1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Honda S2000 MOT pass rate and common faults

136 MOT tests in 2024. 83.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

131Well above average
Passed first time83.1%
Failed or needed repairs16.9%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 136 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.5%
  2. Washers: not working1.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working1.5%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Anti-roll bars - linkage: damaged and seriously weakened1.5%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system1.5%
    5 marked dangerous
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle0.7%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements0.7%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.4%
  2. Brakes6.6%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  4. Suspension4.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.7%
  6. Body & chassis0.7%
  7. Tyres0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Service brake performance: excessively binding11.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.9%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.1%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.4%

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.

All S2000 years2000 S2000 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Honda S2000?

In 2024, 83.1% of 1999 Honda S2000 cars passed their MOT first time, across 136 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Honda S2000?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; washers: not working; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Honda S2000 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 131, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).