Toyota 86 problems
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
The 2+2 fastback coupé has a naturally-aspirated boxer engine, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance and low centre of gravity; it was inspired by Toyota's earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club and drift racing.
For the first-generation model, Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 in Asia, Australia, North America (from August 2016), South Africa, and South America; as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua and Jamaica and as the Scion FR-S (2012–2016) in the United States and Canada.
The second-generation model is marketed by Toyota as the GR86 as part of the Gazoo Racing family.
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Common Toyota 86 problems
The Toyota 86, a compact sports car introduced in 2012, has garnered a reputation for reliability, thanks to Toyota's commitment to quality. However, like any vehicle, it has some common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Faulty Fuel Pump: Many Toyota 86 owners have reported hearing a chirping noise coming from their fuel pump, which can lead to premature failure. This issue is attributed to the high-pressure fuel pump used in the vehicle.
- Incorrectly Programmed Engine Control Unit (ECU): Some Toyota 86 owners have noticed unstable engine revs in neutral due to the ECU not being programmed correctly. This issue can be resolved by reprogramming the ECU.
- Disabled Interlock System: All Scion FR-S cars, a predecessor to the Toyota 86, come equipped with a standard interlock system that prevents the ignition key from being removed unless the transmission is in park. However, Scion disabled the system during transportation, and some cars were delivered to dealerships without ever having had their systems reconnected. Toyota issued a recall in early 2016 to correct this issue.
- Cracked Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug in the Toyota 86 is prone to cracks from over-torquing. If you find an oil leak that seems to come from the bottom of the oil pan, the problem is most likely a cracked drain plug.
- Clutch Release Bearing Failure: Many 2013 FR-S owners, especially in cold weather, have experienced gears grinding when the clutch is depressed, the clutch sitting a little too high, and hard shifting. Not replacing the clutch release bearing promptly can lead to transmission housing, pressure plate, and/or shaft damage.
- Rust on Door Pillar: Some GT86 owners have found corrosion on the little door pillar close to the mirror, but this isn't the end of the world because it should be covered by the rust warranty.
- Water in Rear Lights: Some owners have experience of condensation in the rear lights. To check the seals of the rear lights, use a watering can or garden hose and aim the water flow at the seal. This should give you a good idea of whether the light will let in water, or not.
- Lumpy Idle: The boxer engine isn't the smoothest around, but some owners have complained about a lumpy idle. If you take the car to your Toyota dealer, they should be able to fix it with a software update, or as part of the car's annual service.
- Engine Valve Spring: Some early GT86s built between 9 April 2012 and 24 May 2013 had a problem with valve springs breaking in the engine. This isn't ideal on an engine you need to rev to get the best from it. A recall was issued to replace the valve springs of affected cars with improved components, so check with your Toyota dealer to make sure this has been carried out.
- Loss of Power Steering Assistance: Another recall for early examples of the Toyota GT86 but this time for the power steering system. It can fail due to a problem with the wiring harness to the electric power steering system, and it involves examples built from 4 April 2012 to 18 March 2015. Affected cars will need a new wiring harness to solve the issue and this should be carried out by a Toyota dealer for free as part of the recall.
What problems does the Toyota 86 have?
Bad Fuel Pump: The Toyota 86 has a high pressure fuel pump. Many Toyota 86 owners have reported hearing a chirping noise coming from their fuel pump. In these cases, the fuel pump dies prematurely. Toyota never specified the root of this issue.
Are Toyota GT86s reliable?
However, the GT86 wasn't one of Toyota's star performers, attaining only an average 95th place for reliability out of the 150 cars surveyed in 2016, one of the few times it has appeared in the list of vehicles.
What year of Toyota 86 to avoid?
As such, information about its reliability and common problems is scarce. However, based on our research, the 2019 model has the most number of issues and complaints compared to other model years. As such, the 2019 version is one of the Toyota 86 years to avoid for used car buyers.
How long does a Toyota 86 engine last?
How long do Toyota 86s last? Although there is limited information about the vehicles, most drivers predict them to survive around 150,000 miles. This number is decent for a sports car but won't come close to the longevity of SUVs and vehicles built for more wear and tear on the highway and city.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota 86 years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota 86 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Toyota 86 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota 86 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota 86 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota 86 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota 86 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota 86 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 86 model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 86 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 86 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota 86 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota 86 vehicles.
List of Toyota 86 complaints
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1ZNAE15K9
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER THEN NOTICED WATER COMING FROM DASH ONTO MY FEET. BROUGHT MY CAR TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. 1 MONTH AND 1/2 LATER CAR CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUE BEHIND STEERING WHEEL. I AM HOLDING ALL STAR TOYOTA LIABLE.
Toyota 86 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-05-01
- VIN: JTEBU5JR6J5
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END SHIMMIES AND SHAKES WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS. PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT THE FORUM THREAD REGARDING THIS ONGOING ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE MODEL AT THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T60099_DS754672?SNTEMLID=4482627649#MSG1069173 A REPAIR IS ALSO DESCRIBED IN THE FORUM CONVERSATIONS. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO RECALL.
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-19
- VIN: JTEBU5JR1K5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TOYOTA KNOWINGLY & WILLFULLY HAS MANUFACTURED AND SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES TO CONSUMERS WITH A KNOWN SAFETY RISK DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAKING THE VEHICLES UNSAFE TO DRIVE, HAVE NOT NOTIFIED CONSUMERS OF THIS MAJOR SAFETY RISK, HAVE NOT COMPENSATED OWNERS FOR THE LACK OF USE & THE DECREASE IN VALUE OF SAID CAR. THE MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE FINED & POSSIBLY HELD PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-04
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1ZNAE18K8
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 86 WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL OF A 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS RELEASED UPON IMPACT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED BURNS AND WRIST INJURIES THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEAD INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED FOR BOTH OCCUPANTS. THE DRIVER OF THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE DRIVERS, PASSENGER AND SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2019-10-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1ZNAE12K8
- Components: STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS STILL AMD GOT HITBY CADILLAC SU
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2019-06-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1ZNAE12K9
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: BRAND NEW CAR LIST THEN 1000 MILES SHUTS OFF GAS LEAKS FROM UNDER THE HOOD TO THE GROUND AND CATCHES ON FIRE WITH THE LESS THAN 5 SECOND.
Toyota 86 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-08
- VIN: JF1ZNAA12H8
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VALVE SPRINGS ON CYLINDER TWO HAVE NOT ENOUGH TENSION CAR ISN'T WORKING RIGHT NEEDS NEW VALVE SPRINGS
Toyota 86 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-30
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TOYOTA HAS BEEN CLAIMING THAT: "...EVERY 2019 TOYOTA 86 COMES STANDARD WITH TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE P (TSS-P) AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE P (TSS-P) IS A SUITE OF ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES THAT INCLUDES: PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION FUNCTION, DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL, AUTO HIGH BEAMS, AND LANE DEPARTURE ALERT WITH STEERING ASSIST FUNCTION. CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EXTRAORDINARY VALUE (PLEASE BE PATIENT WHILE THE PAGE LOADS)." THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT, AS A 2019 TOYOTA 86 OWNER, IT DOES NOT COME WITH ANY OF THE SAFETY FEATURES LIKE IT WAS CLAIMING IN THE TSS-P SESSION.
Toyota 86 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2019-01-18
- VIN: JF1ZNAA12H9
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AS MY SON WAS DRIVING FROM DAVENPORT ON I-4 TO CONNECT WITH I-75 ON HIS WAY TO NAPLES, ON THURSDAY JANUARY 10, 2019 AROUND 10:50 AM, HE SUDDENLY ENCOUNTERED A LARGE METAL OBJECT ON THE ROAD. HE HAD NO OPPORTUNITY TO TO MOVE OVER AS THERE WHERE MANY OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AND HE HAD NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE BUT TO DRIVE OVER IT CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE IMPACT CAUSED MY SON TO EXPERIENCE CHEST PAIN AND HIS FIANCEE SUFFERED A PANIC ATTACK. WHEN THEY STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, IT WAS HECTIC AND THEY DECIDED TO DRIVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THEY WERE ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST EXIT AND DECIDED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL BUT ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL THEY CHANGED THEIR MINDS AND STOPPED AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ORDER TO CHECK IF ANY LIQUIDS WHERE LEAKING OR ANY ENGINE DAMAGE HAD BEEN CAUSED. AT THE DEALERSHIP THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. AFTER THAT, THEY THOUGHT THEY ONLY HAD TEMPORARY ATTACKS AND RETURNED TO THE HOUSE TO REST AND PROCEEDED TO CANCEL ALL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE DAY. THIS HAPPENED RIGHT PAST THE AUBURNDALE EXIT. MY SON IS 45 YEARS OLD AND WAS RIDING THE CAR WITH HIS FIANCEE WHO WAS GOING TO A MEDIATION AS SHE IS A MEDIATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES. WE HAVE ADDITIONAL PICTURES IN THE EVENT THAT MORE ARE REQUIRED TO SHOW THE DAMAGES AS THERE ARE ONLY 5 SLOTS FOR DOCUMENTATION ON THIS FORM.
Recalls Toyota 86
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Toyota 86.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota 86 2018
- Report Received Date: 2021-07-29
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
- Model: Toyota 86 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-07-29
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
- Model: Toyota 86 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-05-02
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Consequence: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
- Model: Toyota 86 2017
- Report Received Date: 2016-12-21
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2017 Toyota 86 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016 through August 11, 2016 equipped with an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button or manual transmission are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
Latest negative Toyota 86 car reviews
Latest positive Toyota 86 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2017
Plenty of power. Nice shift pattern. Great handling. Nice ride!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed driving the car! It sounds like it handled the curves on the California backroads really well. It's a shame that you didn't end up purchasing it due to the lack of leather seats and the racing stripes on the special edition, but I hope you're still happy with your purchase of the Limited BRZ Automatic.
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Vehicle year: 2019
It seems like the clutch is a bit too sensitive, while the brake may not be sensitive enough.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed driving the car! It sounds like it handled the curves on the California backroads really well. It's a shame that you couldn't purchase it due to the lack of leather seats and the racing stripes on the special edition, but I hope you're still happy with your purchase of the Limited BRZ Automatic.
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Vehicle year: 2019
Hi there! This little car is both fun and fast!
Are you having problems with your Toyota 86?
Maximus Hettinger 2024-01-25
Vehicle year: 2019
I recently test drove the 86 GT Special Edition and while it is a nice looking car, I found it to be quite under powered. Although I was initially interested in purchasing this car, my experience behind the wheel has led me to reconsider. It seems that many of the 86s on the lot have been there for over 500 days, which may be due to its lack of power.