2003 Honda S2000 Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 5th of 8 S2000 years we score.

Owner complaints: 8
Per 10,000 cars: 10.2; 7,845 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.50×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 5; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 0
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 S2000 2004 S2000 →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda S2000?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda S2000 is 80 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 8 S2000 years we score.

The most reported problem is engine failure (2 of 8 complaints). 5 of the 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has no recalls. For comparison, the 2002 scores 82 and the 2004 scores 90.

Before you buy, get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 80
About half the problems of the average car its age
No recalls

Cons

Engine failure2 complaints

How the 2003 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 9.3	0.60×	−13
Everyday problems3 complaints · average car: about 15	0.27×	−3
Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: about 0.1	Not counted	–
Recalls0 recalls · average car: about 3.1	0.42×	−4
Score		80

The last two years are not counted for the 2003 S2000. Honda made 7,845 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 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda S2000, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Engine failure
2 complaints (25%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.

Reported Once (6)

Show the 6 problems reported once

Brakes: pulling or wandering
Convertible top: damage
Piston rings failure
Steering: locking up
Tires failure
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart

How the 2003 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 This year	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	Caution	69	1.1×	35.0	3	Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed

See every S2000 year

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 S2000 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2003 S2000 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

Convertible

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat4/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seatNot rated

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 S2000, from the problems owners report most.

Ask the Seller

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

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

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.