2006 Honda S2000 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
Ranks 7th of 8 S2000 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 10
- Per 10,000 cars
- 17.7
- 5,659 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.62×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 4
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2006 Honda S2000?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda S2000 is 76 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 8 S2000 years we score.
The most reported problem is the convertible top, mostly damage (2 of 10 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine. 4 of the 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. For comparison, the 2005 scores 77 and the 2007 scores 85.
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
- Good reliability score of 76
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Convertible top: damage2 complaints
- Engine: stalling2 complaints
How the 2006 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 7.2 | 0.64× | −13 |
| Everyday problems6 complaints · average car: about 11 | 0.59× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: about 0.1 | Not counted | – |
| Recalls2 recalls · average car: about 3.2 | 0.77× | −5 |
| Score | 76 |
The last two years are not counted for the 2006 S2000. Honda made 5,659 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 0.2 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 2006 Honda S2000, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Convertible top: damage
2 complaints (20%)
Damage.
Engine: stalling
2 complaints (20%)
Stalling and high cold-start idle. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (5)
Show the 5 problems reported once
- Airbag warning light
- Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Floor mat retainer clip: damage
- Struts or shocks: a leak
- Valve train: damage
How the 2006 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 This year | 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 | Caution | 69 | 1.1× | 35.0 | 3 | Convertible top: rear window clouded or yellowed |
2006 Honda S2000 Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2006 Honda S2000. The most recent was issued in June 2013: “Brake Booster May Have a Vacuum Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Brake Booster May Have a Vacuum Leak
With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 13V246000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 13, 2013.
Owner's Manual Hotline Information Incorrect
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2006 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 2006 S2000 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Convertible
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2006 S2000, from its two recalls and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Brake Booster May Have a Vacuum Leak NHTSA 13V246000
- Owner's Manual Hotline Information Incorrect NHTSA 06V270000
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Convertible top
- Engine
- 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