2002 Honda S2000: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Honda S2000? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 22 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2002 Honda S2000 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2002 Honda S2000.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2002 Honda S2000 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Honda S2000 has 22 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- S2000
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Honda S2000 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Honda S2000?
The 2002 Honda S2000 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Honda S2000
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues.
- Check transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues.
- Check transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Test airbag system functionality.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Honda S2000, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Honda S2000 are concentrated in engine and transmission/drivetrain issues, with a notable number of crash-related reports. Airbag malfunctions and unintended acceleration also appear as recurring themes, though the total complaint count is low.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints among the 22 total.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported component.
- 6 out of 22 complaints are crash-related, indicating potential safety concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2002 Honda S2000 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Honda S2000. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Honda S2000. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA S2000. THE CONTACT STATED HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AROUND A CURVE. THE REAR TIRES WOULD NOT GRIP THE ROADWAY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD INTO A NEARBY FOREST. THE VEHICLE CRASHE…
2002 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE NOTHING. *TR
MY SRS LIGHT (AIR BAG) ON MY 2002 HONDA ACCORD CAME ON WITH NO REASON. NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT THE CAR HAS 90K MILES. NOT SURE IF IT IS A DEFECT OR RECALL EQUIPMENT. *TR
WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE (CAR IN REVERSE). DUE TO THE TIGHTNESS OF THE AREA, HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD SLIGHTLY AND THEN AGAIN IN REVERSE. WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN DRIVE THE SECOND TIME, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CAR WAS STILL ACC…
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 HONDA ODDYSEY WAS MAKING CLUNKY SHIFTS TO 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACEMENT. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR 1999-2001 HONDA ODDYSEYS TRANSMISSIONS, AND THEY STILL DIDN'T FIX IT ON 2002…
2002 HONDA S2000 ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *TS NEITHER THE DEALER, MANUFACTURER OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. FOUR WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED T…
2002 HONDA CIVIC COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER BRAKING GOING 15 MPH. CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE FAILERE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALERS AND BEEN SEEN IN MANY WEB FORUMS. THIS TIME MY SON WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ENGINE FAILERE LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES WENT …
WHILE DRIVING N ON I-97 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE EXIT RAMP TO 32-W WHEN THE STEERING ON MY 2002 HONDA CIVIC FAILED. ALTHOUGH I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THEY ALSO FAILED, AND THE…
(1) NO KNOWN EVENTS LEADING UP TO FIRST FAILURE. SECOND FAILURE, IS DUE TO AN UNEXPLAINED OIL LOSS. NO OIL TRAILS ARE VIABLE FROM / ON THE ENGINE, NOR ARE THERE PUDDLES PRESENT IN THE DRIVEWAY. LAST OIL CHANGE WAS LESS THE 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE CRANK BEARING FAILURE. OIL LEVEL VER…
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM HONDA REGARDING MY 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY. IN THIS LETTER, IT CLEARLY STATES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND WATER PUMP. HENCE I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AT NORM REEVE'S HONDA - CERRITOS. AFTER HAVING MY CAR …
TRANSMISSION WORK VERY HEAVY LIKE IS PULLING SOMETHING, DON' SWIFT NORMAL. A TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL AT THE DEALER THEY SAY THAT THEY USE A DIGITAL CAMERA TO CHECK THE INTERIOR OF THE TRANSMISSION. I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT THEY ACTUALLY FIX SOMETHING IN THE TRAN…
PURCHASED A HONDA S2000 IN AUGUST, 2002. IT HAD TO BE TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS AUGUST 16, 2003. THE CAR WAS SERVED BY HONDA OF MENTOR IN MENTOR, OHIO. DAMAGE WAS TO THE CYLINDER HEAD AND ENGINE BLOCK. A NEW ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH HEAD WAS REQUIRED GIVEN INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE PISTO…
WHILE DRIVING 44 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. DRIVER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL VEHICLE INFORMATION. *NM
IN JULY OF 2002, I PURCHASED A 2002 HONDA 919. IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THAT MY JACKET SMELLED OF EXHAUST FUMES. NOT THE SULFUR - ROTTEN EGG SMELL, BUT EXHAUST FUMES. ONE FRIDAY AFTERNOON IN AUGUST 2002, I TOOK MY WIFE FOR A RIDE - SHE WAS THE PASSENGER. AFTER ABOUT A 45-MINUTE RID…
#4 CONECTING ROD BROKE. *PH
MY HONDA S2000, WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2002 CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SO-2 TIRES FRONT AND REAR. THIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A THIRD VEHICLE IN A TWO DRIVER HOUSEHOLD, AND IS USED ONLY AS A DAILY COMMUTER CAR TO TRAVEL 15 MILES TO WORK (ROUND TRIP). I TOOK THE VEHICLE…
THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON A FRONT END COLLISION. MR SCC *JB
I HAVE A ONE-YEAR-OLD HONDA S2000. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A DEALER FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND FACTORY RECALL OF SPARK PLUGS. THE REPLACEMENT WAS PERFORMED AND I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THERE NOW WAS 80…
I OWN A 3 MONTH OLD HONDA S2000 THAT HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT HONDA REFUSES TO FIX. I WAS TOLD THAT I MAY HAVE ABUSED THE CAR AND HONDA WOULD COVER PART OF THE REPAIR. I WAS DOING RESEARCH OF THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY OF THESE LIMITED PRODUCTION CARS WITH DEFECTIVE ENGINES A…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Honda S2000.
2002 Honda S2000 Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Honda S2000. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2002 Honda S2000 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Honda S2000 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 22 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Honda S2000 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Honda S2000?▾
#1: Engine Problems (7 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Honda S2000?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Honda S2000?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Honda S2000, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 22 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Honda S2000 have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Honda S2000 in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Honda S2000?▾
The 2002 Honda S2000 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda S2000 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Honda S2000 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.