2009 HONDA S2000

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Grinding or crunch entering 2nd gear, especially when cold, Difficulty downshifting into 3rd under load, Notchy feel in mid-range gears

Fix: Transmission removal and rebuild with synchro ring replacement. 10-14 labor hours including removal/reinstall. OEM Honda synchros preferred; aftermarket can be hit-or-miss. Some shops won't split the case—expect full rebuild quote.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clutch pedal goes to floor and stays there, Spongy pedal feel, difficulty shifting into gear, Fluid leak visible near bell housing or under dash

Fix: Replace both master and slave as a pair—one typically fails shortly after the other. Slave is internal (trans-out job: 6-8 hours) or external depending on year cutoff; 2009s typically have internal slave. Bleed system thoroughly. OEM Honda parts strongly recommended.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking or knocking over bumps from rear end, Unstable or vague rear end under hard cornering, Visible cracking or tearing of rubber bushings

Fix: Replace upper and lower compliance bushings (also called compliance pivot bushings). 3-4 hours with alignment. Upgraded poly bushings popular but transmit more NVH. OEM rubber for street comfort.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Valve train ticking or clattering at idle, especially when cold, Loss of VTEC engagement smoothness or power at crossover, CEL for VTEC system malfunction (rare, severe cases)

Fix: Check/adjust valve clearances per Honda spec. 2-3 hours labor. F22C1 has shim-under-bucket setup—if out of spec, shims must be replaced (parts add $100-300). Critical for longevity; neglect accelerates cam/lifter wear.

Estimated cost: $300-700

Symptoms: Top doesn't latch securely or pops open during driving, Excessive play or binding when operating latches, Fabric bunches or wrinkles unevenly when folded

Fix: Adjust or replace top cables and frame bushings. 1-2 hours. Full top mechanism overhaul (rare) can run 4-6 hours. Most issues fixable with adjustment and lubrication. OEM cable sets available but pricey.

Estimated cost: $200-600

Typical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: No crank, single click when key turned, Intermittent no-start, works after cool-down, Grinding noise during cranking

Fix: Replace starter motor. Access is tight but manageable: 1.5-2.5 hours. Reman starters common; OEM Honda or Denso preferred for longevity. Test battery and cables first—weak battery mimics starter failure.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk on throttle application or lift, especially in 1st/2nd, Vibration through chassis under acceleration, Visible tearing of rubber at diff nose mount

Fix: Replace differential mount bushings. 2-3 hours. Upgraded solid or poly mounts available but increase NVH significantly. OEM rubber best for street use.

Estimated cost: $350-600