The 2006 S2000 is Honda's high-revving roadster that's remarkably reliable for a performance car, but owners face wear-related issues from spirited driving and convertible top complications. The F22C1 engine (2.2L) in 2006+ cars is generally more durable than the earlier F20C.
Convertible Top Mechanism Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Top won't latch properly, Cable fraying or snapping, Rear window delaminating from fabric, Manual latch pins wearing out
Fix: Most common is cable replacement (2-3 hours) or full top replacement if fabric is torn or window is shot. Top frame pivot points also wear and need lubrication or bushing replacement. Full top assembly with rear glass window runs 4-5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-2,500
Transmission Synchro Wear (2nd and 3rd Gear)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding into 2nd gear when cold, Hard to engage 3rd gear at high RPM, Crunching on downshifts, Notchy shifting even after fluid change
Fix: These 6-speeds are generally bulletproof but hard drivers wear synchros, especially 2nd gear. Requires transmission removal and rebuild with new synchro rings and blocker rings. Figure 12-16 hours labor plus $1,200-1,800 in parts for a proper rebuild.
Estimated cost: $3,000-4,500
Valve Retainer and Spring Wear (High-RPM Abuse)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi or earlier with track use
Symptoms: Valve float above 8,000 RPM, Metallic ticking that worsens with RPM, Loss of power in VTEC range, Misfires at high RPM
Fix: F22C1 valve springs can fatigue from constant high-RPM use. Requires head removal, valve job, new retainers, springs, and seals. Also check cam lobes for wear at this point. Budget 16-20 hours for a proper head-off refresh with machine work.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or grinding from rear increasing with speed, Slight play in wheel when jacked up, ABS light occasionally (due to tone ring damage)
Fix: Rear hub assemblies wear faster than fronts due to suspension geometry and alignment-induced loads. Bearing is pressed into hub, requires hub removal and press work. 2-3 hours per side including alignment check after.
Estimated cost: $400-700 per side
Clutch Master and Slave Cylinder Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clutch pedal staying on floor, Spongy pedal feel, Fluid leak at firewall or bellhousing, Difficulty shifting or clutch not fully disengaging
Fix: Master cylinder leaks internally or slave cylinder (concentric design inside bellhousing) starts weeping. Slave requires transmission removal. Smart move is to do both plus clutch if you're already in there. Master alone is 2 hours, slave with clutch is 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $600-2,200
Differential Fluid Leak and Worn Pinion Seals
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil on driveway under rear axle, Whining from differential on deceleration, Low fluid discovered during service
Fix: Pinion seal weeps over time, sometimes output shaft seals too. Seal replacement requires dropping the driveshaft and pressing new seals, about 2-3 hours. Check for worn U-joints and diff mount bushings at the same time. Refill with Honda MTF or quality GL-5 90W.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Power Steering Pump Whine and Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Whining or groaning when turning at low speed, Stiff steering when cold, Fluid leaking from pump or rack, Metallic grinding if pump is dying
Fix: Pump bearings wear out or internal seals fail. Replacement pump (OEM or quality reman) takes 2-3 hours including fluid flush. Also inspect rack for leaks — if rack is weeping, add another 4-5 hours and $400-600 in parts.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Yes, if service history is solid and it hasn't been beat on — one of the most engaging drivers' cars Honda ever built, and far more reliable than any European competitor from this era.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.