Toyota 86 Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Toyota 86 we've analyzed (9 years), these are the 1 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other 86 years.
Proceed with caution
2022 Toyota 86
The 2022 Toyota GR86 is an incredibly engaging and capable sports car that builds on a strong legacy, offering compelling value for driving enthusiasts. While its fundamental Toyota build quality provides a solid foundation, prospective owners must be acutely aware of a significant, albeit addressable, engine-related manufacturing concern. This vehicle offers a thrilling driving experience, but it demands proactive vigilance regarding its powertrain to avoid potentially catastrophic failures.
Why this year scores low
Excessive RTV sealant used during manufacturing can break off, enter the oil pickup, and clog the oil screen, leading to oil starvation. This issue is particularly exacerbated during sustained high-G cornering on track, where oil sloshing can expose the starved pickup.
Beyond the RTV issue, the FA24's oil pan design has been criticized for potentially allowing oil starvation during aggressive, sustained high-G track driving, even without RTV blockage. This is a design limitation that affects performance driving.
While not catastrophic, some owners report intermittent infotainment system glitches, frozen screens, or slow responsiveness. These are often minor annoyances rather than critical failures.