure
- Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
- Engine failure
- Instrument cluster: shattering or cracking
How the 2001 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 This year | Excellent | 82 | 0.44× | 13.1 | 0 | Manual transmission or clutch failure |
| 2000 | Caution | 69 | 1.1× | 35.0 | 3 | Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed |
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2001 S2000, from the problems owners report most.
On the Test Drive
- Check that the clutch engages smoothly and every gear goes in without grinding.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Manual transmission or clutch
- Brakes
- Convertible top
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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