2018 Toyota 86 problems

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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.

2018 Toyota 86

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Common 2018 Toyota 86 problems

The 2018 Toyota 86 is a popular choice for those seeking a sporty car without breaking the bank. However, as with any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.

  • Engine Control Unit (ECU) Not Programmed Correctly: Some Toyota 86 owners have noticed unstable engine revs in neutral, which is caused by the ECU not being programmed correctly. This issue can be resolved by reprogramming the ECU.
  • Cracked Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug on the Toyota 86 is prone to cracking from over-torquing. If you notice an oil leak from the bottom of the oil pan, it's likely due to a cracked drain plug.
  • Clutch Release Bearing Failure: This issue is particularly common in 2013 models, especially in cold weather. Symptoms include gears grinding when the clutch is depressed, the clutch sitting too high, and hard shifting. Failure to replace the clutch release bearing can lead to transmission housing, pressure plate, and/or shaft damage.
  • Lumpy Idle: Some owners have reported a lumpy idle on their Toyota 86. This issue can be resolved with a software update or during the car's annual service.
  • Loss of Power Steering Assistance: This issue affected early examples of the Toyota GT86, specifically those built between 4 April 2012 and 18 March 2015. It was caused by a problem with the wiring harness to the electric power steering system, which required a new wiring harness to solve.
  • Rust on Door Pillar: Some GT86 owners have found corrosion on the little door pillar close to the mirror, but this should be covered by the rust warranty.
  • Water in Rear Lights: This issue has been reported by some owners, particularly in the BRZ model. To check the seals of the rear lights, use a watering can or garden hose and aim the water flow at the seal.
  • 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. A recall was issued to replace the valve springs of affected cars with improved components.

It is important to note that these issues may not affect all 2018 Toyota 86 models, and some may not experience any problems at all. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider them when making their purchase decision.

2018 Toyota 86 engine

What is the common problem with the Toyota 86?

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.

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.

Are Toyota GR86 reliable?

Quality and Reliability 76.0/100

The 2024 Toyota GR86 has a predicted reliability score of 76 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota 86?

2019 86 Coupe GT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Year 1Year 4
Insurance$1,720$1,879
Maintenance$1,454$2,185
Repairs$407$652
Taxes & Fees$2,114$160

What is the most common problem with the Toyota 86?

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.

What is the engine problem with the 86?

Since the arrival of the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 in 2021, there have been reports of engine failures occurring during or after track driving. Initially it seemed this was a result of excessive gasket sealant—room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone—blocking the oil pickup tube.

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.

What was the engine failure of the Toyota GT86?

A modified Toyota GR86 has suffered a firey engine failure at a Queensland race track, with the sports coupe leaving a trail of smoke and flames. Investigations in the US reveal there could be a catastrophic flaw in the Subaru-built engine.

2018 Toyota 86 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota 86 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Steering problems
  • Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Toyota 86 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Toyota 86 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Toyota 86.

2020-05-01

STEERING,WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
  • 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.

2018 Toyota 86 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Toyota 86.

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.

Positive 2018 Toyota 86 car reviews

  1. Adelbert Greenholt 2024-07-26

    It seems like the clutch is a bit too sensitive, while the brake may not be sensitive enough.

  2. Fredrick Lynch 2024-07-21

    I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed driving the car! It sounds like it handled the curves on your 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.

  3. Cade Douglas 2024-06-23

    Plenty of power. Nice shift pattern. Great handling. Nice ride!

  4. Faustino Stehr 2024-05-23

    I've been driving this car daily for commuting to work and back, and I haven't had any issues at all. I've just kept up with the regular maintenance and recommended services. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a car to drive as either a daily or a little sports car with not an overwhelming amount of power.

Leave your review of 2018 Toyota 86

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Toyota 86 problems:

Reliability putting me off the 86. - GT86/BRZ General Chat - Toyota ...
Reliability putting me off the 86. - GT86/BRZ General Chat - Toyota ...
https://www.gt86.org.uk/forums/forums/topic/6361-reliability-putting-me-off-the-86/

Aug 9, 2018 ... In a nutshell the car is reliable and is no different to any other. All your major concerns are rare occurrences. Dig deeper and you will have a ...

2018 Brz issues? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum ...
2018 Brz issues? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum ...
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130718

Oct 8, 2018 ... 2018 Brz issues? After an ECU reset the throttle response is super inconsistent for at lest 200miles (no that isn't an exaggeration) while the ...

2018 Toyota 86 Reliability - Consumer Reports
2018 Toyota 86 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/86/2018/reliability/

No Detailed Data Available. Consumer Reports obtains its reliability data from a questionnaire that is sent to subscribers. In the questionnaire, we ask ...

common faults - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum ...
common faults - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum ...
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3154912

Nov 14, 2018 ... Last edited by danielmailrs; 11-14-2018 at 01:45 AM. danielmailrs is offline ...

2018 Toyota 86 Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly (Shifting ...
2018 Toyota 86 Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly (Shifting ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/9mgcyg/2018_toyota_86_review_the_good_the_bad_the_ugly/

Oct 8, 2018 ... 68 votes, 77 comments. 6M subscribers in the cars community. r/Cars is the largest automotive enthusiast community on the Internet.

Other years of Toyota 86

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86 2019
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86 2017
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toyota 86 2018 photo
86 2018
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