2015 HONDA S660

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Persistent ticking or tapping noise at idle, especially when cold, Noise increases with engine speed, sometimes diminishes when warm, Check engine light with variable valve timing codes (P0011/P0021) in severe cases

Fix: Honda's small turbo engines can develop lifter wear due to oil starvation under high-load conditions and extended oil change intervals. Requires cylinder head removal, lifter replacement (all 6), and camshaft inspection. Allow 8-10 hours labor for head R&R plus lifters. Often combined with timing chain inspection if mileage is over 60k.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, especially 20-40 mph, Transmission warning light or limp mode under sustained highway driving, Burnt smell from CVT fluid or fluid darkening before scheduled interval

Fix: The S660 CVT runs hot in spirited driving and fluid degrades faster than Honda's 40k-mile interval suggests. Early cases respond to fluid changes (3 drain-and-fills with genuine Honda CVTF), but advanced shudder often means internal belt/pulley wear requiring CVT replacement. Transmission oil cooler lines can also leak at crimps. Fluid service: 2 hours. CVT replacement: 12-15 hours labor plus $3,500-4,500 for remanufactured unit.

Estimated cost: $250-450 for fluid service; $5,000-7,000 for CVT replacement

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start, subsides after 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016/P0017), Rough idle or stalling in extreme cases

Fix: The S07A uses a timing chain but tensioner and guides can wear, especially if oil changes were neglected. Chain stretch throws valve timing off. Replacement requires removing engine from subframe in most cases due to mid-engine layout and tight access—plan 10-12 hours labor. Always replace tensioner, guides, and oil control valve while in there.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,200

Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting or letting off throttle, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under acceleration, Vibration transmitted into cabin at idle

Fix: The rear (transmission-side) engine mount tears due to the engine's mid-mount position and spirited driving. Very common on manual-transmission cars driven hard. Replacement is straightforward—2 hours labor with proper lift access to mid-section. OEM Honda part recommended; aftermarket mounts are often too stiff for street use.

Estimated cost: $300-500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Vibration at specific RPM ranges, especially 2,500-3,500 rpm, Squealing or chirping from accessory belt area, Visible wobble or rubber separation on crankshaft pulley

Fix: The rubber damper ring can separate or degrade, causing harmonic vibration and potential accessory belt issues. Not as common as on older Hondas but documented on high-mileage S660s. Replacement requires removing front engine mount and working in tight mid-engine bay—4-5 hours labor. Use OEM balancer only.

Estimated cost: $600-900

Symptoms: Stumbling or hesitation under wide-open throttle, Difficulty starting after sitting overnight, Loss of boost pressure above 5,000 rpm

Fix: S660s imported from Japan may have sat with old fuel or been filled with lower-quality fuel stateside. In-tank fuel filter can clog, starving the high-pressure pump. Filter is part of the pump assembly; replacement requires dropping the fuel tank. 3-4 hours labor. More common in cars that sat unsold at Japanese auctions for 6+ months.

Estimated cost: $400-700