Today I was reminded of the idea that had been kicking around in my head in regards to why we US-based S2000 owners haven't filed a class action lawsuit against Honda for the constantly tearing and defective soft-tops across all model years, not to mention the faulty timing chain tensioner. What specifically brought it up was reading this entry on Wikipedia about the Audi TT:

So if TT owners can get a settlement, reimbursement, and free coverage for a freakin' timing belt, why can't we get the same for our soft top and/or TCT? Edit: Please note that there's about 10 years of documentation with hundreds, if not thousands of owners who've experienced these issues, had to have Honda of America authorized repairs (some more than once), etc. It's not like there's a lack of proof.

Or rather, why haven't we? Has nobody taken the initative? Not enough people on board?

Just curious. I'd like to hear fellow S2K owners' input.

 

Isnt this covered under the 3/36 warranty? BTW - I have had no problem with either of these issues.

 

or maybe not enough folks who have the spare time on their hands that they want to waste...

a) in paying 40%+ of the settlement to a bunch of bottom-feeder lawyers or

b) want to spend their time and efforts suing a car company for parts that are, by-design, going to wear out at some inevitable point regardless of the care their type a owners lavish upon them

at the end of the day (YEARS from now), even IF we did win, the most Honda would come up with is a soft top patch kit and a credit towards service of the TCT in your out of production car

Everyone who wants to waste their precious nights and weekends on this endeavor, please raise your hands now....

 

I think the two suits are not even really related anyway. If the tensioner or the top fails within the warranty period, the dealer would cover it. In the case of the vw's, the part failed before the reccommended replacement interval. Thats where the issue lies and the potential grounds for a lawsuit is. My personal opinion is that this country is full of way too many ridiculous lawsuits and thats the main reason insurance rates in all areas (medical, auto, home) are so ludicrous.

 

If you feel that your S2000 is a sub-standard product, the first thing you must do is NEVER, under any circumstances, buy another Honda product.

 

Same here...

 

I believe they call that an anecdotal experience.

My problem isn't that these parts wear out... rather, it's that there's a defect in the design that causes them to prematurely wear out. The TCT is flawed in all years of the S2000 and WILL go bad at random intervals thanks to its flawed design (ask Billman), and I've lost count of the owners that have had tears at the same points over and over in the soft top.

I'm sure others will chime in who've had experiences with either the TCT or soft top.

 

That'll be easy considering Honda's current direction.

 

The soft top issues and frame issues are part of Honda's lack of experience with making convertibles - that if anything could be a lawsuit because Honda did eventually issue a TSB on 05+ tops.

The TCT is not designed perfectly, but I wouldn't say its deficient. Same goes with oil consumption in F20Cs, for example.

 

but if you go through with it.... and need some pictures my car has a 3 inch rip thats repaired. and i think more rips are starting. just ask for some pictures if needed.