Toyota GR86 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Toyota GR86 options? We analyzed 5 model years (2022β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Toyota GR86? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
TOYOTA GR86 (2022β2026) has 46 NHTSA complaints, with engine issues accounting for 24. The 2022 model year has the most complaints at 21, while 2026 has none. Three recalls are on file. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- GR86
- Model years analyzed
- 2022β2026 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 46
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2022 (21 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Toyota GR86: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota GR86 (2022β2026) has 46 complaints, with engine issues accounting for 24 of them. The 2022 model year has the most complaints (21), while 2026 has none. Buyers should prioritize engine inspection and check for open recalls.
- Engine complaints total 24, the highest among all components.
- The 2022 model year has 21 complaints, the most of any year.
- Fuel/propulsion system complaints number 8, the second-highest category.
- Engine: 24 complaints, including potential stalling or power loss.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints, possibly related to fuel delivery.
- Exterior lighting: 6 complaints, which could affect visibility.
The 2022 model year has the most complaints (21), driven largely by engine issues.
The 2024 and 2026 model years show fewer complaints (3 and 0 respectively), which may indicate improved reliability.
- Inspect the suspension for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
3 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2022β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 46 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
46 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
There seems to be wear in the fuel lines under the hood. Possibly caused from rubbing against something.
Myself and others online have noticed unusual wear on fuel lines located in the engine bay. There are 3 fuel lines on the right side of the engine bay to the right of the intake manifold that can become chafed. Because these are fuel lines I find the fact that they have wear to be very concerning and a potential fire hazard
I discovered what appears to be severe rubbing on one of the fuel lines in my 2024 Toyota GR86. The car has just over 6,000 miles on it, and the rubbing is so severe that it has removed the printed writing on the line and smoothed out the hose to the point where it is flat. From what I can tell, the hose is rubbing against another fuel line, which must occur while the engine is running. Considering the car was manufactured in September 2024, I find this to be not only unacceptable but dangerous. If I had not caught this, it would have easily rubbed through and resulted in an engine fire, which could have resulted in the total loss of the vehicle. While reviewing my vehicle, I also noticed that a friend with a 2023 Subaru BRZ had the same issue. While his rubbing was not as severe, it is clear this is not an isolated incident and affects others. I am in the process of gathering photographic evidence from others who are impacted and so far know of at least two more cases beyond the above: a 2023 Toyota GR86 and a 2024 Subaru BRZ. I will be contacting Toyota and Subaru directly; however, given the potential severity and danger of this issue, I believe it needs to be addressed immediately.
The Cross- Caster Defect: "A comparative analysis of two alignment sheets proves a structural suspension failure. On June 4, 2026, the vehicle's left front caster was at a factory-healthy 5.9 Following a tire blow out/tire failure just three weeks later the left front caster dropped to 5.6. This creates a severe 0.5 cross-caster split between the left and right front wheels." The Unadjustable Failure: "Front caster is a non-adjustable factory setting on the Toyota GR86. This unadjustable 0.3 shift in geometry is absolute mathematical proof of a bent, cracked, or structurally fatigued suspension component or subframe on the front driver's side." The Safety Threat: Because a structural component is shifting dynamically under load, the vehicle sways, wanders unpredictably, and wobbles at highway speeds, nearly causing a catastrophic multi-vehicle accident on an I-95 bridge. The dealership has failed to diagnose this structural damage, attempting multiple alignments in 34 days, and has attempted to release an unstable, unsafe vehicle back to the consumer." The dealership continues to do alignments -trying to adjust the toe (steer angle) to compensate for a bent structural frame or suspension part, which is physically impossible. On June 25. 2026- one light was on, on my dash the orange exclamation point. I have replaced all 4 tires since then w factory spec. My car has no lights on, on the dash however it is unsafe to drive until Toyota fixes it. It is going on 2 months now, multiple alignments, have been to 2 different Toyota dealerships and 3 different occasions I have rented cars. Very stressful situation. The service advisor says my car just has a little wobble. My car is a brand-new Toyota GR86 it should not wobble at all. But its far worse than that when I drive 2 hours a day. It is very scary and unsafe to drive. I refuse to drive it until it is fixed. Towed to the Toyota dealership in Brunswick on July 29, 2026, waiting on regional field technician to inspect.
The BSD or blind spot detection has worked intermittently since purchasing it new. Ive been honked at when merging into other vehicles on the highway several times. I also pay attention to it to see if it will alert on cars in my blind spot. Most times it does but numerous times on each trip it does not alert me. When it does alert me it alerts much later than any other car I've driven. This particular car has a big blind spot and is hard to manually check at times due to road conditions. I brought it to the dealer, as it is still under warranty with only several hundred miles on it. I drove the service advisor with me and the problem was recreated 4 times. I was told the system was working normally and no errors detected. Also the system was only supposed to alert me to cars passing me from behind, not to car I had passed or cars "captured" in my blind spot. As it turns out, when I merged onto the highway, a car matching my entry speed was " captured" in my blind spot and I nearly hit it because the BSD failed. There has been no other official inspections of the car. There were no warning lamps or indicators. The car is undamaged and in as new condition.
Fuel line is rubbing under the hood. I have seen where this is the cause of fires so I went to check mine and it has been rubbing.
Read 14 more owner reports
1. The problem is the alleged βrubbingβ of the fuel lines I have encountered among the other GR86 owners that are having the same issue. 2. Could possibly cause a fire while operating the vehicle as it has allegedly been the cause of a few already. 3. No. 4. No. 5. No since it is a hose issue.
COMPONENT/SYSTEM FAILURE: Engine - Catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation on August 4, 2025. FA24 engine consumed excessive oil without triggering oil pressure warning light or low oil level indicator. Oil was changed at 500 miles after purchase and topped off on July 12, 2025. Engine failed 23 days later with no warning. Vehicle has been at dealership since August 4, 2025 (34+ business days). Component is available for inspection at [Dealer Name] Toyota. SAFETY RISK: Sudden engine failure without warning created immediate dangerous conditions: - Complete loss of power while driving in normal traffic - No warning allowed to safely pull over before failure - Loss of power steering and power brake assist - Risk of being rear-ended due to sudden deceleration - Could have been catastrophic if occurred during highway passing/merging The absence of warning lights before oil starvation failure is critical safety defect. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes - [Dealer Name] Toyota has confirmed engine failure and has had vehicle since August 4, 2025. This is second extended stay (first was January-February 2025, 42 business days). Total of 76 business days in shop out of 8.5 months ownership. Dealer confirmed warranty repair needed but awaiting Toyota corporate authorization. MANUFACTURER INSPECTION: Vehicle at authorized Toyota dealer. Dealer technicians have diagnosed engine failure. Toyota Motor Sales corporate currently reviewing warranty authorization. No police/insurance inspection as vehicle was able to be towed to dealer. WARNING SYMPTOMS: CRITICAL: NO oil pressure warning light before engine failure despite oil level being critically low - Oil changed at 500 miles post-purchase - Oil topped off July 12, 2025 (verified normal level) - Engine failed August 4, 2025 - only 23 days later - NO warning lights prior to catastrophic failure - Oil monitoring system failed to alert driver of dangerous condition ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 2024 GR86 purchased December 28, 2024
The engine on my GR86 failed when I was accelerating onto a freeway. This has been confirmed by the dealership and the car is in need of a short or long block repair. The vehicle has just over 9000 miles on it and the manufacturer and the dealership are refusing to cover this under warranty. Gasket material was found in the oil intake tube and this has been a documented problem on the Internet which has caused many engine failures. This is a safety issue as the car is now inoperable. Had this happened in traffic this couldβve caused a car accident. The invoice and work order includes information that is not correct. Specifically, I was told that oil did show up on the dipstick at the time that it was checked at the dealership however, they later changed that to say that it was checked on an incline which I find to not be credible
1. On [XXX] exactly 1 year after purchasing a 2022 Toyota GR 86 from Toyota of Catonsville the Vehicle's engine failed. Shortly before the failure, the oil light came on, indicating a potential issue with oil circulation. 2. The engine then failed catastrophically, leaving a hole in the engine casing. 3. This engine failure is consistent with numerous other documented failures in the same year and model of the Vehicle, which have been found to have defects affecting the engine's ability to circulate oil properly. 4. After charging the owner for an engine breakdown and diagnosis, Heritage Toyota of Catonsville provided a document that states that the damage was consistent with high vehicle speeds and high engine speeds and a data report showing an instance of the car operated at high vehicle speed and high engine speed. However, Heritage Toyota refused to provide detailed information and data derived from the diagnosis and failed to provide any statement regarding the cause of the breakdown or warranty inapplicability. 5. In response to the Plaintiff's request for warranty coverage, Heritage Toyota provided a written statement stating that the engine repair would not be covered by the multiple warranties purchased with the Vehicle. Heritage Toyota provided repair option estimates for $22,000 and $33,000. When a tow truck was sent to pick up the car, Heritage Toyota delivered the car to the tow truck driver without the motor and provided numerous loose parts for towing with the body of the car. The car was not towed and was left at the dealer. We believe that Toyota sold us a defective automobile, in violation of three separate statutes: (1) the Maryland Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act; (2) the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act; and (3) the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. We also believe that Heritage Toyota violated the law when they did not provide the information obtained from the diagnostic engine breakdown that was paid for by the owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The dome light on the driver side has failed. This is not due to a dead bulb, but instead the circuit area seems to die if the car sits in the sun. This has been confirmed by a dealer but I haven't yet scheduled an appointment to replace the electrical parts. There were no safety warnings.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota GR86. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blew. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the silicone and oil had clogged the line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 32, 000. Β
When the rear of my vehicle is directly facing the sun slightly after sunrise or before sunset (when the angle of the sun is low), my rear turn signals fail to function properly. When this happens, the turn signals hyperflash on the dash, and in the front of the vehicle. However the main concern is that the rear turn signals do not illumate at all when these conditions occur. Zero illumination comes from the rear turn signal, which may result in an accident or citation. Only when a shadow is cast upon the affected turn signal will it begin to blink normally again. Toyota had not recalled this issue, however Subaru of Canada has. (Subaru and Toyota make this car together). The issue has not been able to be reproduced by the dealer so they won't address it. However I've been able to reproduce it once on video under the specific conditions mentioned above. It won't let me upload a video, but please reach out to me and I'd be happy to provide.
Turn signal issue, lights are hyper blinking when direct sunlight is shining on the back of the vehicle. Happens every single time sun is on the rear of the vehicle. turn signals don't work while sun is at rear of vehicle
When the sun is facing the rear of the car, the rear turn signals do not activate, and the turn signals flash rapidly. It is exactly what happens in this youtube video: https://youtu.be/dHwMCdlJfYQ This is a danger, because my car will not properly signal when I change lanes or take a turn. I have taken my car to Toyota multiple times now and they have been unable to properly fix my turn signal and will not diagnose it any further. https://www.gr86.org/threads/fast-blinker-caused-by-low-sun.4733/post-96056 This behavior by the dealer and the manufacturer is irresponsible and dangerous. This issue needs to be resolved at the federal level to ensure the safety of myself and others on the road.
My daughters were involved in a highway accident on 2-4-2023 when their rear passenger tire came apart. The vehicle is a 2022 Toyota gr86 premium, came with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tire, was purchased new in August 2022 and had 3008 miles on the odometer just after the accident.
There are multiple incidents and confirmed by many different owners across the nation. Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ when there is strong sunlight direct towards the taillights, the turn signals (rear) will not operate and hyperflash at the front signal lights This is a safety hazard, and couple owners had been ticketed because of the lights being defect. Dealerships network had been ignoring this as they won't be replicate the sun in the taillight situation.
Engine failure due to the manufacture applying too much silicone that restricted oil flow.
As owner of 2022 GR86, I read about RTV issue where the manufacturer put too much RTV on oil pan. It would stick out excessively inside the oil pan and it would break off to block engine oil tube filter. It would cause engine to run dry once blocked and cause engine failure. I went to dealer for oil change and they showed me pictures of other GR86 that dropped the pan and it was clogged completely. So in order to prevent engine failure, I asked them to drop my pan as well and they sent me pictures of RTV on the oil pickup tube as well as the excess RTV inside the oil pan that would potentially clog the tube in the future.
These gr86βs are so commonly known for having excessive rtv sealant in the engine with the oil intake tubes becoming blocked up. I contacted Toyota about a solution, but thereβs nothing. No recall. Everything is case by case. And if you track your car with the included track day when you buy the car the warranty can become null and void.
Showing 20 of 46 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Toyota GR86
These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used Toyota GR86, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota GR86 has 46 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Toyota GR86 has 3 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the Toyota GR86's 46 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Toyota GR86 vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Toyota GR86 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Toyota GR86 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Toyota GR86 reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota GR86 reliable?
Average. The Toyota GR86 has 46 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Toyota GR86 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2022 (21 complaints), 2023 (18 complaints), 2025 (4 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Toyota GR86 problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (24 complaints); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8 complaints); EXTERIOR LIGHTING (6 complaints).
Does the Toyota GR86 have recalls?
Yes β 3 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Toyota GR86. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.