Toyota 86
Current gen (See guide)
The Toyota 86 is one of the most driver-focused, affordable sports cars on the used market, and its overall reliability record is genuinely solid.
- ReliabilityMixedYear-sensitive
- Ownership cost$$$Brand typical
- Insurance$$$Moderate
- Repair difficultyModerateDealer or indie
- Typical lifespanLong if maintainedHistory matters
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2017, 2022
- Best years
- 2018, 2019, 2023
- Top failure
- 2nd-gen RTV oil-pickup clogging / oil starvation (2022 GR86, NHTSA complaints; CarComplaints rates 2022 GR86 worst by re
- Recommended tire
- Michelin CrossClimate2
- Must check
- VIN recalls + PPI
Years to avoid
See the linked years-to-avoid guide for worst (2017, 2022) and best (2018, 2019, 2023) model years.
- LayoutToyota 86
- CharacterSee guide
Engines
Which powertrains hold up — and which to walk away from.
- Year-dependent
See years-to-avoid guide
All
Reliability swings by model year — use the linked guide for the full map.
Transmissions
- Mixed
Automatic (typical)
Most years
Confirm service history and closed recalls on used examples.
Ownership metrics
- Top failure theme
- 2nd-gen RTV oil-pickup clogging / oil starvation (2022 GR86, NHTSA complaints; CWorst-year cluster.
- Safer window
- 2018, 2019, 2023Best years in the guide.
- Must check
- Recalls + PPINon-negotiable.
Factory tire sizes
| Size | Years / trims | Best all-season | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| See owner's manual | Common OE Many trims |  All-weather tire pick. | Live prices |
Recommended tires
Recalls
Run NHTSA by VIN
Multiple
Always confirm open campaigns before purchase.
Check recalls
Maintenance
| Interval | Service |
|---|---|
| Pre-purchase | Full PPI + recall check |
| Per schedule | Factory-spec fluid service |
Should you buy one?
Prefer 2018, 2019, 2023. Approach 2017, 2022 with extra caution.