1987 Toyota Mr2 problems

Common 1987 Toyota Mr2 problems

The Toyota MR2, a classic sports car from the Japanese automaker, has been discontinued for many years but remains a popular car among enthusiasts. While the MR2 was known for its powerful engine and handling capabilities, it also had several common problems that owners have reported, particularly when the vehicle has high mileage.

One of the most common issues with the Toyota MR2 is transmission shifting problems at high mileages, specifically over 125,000 miles. This issue may manifest as the automatic transmission not shifting correctly, which can be caused by a faulty shift solenoid or a malfunctioning throttle position sensor. However, the good news is that this problem can be fixed without necessarily replacing the entire transmission.

Another common issue with the MR2 is that the ignition key may not work as well over 100,000 miles, which can be resolved by simply replacing the ignition key.

The MR2 is also known for its tendency to oversteer, which can lead to dangerous results if not handled properly. Oversteering occurs when the rear wheels of the car lose traction and slide out, causing the car to spin. This problem can be challenging to solve, as it requires drivers to have a good understanding of how to prevent oversteering from happening.

Corrosion is another common problem with the MR2, particularly in the rear wheelarches. This issue is more prevalent in early MR2s, which were produced during an era when cars were more prone to corrosion later in life. Therefore, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the car for signs of rust, especially in the rear wheelarches, before making a purchase.

Lastly, the MR2's pop-up headlights can be a water trap, and the mechanisms can corrode over time. Therefore, potential buyers should check the headlight mechanisms for signs of corrosion or water damage during the inspection.

In summary, the Toyota MR2 is a classic sports car with several common problems, particularly at high mileages. These issues include transmission shifting problems, ignition key malfunctions, oversteering, corrosion, and headlight mechanism corrosion. However, with proper maintenance and inspection, these problems can be mitigated, and the MR2 can still be a fun and capable car to drive.

Are Toyota MR2 reliable cars?

Toyota's hard-earned reputation for reliability is evident in the MR2 and there's little to be worried about when buying this mid-engined roadster. However, it's worth checking for any signs of crash damage, or track day use such as excessively worn tyre edges.

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 Toyota MR2 reliable cars?

Toyota's hard-earned reputation for reliability is evident in the MR2 and there's little to be worried about when buying this mid-engined roadster. However, it's worth checking for any signs of crash damage, or track day use such as excessively worn tyre edges.

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).

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?

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.

1987 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:

• Vehicle speed control problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Seat belts problems
• Latches/locks/linkages problems
• Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Toyota Mr2 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.