AP1 snap oversteer on lift-off

Added 2026-10-26 · Updated 2026-10-26

Symptoms

The rear steps out when the driver lifts off the throttle mid-corner.

Cause

A reference site says Honda revised the 2004 geometry to calm lift-throttle behavior; owners describe the AP1 rear as prone to stepping out. Honda's 2004 releases describe revised spring, damper and tire settings.

Fix (summary)

Owners fit AP2 or CR suspension parts (F-ap1-04, F-ap1-05) and get an alignment. These are owner reports, not a defect finding.

Related build entries

• Fit CR springs, dampers and bars to any S2000

Other AP1 problems

• Recall 00V-016: seat belts may not retract with the top down (2000)
• Recall 00V-316: seat belt retractor can deform and lock (2000)
• Recall 04V-257: tail lamp side marker lens made with the wrong dye (2000)
• F20C valve spring retainers can crack after a mechanical over-rev
• Rear axle (spindle) nut torque: creak or pop and hub bearing wear
• 2000-01 plastic rear window clouds, scratches and tears

More for this car

• All Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003) fitment answers · AP1 common problems
• Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry

Sources

• Variants: chassis codes, special editions and market-specific cars — AP1AP2.com (independent S2000 reference site) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
• How Will Ap2 Suspension Work on an AP1? — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
• AP1 sway bars on AP2? — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
• 2004 Honda S2000 -- Chassis — American Honda (hondanews.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)

Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.

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