2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Honda S2000 MOT pass rate and common faults

281 MOT tests in 2024. 83.3% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

146Well above average
Passed first time83.3%
Failed or needed repairs16.7%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 281 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    4 marked dangerous
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    8 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.1%
  7. Washers: not working1.1%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.7%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes5.3%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.6%
  3. Suspension4.3%
  4. Lights & electrics4.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.6%
  6. Tyres2.1%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.7%
  8. Body & chassis0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.8%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.6%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened2.8%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. 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 2008 Honda S2000?

In 2024, 83.3% of 2008 Honda S2000 cars passed their MOT first time, across 281 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Honda S2000?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; service brake performance: excessively binding; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2008 Honda S2000 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 146, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).