Research · Two Seaters
2002 Honda S2000Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2002 Honda S2000. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (7) and power train (5). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Honda S2000 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2002 – Jun 2010
- Engine and engine cooling7
- Power train5
- Air bags3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Electrical system1
- Electronic stability control1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Tires1
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
7 reports
“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 THE PROBLEM AS A WEAK BATTERY AND REPLACED IT ALONG WITH THE SPARK PLUGS. AFTER THAT REPAIR THE DEALER STATED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. UPON THE CONSUMER'S REQUEST THE DEALER DID A FURTHER BREAK DOWN OF THE ENGINE AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE LOCK UP WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN OF A WORN OUT THRUST WASHER. *NM”
Power train
5 reports
“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 MODEL. OTHER INFO: ON 7/16/04, I TOOK CAR IN FOR THE RECALL/FIX (28,537 MILES)-- INSTALL OIL INJECTOR INTO TRANSMISSION. *JB”
Air bags
3 reports2 crashes
“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 CRASHED WITH AN UNKNOWN OBJECT AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LUNG INJURY, BROKEN RIBS AND CONTUSIONS. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED A BROKEN COLLAR BONE AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ON SCENE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2000 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,750 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Honda S2000 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 4630
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2002 S2000 questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Honda S2000 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Honda S2000 problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (7), power train (5), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Honda S2000 get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Honda S2000 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026