Common problems
Toyota GR86 Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 5 Toyota GR86 model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated April 2026
- Owner complaints
- 36
- Top recurring issue
- Engine
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 1
5 model years
3 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
1 injuries · 0 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Toyota GR86 problem categories
Engine
15complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2022.
Fuel Propulsion System
7complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2023.
Exterior Lighting
5complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2022.
Electrical System
2complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2023.
Unknown Or Other
3complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.
Lane Departure
1complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2025.
Power Train
1complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.
Structure
1complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2023.
Tires
1complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Toyota GR86 model year
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the 2022 Toyota GR86's engine, primarily related to oil starvation and excessive RTV silicone in the oil system. Complaints frequently mention catastrophic engine failure occurring without warning lights, often due to clogged oil lines from excess RTV, with some cases resulting in engine fires. Typical symptoms include sudden engine shutdowns and, in one instance, a fire that led to an injury. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some failures occurring as early as 6,700 miles. Safety implications include loss of power steering and brake assist, and the risk of fire, which are critical considerations for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2022 Toyota GR86 report two primary issues with exterior lighting. The most common complaint involves the rear turn signals failing to illuminate when the rear of the vehicle is directly exposed to low-angle sunlight, such as during sunrise or sunset. This results in hyperflashing on the dashboard and front signals, but no illumination from the rear signals, potentially leading to safety risks during lane changes or turns. Another issue involves the driver-side dome light failing, particularly after the vehicle sits in the sun, though this is less frequently mentioned. Complaints do not specify mileage or timeline patterns, but the safety implications of non-functioning rear turn signals are noted by multiple owners.
ENGINE
Owners of the 2023 Toyota GR86 report issues related to spark plugs and engine seals. Complaints frequently mention premature failure of spark plugs, leading to misfires and drivability loss, with some reports indicating a need for extensive repairs including engine replacement. Oil leaks from spark tube seals are also noted, with potential fire hazards due to oil exposure on hot engine parts. One owner describes a high-speed stall and subsequent engine failure not covered under warranty, suggesting possible customer abuse. These issues typically arise at various mileages, with one report at approximately 33,000 miles, and pose safety risks such as loss of control and fire hazards.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2023 Toyota GR86 experiences issues with fuel lines in the engine bay, specifically rubbing against the hood or other components. Complaints frequently mention visible wear marks and material removal on these fuel lines, which are located on both the driver and passenger sides. Symptoms include rubbing marks and wear on the fuel line's outer sleeve, with no immediate bursts reported, but with concerns about potential fire risks. Some owners refer to this issue as more prevalent in the second generation of the vehicle, noting that the first generation had protective sleeves on the fuel lines. There are no specific mileage ranges provided, but the repeated nature of these descriptions suggests the wear may occur early in the vehicle's lifespan.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2022 Toyota GR86 report issues related to excess RTV silicone in the oil pan, which can break off and potentially block the engine oil pickup tube, leading to oil starvation and possible engine failure. Complaints frequently mention the presence of silicone in the oil and reference engine problems that could arise from this condition. One owner specifies discovering this issue during an oil change and observing the problem as early as 1,000 miles. Additionally, another distinct issue involves the vehicle's blinker randomly ceasing to function, with one owner noting the problem began shortly after 200 miles and persisted despite dealership visits. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, these issues may affect vehicle reliability and maintenance needs.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2025 Toyota GR86 report issues with the fuel line rubbing under the hood. Complaints frequently mention this rubbing as a potential fire risk, with some owners noting awareness of similar issues among other GR86 vehicles. While specific mileage ranges are not detailed, the repeated mention of this problem suggests it may occur early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications are highlighted, with owners expressing concern about the possibility of a fire while operating the vehicle. These reports indicate a pattern that prospective buyers should consider, particularly in relation to the condition of the fuel lines.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel lines in the 2024 Toyota GR86, specifically noting wear and severe rubbing. Complaints frequently mention that the rubbing occurs under the hood, often against another fuel line, which results in the removal of printed writing and flattening of the hose. These issues are observed at around 6,000 miles, with one owner linking similar problems with related models like the 2023 Subaru BRZ. The potential for the rubbing to lead to a fuel line breach poses a risk of engine fires, highlighting a significant safety concern. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering the GR86, as it suggests a need for careful inspection of the fuel lines for signs of wear and rubbing.
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Toyota GR86
When problems are reported to begin
- Fuel line wear — 6,000–6,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Engine failures — 33,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
- Engine failures due to RTV — 6,000–9,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Exterior lighting failures — 1,000–3,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Inspect fuel lines under the hood for signs of rubbing or wear
- Verify blind spot detection system functionality during a test drive
- Check for any signs of fuel leaks or unusual odors under the hood
- Ensure all safety systems are functioning as expected, especially lane departure alerts
- Check for any flattening or removal of printed writing on fuel lines
- Verify that fuel lines are not in contact with other components
- Look for any recalls related to the fuel system or engine bay components
- Inspect fuel lines for wear marks or rubbing against the hood
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Toyota GR86 data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota GR86 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Toyota GR86 research FAQ
What is the most common Toyota GR86 problem?
Engine is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 3 years with 15 complaints represented.
Which Toyota GR86 year has the most reported problems?
The 2022 has the largest engine count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Toyota GR86 has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota GR86 you are considering.
