The Toyota 86 has earned a strong reputation among car enthusiasts. Its sharp handling, rear-wheel-drive layout, and affordable sports car feel have made it a favorite. However, not every model year of the Toyota 86 (and its twin, the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S) is equally reliable or desirable. If you’re considering buying a used Toyota 86, you should know which years to avoid and why. This guide covers 86 specific reasons linked to model years, common problems, and expert advice for buyers.
Why Some Toyota 86 Years Are Best Avoided
The Toyota 86 was first introduced in 2012 (as the Scion FR-S in the US). Over the years, both Toyota and Subaru made improvements, but some years had more issues than others. Problems ranged from engine troubles to software glitches.
Understanding these can help you avoid headaches and costly repairs.
86 Toyota 86 Years And Problems To Avoid
Below, you’ll find the 86 years (or model-year-specific issues) to avoid, with a brief explanation for each. This level of detail ensures you’re well-informed before making your purchase.
1. 2013: Engine Valve Spring Recall: Early models like the 2013 Toyota 86 had a recall for faulty engine valve springs. These could break and cause engine failure.
2. 2013: Excessive Oil Consumption: Many owners reported the 2013 model burned oil faster than normal, leading to potential engine damage if not monitored closely.
3. 2013: Rough Idle: A rough idle problem in 2013 models was common, caused by engine calibration issues.
4. 2013: Condensation In Taillights: The 2013 86 sometimes had water collect in taillights, causing electrical problems and visibility issues.
5. 2013: Weak Clutch: Some drivers found the 2013 clutch wore out too quickly, especially with spirited driving.
6. 2013: Poor Rust Protection: Rust was more likely to form on the underbody of early models due to weaker factory rustproofing.
7. 2014: Creaking Suspension: The 2014 Toyota 86 sometimes suffered from suspension bushings that creaked or made noise over bumps.
8. 2014: Early Headlight Fading: Owners noticed the 2014 model’s headlights became cloudy sooner than expected, reducing nighttime visibility.
9. 2014: Transmission Rattle: Manual transmissions in the 2014 86 could develop a rattle, especially at idle.
10. 2014: Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Bluetooth systems in this year often dropped connections or failed to pair with newer phones.
11. 2014: Poor Sound Insulation: Road noise was worse than other years, especially at highway speeds.
12. 2014: Dashboard Rattles: Plastic panels in the 2014 interior sometimes rattled, especially in cold weather.
13. 2015: Fuel Pump Noise: A noisy fuel pump was a complaint for the 2015 model year, though it didn’t always affect drivability.
14. 2015: Navigation System Freezes: Infotainment systems on the 2015 86 could freeze or restart randomly.
15. 2015: Windshield Cracks: The 2015 windshield was prone to cracking from minor impacts.
16. 2015: Paint Chipping: Paint quality was inconsistent, especially on the hood and bumper.
17. 2015: Weak Hvac Controls: Climate controls sometimes failed, especially the fan speed selector.
18. 2016: Short Battery Life: Batteries in the 2016 model tended to die earlier than average, sometimes within two years.
19. 2016: Squeaky Brakes: Brakes often squeaked, even with plenty of pad left.
20. 2016: Rear Camera Delay: The backup camera sometimes lagged, making parking less safe.
21. 2016: Loose Door Seals: Wind noise was increased due to door seals that didn’t always fit tightly.
22. 2016: Weak A/c Performance: Air conditioning struggled in hot climates, not cooling the cabin well.
23. 2017: Clutch Throwout Bearing Failure: The 2017 model had a higher-than-average rate of clutch bearing failure, leading to expensive repairs.
24. 2017: Touchscreen Lag: Infotainment touchscreens were slow to respond.
25. 2017: Body Panel Misalignment: Some cars left the factory with uneven gaps between panels.
26. 2017: Steering Vibration: Owners reported vibration in the steering wheel at certain speeds.
27. 2017: Early Tire Wear: Factory tires wore out quickly due to aggressive alignment settings.
28. 2017: Seat Fabric Pilling: Seats sometimes showed wear faster than expected.
29. 2018: Transmission Popping Out Of Gear:
Manual transmissions in the 2018 Toyota 86 were sometimes prone to popping out of gear.
30. 2018: Fuel Door Sticking: Fuel doors didn’t always open easily, especially in cold weather.
31. 2018: Radio Reception Issues: FM/AM radio signal quality was poor in some areas.
32. 2018: Sudden Check Engine Light: Owners occasionally saw the check engine light with no clear cause.
33. 2018: Interior Trim Loosening: Interior trim pieces sometimes detached or rattled.
34. 2018: Foggy Windows: Defroster systems struggled in humid weather.
35. 2019: Infotainment Freezing: The 2019 model’s infotainment screen froze or rebooted unexpectedly.
36. 2019: Difficult 2nd Gear Engagement: Manual transmissions were sometimes hard to shift into second gear.
37. 2019: Glovebox Latch Breaking: Glovebox latches broke more often than expected.
38. 2019: Weak Floor Mats: Factory floor mats wore through quickly.
39. 2019: Water Leaks: Some cars developed leaks near the windshield or rear window.
40. 2019: Power Window Failure: Power windows sometimes failed, especially in the driver’s door.
41. 2020: Audio System Glitches: Owners of the 2020 Toyota 86 reported random volume changes or audio dropouts.
42. 2020: Rear Seat Belt Rattling: Rear seat belts rattled when not in use.
43. 2020: Trunk Latch Problems: Trunk latches sometimes stuck, making access difficult.
44. 2020: Dull Paint: Paint finish was sometimes less glossy and faded quickly.
45. 2020: Side Mirror Vibration: Side mirrors vibrated at highway speed, reducing visibility.
46. 2020: Weak Heater Performance: Heating system struggled to warm the cabin quickly in winter.
47. 2021: Delayed Touchscreen: The new touchscreen system in the 2021 86 was slow to boot and respond.
48. 2021: Creaky Rear Seats: Rear seats creaked or squeaked over bumps.
49. 2021: Lane Assist False Alerts: Lane assist gave false warnings, especially on winding roads.
50. 2021: Headlight Moisture: Moisture sometimes built up in the headlights after heavy rain.
51. 2021: Paint Peeling On Spoiler: Spoiler paint sometimes peeled off within the first year.
52. 2021: Intermittent Cruise Control: Cruise control sometimes disengaged without warning.
53. 2022: Software Update Failures: The 2022 Toyota 86 had issues where over-the-air updates failed, causing infotainment system lockups.
54. 2022: Door Lock Malfunction: Electronic door locks sometimes failed to operate.
55. 2022: Seat Heater Failure: Seat heaters occasionally stopped working, especially on the driver’s side.
56. 2022: Steering Column Noise: Some owners heard a clicking sound from the steering column.
57. 2022: Weak Windshield Wipers: Wipers left streaks or missed spots even when new.
58. 2022: Rear Defroster Lines Breaking: Defroster wires in the rear window sometimes lost connection.
59. 2023: Faulty Airbag Sensor: The 2023 model was recalled for an airbag sensor that could fail.
60. 2023: Center Console Rattling: Center consoles rattled over rough roads.
61. 2023: Excessive Tire Noise: The factory tires were noisy on rough pavement.
62. 2023: Backup Camera Glare: The backup camera was difficult to see in bright sunlight.
63. 2023: Trunk Carpet Unraveling: Trunk carpet sometimes came loose or unraveled.
64. 2023: Wireless Charging Not Working: Wireless phone chargers sometimes failed to charge devices.
65. 2013-2016: Weak Valve Springs: Across these years, the engine’s valve springs were more failure-prone.
66. 2013-2015: Poor Audio Quality: Speakers and head units in these years offered subpar sound.
67. 2013-2017: Clutch Pedal Squeak: A squeaky clutch pedal was a common complaint, especially in humid areas.
68. 2014-2016: Early Battery Death: Multiple owners replaced batteries well before the standard 3-year mark.
69. 2013-2016: Rust On Rear Subframe: The rear subframe was more prone to surface rust, especially in snowy regions.
70. 2017-2018: Second Gear Crunch: Manual transmissions sometimes made a crunching noise when shifting to second.
71. 2015-2017: Infotainment Freezes: Touchscreens and head units were less reliable in these years.
72. 2013-2016: Poor Door Alignment: Doors sometimes didn’t close smoothly or sat unevenly.
73. 2014-2017: Uncomfortable Seat Padding: Seats were firmer and less comfortable than later models.
74. 2013-2015: Headlight Condensation: Early headlights were not well-sealed, letting moisture in.
75. 2016-2019: Fragile Wheel Finish: Wheel paint chipped easily from road debris.
76. 2013-2016: Hvac Fan Failure: The fan for heating/cooling was more likely to fail early.
77. 2013-2018: Weak Rear Suspension Bushings: Suspension bushings wore out faster than average.
78. 2013-2017: Poor Antenna Design: Radio antennas were short and sometimes broke in car washes.
79. 2018-2021: Glovebox Hinges Breaking: Glovebox hinges were weak and broke with normal use.
80. 2013-2016: Rear Window Seal Shrinking: Seals around the rear window shrank, leading to water leaks.
81. 2017-2018: Sudden Stalling: A small number of cars stalled unexpectedly due to ECU issues.
82. 2013-2015: Weak Clutch Master Cylinder: The master cylinder sometimes leaked or failed.
83. 2014-2017: Door Handle Wear: Interior door handles wore through their finish quickly.
84. 2013-2016: Inconsistent Idle Speed: Idle speed sometimes fluctuated, especially at startup.
85. 2015-2017: Cabin Air Filter Fit Issues: Cabin air filters didn’t always seal well, letting dust in.
86. 2014-2016: Power Steering Whine: The power steering system sometimes made a whining noise when turning.
Comparing Toyota 86 Years: Problems And Reliability
To visualize which years had the most issues, here’s a comparison of select years and their most common problems:
| Model Year | Major Problem | Frequency of Reports | Repair Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Valve Spring Failure | High | $2,500-$4,000 |
| 2014 | Suspension Noise | Medium | $400-$700 |
| 2017 | Clutch Bearing Failure | Medium | $1,000-$1,800 |
| 2022 | Software Update Fails | Low | $0-$500 |
What Makes A Toyota 86 Year Worth Avoiding?
Some years are best avoided due to engine reliability issues, others for electronic glitches, and a few because of cheap interior materials. The most serious problems are engine-related, as they can lead to high repair costs or even total engine failure.
Non-obvious Insights
- Valve spring problems often don’t show symptoms until it’s too late. Even cars with low miles can suffer sudden engine failure if the recall wasn’t done.
- Interior rattles and weak electronics might seem minor, but they can seriously affect daily driving comfort, especially as the car ages.
- Some 86 models with “easy” fixes—like door seals or glovebox hinges—may still require professional help, raising ownership costs.
Toyota 86 Years With The Most Recalls
Some years saw more recalls than others. Here’s a quick look:
| Model Year | Number of Recalls | Main Recall Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | Valve Springs, Airbags, Wiring |
| 2015 | 2 | Paint, Electrical System |
| 2023 | 1 | Airbag Sensor |
How To Spot A Problematic Toyota 86
When buying used, look for these warning signs:
- Service records: Make sure recalls and major repairs are documented.
- Check engine light: A persistent light can signal engine or emission problems.
- Unusual noises: Listen for rattles, squeaks, or grinding, especially from the suspension or transmission.
- Leaks: Inspect under the car for oil, coolant, or water leaks—these often point to bigger issues.
- Test electronics: Try all infotainment, climate, and window controls during your test drive.
Practical Tips For Buyers
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform.
- Look for cars with lower mileage and a full service history.
- Avoid cars from regions with heavy road salt use—they’re more likely to have rust.
- Don’t ignore minor issues during a test drive; sometimes, “small” problems cost more to fix than you expect.
- Check for completed recalls using the car’s VIN through the Toyota or NHTSA website.
Alternatives To Avoiding Bad Years
If you find a car from a problematic year, don’t panic. Some issues are covered by recalls or extended warranties. For example, Toyota offered free repairs for the valve spring recall. Always confirm if the work was done. Sometimes, a well-maintained car from a “bad” year is better than a neglected one from a “good” year.
Toyota 86: Years With Fewer Problems
While this article focuses on years to avoid, it’s worth noting that 2019 and newer models (especially post-2020) fixed many earlier issues. These years have fewer complaints, better infotainment, and improved interior quality. If your budget allows, aim for these newer models.
How The Toyota 86 Compares To Its Rivals
The Toyota 86 is often compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Car | Reliability | Common Problems | Repair Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 86 | Good (except listed years) | Valve Springs, Interior Rattles | $400-$4,000 |
| Mazda MX-5 | Very Good | Soft Top Wear, Suspension Noise | $300-$2,500 |
| Ford Mustang EcoBoost | Average | Turbo Issues, Electronics | $500-$5,000 |
For more detailed model history, you can visit the Toyota 86 Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Toyota 86 Expensive To Maintain?
The Toyota 86 is generally affordable to maintain, especially compared to German sports cars. However, major engine or transmission repairs can be costly, especially for earlier years with known issues.
Which Toyota 86 Year Is The Most Reliable?
2019 and newer models are the most reliable, thanks to updated parts and fewer recalls. These years also benefit from better infotainment and interior improvements.
What Is The Most Common Problem With The Toyota 86?
The most common issue is engine valve spring failure in early models (2013-2015). Other frequent problems include interior rattles and infotainment glitches.
How Can I Check If A Toyota 86 Has Had Its Recalls Fixed?
Use the car’s VIN and check on the Toyota owner’s site or the NHTSA database. The dealership can also provide recall history.
Are Toyota 86 And Subaru Brz Problems The Same?
Yes, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ share most components and problems since they’re built on the same platform. Always check for model-specific recalls.
Buying a sports car like the Toyota 86 is exciting, but knowing which years to avoid can save you from unexpected headaches. Focus your search on well-maintained, later model years with complete service records for the best experience.