Honda S2000 AP2

The OEM timing chain tensioner uses a worm gear mechanism that can wear smooth over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off. This produces a distinctive rattle or raspy noise at startup, sometimes lasting a few seconds, sometimes longer. On AP2 models this is less common than on early AP1 cars, but it does still occur, typically after 120,000-180,000 km. The Honda OEM tensioner replacement part costs approximately €150-200, with labor adding €500-800 depending on the shop. Upgraded aftermarket tensioners (Billman, Spitfire) cost €200-250 and address the root cause with improved surface friction. If ignored, the chain can skip a tooth, causing valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage.

The convertible top develops thin spots and tears where the folding frame arms rub against the fabric, particularly on the passenger side rear. Honda issued a service bulletin acknowledging this issue. There are typically four weak spots — two on each side of the car. Professional patching costs €100-400 depending on severity, while a complete soft top replacement runs €1,000-1,500 including labor at a convertible specialist. Preventive measures include fitting protective tape or fabric sleeves around the frame elbow joints. Nearly every S2000 with 80,000+ km will show some wear in these areas.

The S2000 uses solid (non-vented) rear brake discs, which transfer more heat to the hub and wheel bearing than vented designs. This causes accelerated bearing wear, typically noticeable as a humming or grinding noise at highway speeds between 80,000-130,000 km. The rear hub assembly and bearing combined cost approximately €150-200 per side, with labor around €150-200 per side due to the need for a press. Some owners replace both sides preventively when one fails. Replacing just the bearing without the hub can lead to repeat failure, so replacing the complete hub assembly is recommended.

Honda issued TSB 05-009 acknowledging that 2004-mid 2005 AP2 models can pop out of 2nd gear under deceleration due to gear and synchro tolerances being out of spec. The 2nd and 4th gear countershaft assembly and synchros were replaced under warranty on affected VINs. For out-of-warranty repairs, a synchro replacement costs approximately €500-1,200, while a full gearbox rebuild can reach €2,000-3,000. Later AP2 models (2006-2009) are much less affected. Changing the transmission fluid to Honda MTF or a quality 75W-80 GL-4 fluid can sometimes improve mild cases.

The S2000's electric power steering system can develop faults in the EPS control module or the torque sensor. When this happens, the EPS warning light illuminates and power steering assist is lost — the car remains drivable but steering becomes very heavy at low speeds. Honda has discontinued the EPS module as a new part, making used or specialist-repaired units the only option. Torque sensor replacement costs approximately €400-600 including labor, while a full EPS module repair service costs €500-800. Complete replacement with a used unit runs approximately €800-1,500 including labor. This is a relatively rare failure but expensive when it occurs.

Models from 2006 onwards are known to develop bubbling, blistering, or wrinkling on the dashboard surface, particularly on the passenger side. This is a cosmetic issue caused by heat and UV degradation of the dashboard material. While some owners have had dashboards replaced under warranty through persistent dealer negotiations, most used car buyers will need to address this themselves. A replacement dashboard from Honda costs €800-1,200 including installation, while third-party dashboard covers or refinishing can cost €300-500. Not all 2006+ cars are affected, but it is common enough to check for.