2017 HONDA S660

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Shudder or vibration during acceleration from a stop, Clunking noise when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible from cabin during throttle application

Fix: Transmission mounts wear prematurely due to mid-engine layout and torque pulses from the turbo three-cylinder. Replacing all mounts takes 3-4 hours. CVT judder may require fluid flush with genuine Honda CVTF or, in severe cases, internal CVT clutch pack replacement (8-10 hours labor).

Estimated cost: $400-800 for mounts alone; $2,500-4,000 if CVT internals need work

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle that persists beyond 10 seconds, Check engine light with P0016 or P0017 cam/crank correlation codes, Ticking noise from valve cover area under load

Fix: The S07A engine uses a timing chain that can stretch, causing valve timing to drift. Hydraulic lifters also wear and collapse. Full timing chain replacement with tensioner, guides, and all 6 lifters requires cylinder head removal in this mid-engine bay—figure 10-12 hours labor. Head resurface adds 2 hours and $150-300.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 including head gasket set and lifters

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise at idle that disappears under boost, Slight drop in boost pressure or sluggish throttle response, No check engine light in early stages

Fix: The wastegate actuator rod or internal flapper can develop play. Not safety-critical but annoying. Turbo replacement or rebuild is 5-6 hours due to mid-engine access. Aftermarket rebuilds run cheaper than OEM Honda units.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200 for turbo replacement; $600-900 for rebuild if core is good

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Rough idle or surging at cruise, Check engine light with lean fuel trim codes

Fix: The in-tank fuel filter isn't a traditional service item in Honda's manual, but contamination in JDM fuel systems (or older gas) can clog it. Requires fuel pump module removal—2.5 hours. Also inspect fuel pressure regulator and injectors.

Estimated cost: $350-650 for filter and pump module service

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Small puddle of reddish fluid under mid-section of car, CVT overheat warning light on spirited drives or track days, Burnt smell from transmission area

Fix: Rubber cooler lines from CVT to front-mounted cooler can crack or chafe. Access is tight. Line replacement takes 2-3 hours plus CVT fluid refill. Not common but catastrophic if CVT runs dry.

Estimated cost: $400-700 including fluid

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Visible wobble on crankshaft pulley at idle, Serpentine belt wear or belt squealing, Vibration felt through chassis at all RPM ranges

Fix: The rubber damper ring can separate from the hub. If it fails completely, catastrophic timing chain or accessory belt damage follows. Replacement is 2-3 hours but requires careful torque procedure on crankshaft bolt.

Estimated cost: $500-900