2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Honda S2000 MOT pass rate and common faults

222 MOT tests in 2024. 73.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time73.0%
Failed or needed repairs27.0%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 222 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  2. Washers: not working2.3%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.8%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.4%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.4%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.4%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system1.4%
    4 marked dangerous
  10. Position lamp: not working1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes12.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.1%
  3. Lights & electrics7.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  5. Suspension3.6%
  6. Tyres3.6%
  7. Body & chassis2.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.2%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding5.9%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Honda S2000?

In 2024, 73.0% of 2001 Honda S2000 cars passed their MOT first time, across 222 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Honda S2000?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; washers: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 Honda S2000 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).