2018 HONDA S660

Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Cold-start ticking that persists beyond 30 seconds, Gradual loss of power especially above 5,000 RPM, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0303), Metal shavings in oil during changes

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal, all lifters replaced, cam inspection, and thorough oiling system flush. Often find cam lobe wear if caught late. 8-12 hours labor depending on damage extent. Common on engines revved hard or serviced with wrong oil weight.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Shuddering during low-speed acceleration (15-25 mph), Burning smell after spirited driving, CVT fluid darkened or burnt, Delayed engagement from stop, Whining noise under load

Fix: CVT fluid and filter change often temporarily helps but judder returns. Transmission oil cooler frequently clogs—cleaning or replacement plus fluid flush is 3-4 hours. Severe cases need CVT rebuild or replacement (rare but catastrophic). Preventive fluid changes every 20k miles critical.

Estimated cost: $400-900 for cooler/fluid service; $4,500-6,500 for CVT replacement

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold starts, Intermittent check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle after startup, Sudden loss of power if chain skips

Fix: Timing chain and tensioner replacement requires significant engine disassembly in mid-engine layout. 10-14 hours labor. Often replace guides and sprockets while in there. Honda TSB exists but not a recall. Failure can bend valves instantly.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive drivetrain clunk during throttle on/off, Vibration through chassis at idle, Shifter feels vague or notchy, Visible torn rubber on mount inspection

Fix: The rear transmission mount takes abuse from the turbo triple's torque pulses. Replacement straightforward but access is tight in mid-engine bay. 2-3 hours. Aftermarket polyurethane mounts common upgrade but increase NVH.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Metallic rattling at idle or light throttle (2,000-3,000 RPM), Rattle disappears under boost, No power loss initially, Eventually progresses to boost control issues

Fix: Wastegate actuator rod develops play—common IHI turbo issue. Early stages just annoying. If wastegate sticks open, major boost loss. Turbo rebuild or replacement needed. 6-8 hours for turbo R&R on this platform due to mid-engine packaging.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Difficulty starting when hot, Lean fuel trims on scan tool, Reduced top-end power

Fix: Grey-market imports often arrive with contaminated fuel systems from long storage or low-quality Japanese gas station fill-ups before shipping. In-tank pump/filter assembly requires tank drop. 3-4 hours. Not a design flaw but import-related reality. Replace immediately on any grey-market purchase.

Estimated cost: $450-750