2002 Honda S2000 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 4th of 8 S2000 years we score.

Owner complaints: 10
Per 10,000 cars: 10.0; 10,036 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.43×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 5; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 0
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2001 S2000 2003 S2000 →

Should You Buy the 2002 Honda S2000?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2002 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 4th of the 8 S2000 years we score.

The most reported problem is engine failure, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (4 of 10 complaints). Owners also complain about tires. 5 of the 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has no recalls. For comparison, the 2001 scores 82 and the 2003 scores 80.

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

Engine failure: parts breaking or coming apart4 complaints
Tires: early wear2 complaints

How the 2002 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems5 complaints · average car: about 12	0.49×	−11
Everyday problems5 complaints · average car: about 20	0.31×	−3
Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: about 0.1	Not counted	–
Recalls0 recalls · average car: about 2.9	0.43×	−4
Score		82

The last two years are not counted for the 2002 S2000. Honda made 10,036 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 10 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 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 10.

Engine failure: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (40%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
2 complaints (20%)
Early wear and lost grip in a curve. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.

Reported Once (8)

Show the 8 problems reported once

Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Engine failure
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Engine oil sludge: sludge buildup in engine
Rear suspension: unusual noises
Piston rings: loss of compression in one cylinder
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Valve train: damage

How the 2002 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 This year	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	Caution	69	1.1×	35.0	3	Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed

See every S2000 year

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2002 S2000, from the problems owners report most.

On the Test Drive

Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Engine failure
Tires
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

All S2000 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.