2000 Toyota Mr2 problems

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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.

2000 Toyota Mr2

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Common 2000 Toyota Mr2 problems

Common Problems with the Toyota MR2 2000 Based on Owner Complaints

  • Ignition Key Malfunction
      • Another common problem at over 100,000 miles is the car's ignition key not working properly.
      • The solution involves replacing the ignition key to address this issue.
  • Oversteering
      • The MR2 can experience oversteering, which can lead to dangerous situations.
      • Preventing oversteering requires drivers to have the necessary skills to control the car effectively.
  • Pre-Catalytic Converter Failure
      • Specifically in the 2000-2002 MR2 Spyders, there have been reports of pre-catalytic converter failures that can lead to engine damage.
      • This issue can result in the destruction of the engine and requires attention to prevent severe consequences.
  • Suspension Problems
      • Some MR2s have reported suspension issues, often caused by the car being bumped up kerbs due to its low-slung design.
      • Careful driving and maintenance can help mitigate these suspension problems.
  • Engine Reliability
      • There have been instances of major engine issues in MR2 Spyders, including motor failures.
      • Regular maintenance, proper care, and monitoring the engine's condition are crucial to prevent significant engine problems.

These common problems with the Toyota MR2 2000 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and careful driving to ensure the longevity and performance of this classic sports car.

2000 Toyota Mr2 engine

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.

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 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).

What to look for when buying used MR2?

Used MR2 Mk1 – checking the bodywork

Probably the most important inspection of any potential buyer is to check for corrosion. Like many cars produced during this era, early MR2s are prone to corrosion later in life and you need to check them thoroughly before purchase.

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).

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.

2000 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:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Toyota Mr2 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2000 Toyota Mr2 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Toyota Mr2.

2014-04-22

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-02-26
  • VIN: JTDFR3203Y0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA MR2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED OIL AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
2012-03-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-11-16
  • VIN: JTDFR3202Y0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: SIMILAR TO THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER EARLY AFFECTED 1ZZ ENGINES (MR2, COROLLA, MATRIX, VIBE AND OTHERS) MY ENGINE IS CURRENTLY BURNING 1 QUART EVERY 400 MILES. MY MECHANIC HAS NOTED THAT IT IS DUE TO PISTON RINGS OR THE OFF SHAPED BORE IN EARLIER 1ZZ ENGINES. SO THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL AND MY HEAD IS ALSO BEING STARVED FOR MUCH NEEDED OIL. I AM NOW JEOPARDIZING THE OXYGEN SENSORS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WERE JUST REPLACED. *TR
2006-11-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-06-02
  • VIN: JTDFR3203Y0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: IN JUNE OF 2006 I HEARD A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE OF MY 2000 MR2 SPYDER. WHEN I BROUGHT T TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD MY I HAD SPUN A BEARING DUE TO OIL STARVATION, EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY OIL CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BEARINGS AND CRANK AND THE NOISE WAS GONE. 2 MONTHS LATER, AFTER DRIVING 4000 MILES AND HAVING THE OIL CHANGED AFTER 2500, THE TICKING NOISE RETURNED. THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN STATED THAT I HAD A SPUN BEARING DUE TO OIL STARVATION. WHEN INVESTIGATED FURTHER THE TECH SAID THAT THE SMALL BLOCK OF THE ENGINE ISN'T ALLOWING OIL TO REACH THE PISTONS. WHEN I SEARCHED ONLINE I FOUND THAT MULTIPLE OTHER MR2 SPYDER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. *JB
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2000 Toyota Mr2 problems:

2000 MR2 Common issues? [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board
2000 MR2 Common issues? [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board
https://www.mr2.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-71183.html

2000-2002 MR2 Spyders were prone to failure of the pre-catalytic converters, which can cause destruction of the engine. Fortunately these can be ...

2000 Spyder motor problems | MR2 SpyderChat
2000 Spyder motor problems | MR2 SpyderChat
https://www.spyderchat.com/threads/2000-spyder-motor-problems.157495/

May 19, 2021 ... The 2000-2002 cars are known to have engine issues ... problems, it's rather ... Toyota MR2 Spyder Enthusiasts to discuss specs, reliability and ...

common mr2 spyder problems? : r/mr2
common mr2 spyder problems? : r/mr2
https://www.reddit.com/r/mr2/comments/15ywzgq/common_mr2_spyder_problems/

Aug 23, 2023 ... common mr2 spyder problems? · Before '03, 1ZZs had a design flaw that causes oil burning. · Before late '05, 1ZZs had a design flaw that ...

Common Spyder problem..??? | MR2 SpyderChat
Common Spyder problem..??? | MR2 SpyderChat
https://www.spyderchat.com/threads/common-spyder-problem.6372/

Jun 22, 2004 ... I got mines from the dealer and have the 6 years / 100,000miles warranty but hopefully i got one of the lucky spyders. 00-TRD Stage 1 Toyota MR2 ...

2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2000-toyota-mr2-spyder/problems

Problem with your 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Other years of Toyota Mr2

toyota mr2 2001 photo
Mr2 2001
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2

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0

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toyota mr2 2002 photo
Mr2 2002
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32

0

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toyota mr2 2003 photo
Mr2 2003
Toyota

30

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
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  • 1
toyota mr2 2004 photo
Mr2 2004
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1

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toyota mr2 2005 photo
Mr2 2005
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3

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toyota mr2 1985 photo
Mr2 1985
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3

0

0

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  • 2
  • 1

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