The 2000 Honda S2000 has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple seatbelt issues that can leave occupants unrestrained in a crash, either because the retractor jams and the belt cannot be pulled out at all, or because the belt develops excessive slack and fails to hold the occupant firmly.
The seatbelt concerns break down into two related problems. In one, the retractor mechanism can deform and lock up entirely, making the belt impossible to extend and effectively unusable before you even buckle in. In the other, which is specific to the convertible configuration, the seatbelt can develop slack when the top is down and the seat is pushed fully rearward, because the belt does not retract cleanly due to interference between the seat and the convertible top cover. A belt with that much slack offers significantly less protection in a collision, since it cannot pull tight against the occupant quickly enough. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the retractor deformation issue, which is why multiple filings address what is essentially the same underlying defect.
On the lighting side, the side marker lamp lenses in the tail lamp assembly were made with the wrong dye, which makes them more vulnerable to fading from UV exposure and heat over time. The red color can wash out, reducing the visibility of the vehicle's rear and side markings to other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The red lens in the side marker lamp and side reflex reflector of the tail lamp assembly may fade over time due to incorrect dye that breaks down in UV light and high heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all affected tail lamp assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The side marker lamp lens and side reflector lens in the tail lamp assembly were made with the wrong dye, which prevents them from meeting safety lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected tail lamp assemblies with corrected units.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt retractor actuator can deform, causing the retractor to lock completely or intermittently. When locked, you cannot pull the seat belt out, making it unusable.
What the fix does
The seat belt retractor will be repaired to restore normal operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt retractor can deform under certain conditions, causing it to lock completely or frequently. When this happens, the seat belt cannot be pulled out and cannot be used.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt actuator assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The convertible top cover can interfere with the seat, preventing seat belts from retracting properly. This creates excess slack in the belts, reducing their ability to protect you in a crash.
What the fix does
The convertible top cover will be replaced with a new design that prevents interference with the seat belt mechanism.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the convertible top is down and the seat is pushed all the way back, the seat belts may not retract properly, leaving slack in the belts.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the convertible top cover to prevent it from interfering with the seat belt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
