Honda S2000 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,145 MOT tests on the Honda S2000 carried out in 2023. 20% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 S2000s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2009. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (85% passed, +27.7 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 1999 models fared worst (78%, +15.4 points). Tested cars had covered 76,944 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 6.2% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "excessively binding", on 2.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,145
- First-time pass rate
- 80%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +8.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 76,944
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular S2000?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
S2000 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 353 | 86% | 59% | +26.8 points | 49,673 |
| 2008 | 282 | 85% | 57% | +27.7 points | 59,455 |
| 2007 | 487 | 81% | 57% | +24.4 points | 66,651 |
| 2006 | 566 | 83% | 56% | +27.1 points | 70,763 |
| 2005 | 718 | 81% | 56% | +25.1 points | 75,929 |
| 2004 | 716 | 80% | 56% | +23.7 points | 79,546 |
| 2003 | 665 | 77% | 57% | +20.5 points | 83,578 |
| 2002 | 645 | 78% | 58% | +20.2 points | 89,400 |
| 2001 | 241 | 78% | 59% | +18.9 points | 90,557 |
| 2000 | 317 | 76% | 61% | +15.5 points | 90,785 |
| 1999 | 145 | 78% | 62% | +15.4 points | 90,421 |
Why the Honda S2000 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | S2000 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.2% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 5.7% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 4.5% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.9% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 2.3% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 1.2% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1excessively binding2.4%
- 2not working2.1%
- 3provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
- 5Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.1%
- 6carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.1%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
- 8excessively corroded1.0%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
- 10across an axle0.9%
Common S2000 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used S2000, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 9.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.6% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.9% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.0% |
Tips to help your S2000 pass
Based on where S2000s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 6.2% of S2000 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Lights and electrics · 5.7% of S2000 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 4.7% of S2000 tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the S2000 ULEZ compliant? See the Honda S2000 ULEZ check, or view all Honda models.
Other Honda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,145 first MOT tests of the Honda S2000 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 5,145 first MOT tests of the Honda S2000.
What is the Honda S2000 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 20% of 5,145 first MOT attempts on the Honda S2000 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Honda S2000 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (6.2% of tests), lights and electrics (5.7% of tests), visibility (4.7% of tests).
Which S2000 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 85% passed first time, +27.7 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 1999, at 78% (+15.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Honda S2000 covered at its MOT?
The average was 76,944 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2009 cars averaged 49,673 miles and 1999 cars 90,421.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Honda S2000?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 9.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 2.3% of S2000s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific S2000's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,145 S2000s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 76% to 86% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any S2000's MOT history
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