1986 Toyota Mr2 problems

General information about Toyota-Mr2
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Toyota MR2 is a line of two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (1999–2007). It is Japan's first rear mid-engined production car.

Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 uses simple but effective design elements, including an inline-four engine, transversely mounted in front of the rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent coilover suspension – MacPherson strut fronts and Chapman strut rears.

The name MR2 stands for either "mid-ship run-about 2-seater" or "mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater". In French-speaking markets, the vehicle was renamed Toyota MR because the abbreviation "MR2" sounds like the profanity "merde" when spoken in French.

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Common 1986 Toyota Mr2 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1986 Toyota MR2, several common problems have been identified:

Not Engaging in All Gears: Another complaint highlighted an issue with the 1986 MR2 not engaging in all gears. Transmission problems like this can significantly impact the drivability of the vehicle and may require professional diagnosis and repair.

Excessive Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption was reported in the 2001 and 2000 MR2 models. This issue can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly, as low oil levels can cause increased friction and overheating within the engine.

Bad Rings and Gearbox Issues: Complaints about bad rings, excessive oil consumption, and gearbox problems were also noted in the 2000 and 1991 MR2 models. These issues can affect the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle, requiring thorough inspection and potential repairs.

Oversteering: Oversteering was mentioned as a common problem with the MR2. Oversteering can be dangerous, especially during high-speed maneuvers, and may require adjustments to the vehicle's suspension or driving techniques to mitigate the issue.

Ignition Key Malfunction: At over 100,000 miles, some MR2 owners experienced issues with the ignition key not working correctly. This problem can be inconvenient and may necessitate replacing the ignition key to ensure proper functionality.

Transmission Shifting Problems: High-mileage MR2s may encounter automatic transmission shifting issues. This can impact the vehicle's performance and drivability, requiring attention to prevent further damage and ensure smooth gear changes.

Addressing these common problems in the 1986 Toyota MR2 is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance, reliability, and safety. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional inspections can help owners address these issues effectively and ensure the longevity of their MR2.

Are MR2 engines reliable?

Reliable: Toyota is known for producing reliable cars, and the MR2 is no exception. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years. Fuel efficient: The MR2's small size and efficient engine make it a fuel-efficient car.

Is Toyota MR2 hard to maintain?

The 00–07 Toyota MR2 Spyder isn't much more expensive or difficult to work on than many other Toyotas of the era. Toyota didn't make any other mid-engined cars, so many components are unique to the Spyder (which means there are no other compatible models to borrow parts from).

Which year MR2 is the best?

The 1993-1995 models are particularly desirable, as they featured several upgrades, including revised suspension tuning and larger brakes. Ultimately, the "best year" for a Toyota MR2 will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as performance, styling, and reliability.

Is a Toyota MR2 a good buy?

Toyota is known for creating reliable, high-quality vehicles. While the Toyota MR2 may not be the most famous Japanese sports car, it's a great and notable choice for driving enthusiasts.

Are MR2 engines reliable?

Is Toyota MR2 hard to maintain?

Was the Toyota MR2 a good car?

Not only is the Toyota MR2 an iconic sports car from the 80s and 90s, but many agree that it is among the best sports cars Toyota has ever built. The MR2 was Akio Yoshida's take on the exotic – both in its stylish design and driving feel.

Which year MR2 is the best?

1986 Toyota Mr2 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Mr2 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Parking brake problems
Seat belts problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Toyota Mr2 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Toyota Mr2 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Toyota Mr2.

2010-02-07

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-03-20
Fire: 1
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
Summary: I OWN AN 1986 TOYOTA MR2 WITH A 4 AGE ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I WAS DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN I APPROACHED A NEIGHBORHOOD INTERSECTION. THE ENGINE STARTED TO "REV" REALLY HIGH AND I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. I SAT AT THE INTERSECTION FOR A WHILE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. SO I STARTED TO JIGGLE THE LIMP GAS PEDAL. SOON AFTER I LOOKED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND HAD SEEN THAT A RUBBER PIECE WAS JAMMED UNDER THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. THE PIECE OF RUBBER WAS A CAP TO PREVENT WATER FROM GOING INTO AND RUINING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. I DROVE HOME AND LATER ON WENT TO A SPECIALIST THAT TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE RUBBER PIECE FROM LETTING THAT HAPPEN TO ME. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION CAN HELP, MAYBE THE NEWER TOYOTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ANOTHER INCIDENT WAS WHEN I BROUGHT THE SAME VEHICLE TO GET IT SMOGED. ME AND MY MOM FINISHED AND LEFT TO GO HOME. WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF INTERSECTIONS I LOOKED BACK AND NOTICED SPARKS SHOOTING UP FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOLD MY MOTHER WHOM DIDN'T BELIEVE ME TO STOP. THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, THEN MY MOTHER AND I EVACUATED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BAY BURST INTO FLAMES AND LUCKY THERE WAS A FIRE DEPARTMENT NEAR BY. WE FOUND OUT THAT THE HOOD PROP HAD FALLEN ONTO THE BATTERY WHICH SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICS AND CAUSED NEAR BY PLASTIC TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE REAR HOOD WAS RUINED, PAINT, WINDOW, WIREHARNESS, AND OTHER PIECES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID WE WERE LUCKY THAT THE FLAME DIDN'T RUPTURE THE FUEL IN THE CAR. HE SHOWED THAT THE FLAME WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE PLACE YOU FILL YOUR CAR WITH GAS. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY AND AN OFFICER WROTE UP A REPORT. *TW

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2010-02-07

PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-06-23
Components: PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE CONTROLLED FROM A PLASTIC PIECE WHICH MAKES CONTACT WITH DOOR. OUT OF ALL THREE MR2'S I OWN AND ONES THAT I'VE SEEN NONE OF THEM ARE INTACT. MAKING ALL THE SEAT BELTS USELESS. I'VE SOLVED THIS PROBLEM BY BUYING A FIVE POINT RACE HARNESS'. EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR BREAKING. SO FAR I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF MY EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES. ALSO ALL NONE OF THE TRUCK LATCHES WORK. I'VE EVEN REPAIRED MY DAD'S FRIEND TOYOTA SIERRA VAN'S REAR SLIDING DOOR MECHANISM. THIS IS ALL BECAUSE THE CABLES BECOME LONGER AFTER USE. *TW

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1999-02-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-12-12
VIN: JP2AW15C9G0
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE FLANGE OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HEAT SHIELD IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE OUTLET END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE FLANGE HAS WORN THROUGH THE OIL PAN, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK. *AK

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1996-10-17

PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
Summary: PARKING BRAKE FREEZES IN LOCKED POSITION EVERYTIME THE WEATHER GETS BELOW FREEZING, ALSO TRANSMISSION GEARS GRIND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT AT RPM OVER 4000. *AK

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1996-06-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE OUTLET END OF THE EXHUAST PIPE FLANG WEARS THROUGH, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK RECALL #93E021001. *AK

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1996-05-07

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
VIN: JTZAW15C460
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *DH

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1994-05-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-05-12
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER SECURE DURING SIDE IMPACT COLLISION, RESULTING IN DRIVER BEING THROWN FORWARD THRU WINDSHIELD. *SKD

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Toyota Mr2 problems:

What are some common problems/downsides to owning an AW11 ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/mr2/comments/9j4t1y/what_are_some_common_problemsdownsides_to_owning/

Sep 26, 2018 ... What are some common problems/downsides to owning an AW11? ... I'm 17 myself and currently wrenching on an 86 ... Toyota MR2. 23K Members. 16 Online.

Mk1 (AW11) Weak Links? Common points of failure... | MR2 Owners ...

https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/mk1-aw11-weak-links-common-points-of-failure.528210/

Jun 16, 2014 ... Preferably with fast attach points for a splitter if you want to track the car. 8) transmission. Toyota had a big problem with early ...

Toyota MR2 Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/toyota/mr2

Top Toyota MR2 Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Replace ignition key by 100,000 miles · Failed Emissions Test Due to ...

5th gear pop out a common problem??? | MR2 Owners Club Forum

https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/5th-gear-pop-out-a-common-problem.179563/

May 1, 2006 ... As noted, the 85 and 86 models have a transmission ... I'm looking into buying an MR2, and it is an 86. ... A forum community dedicated to Toyota ...