1986 Toyota MR2
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
The outlet end of the exhuast pipe flang wears through, causing oil to leak recall #93E021001.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-11
Parking brake
2 of 6 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing conventional.
Show complaint excerpts
Parking brake freezes in locked position everytime the weather gets below freezing, also transmission gears grind when attempting to shift at RPM over 4000.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-17
Vehicle speed control
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
I own an 1986 Toyota MR2 with a 4 age engine and manual transmission. I was driving around the neighborhood when I approached a neighborhood intersection. The engine started to "Rev" Really high and I put the car into neutral.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-07
Also filed under Equipment
Suspension
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle rolled over in an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-11
Seat belts
1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belts are controlled from a plastic piece which makes contact with door. Out of all three MR2's I own and ones that I've seen none of them are intact. Making all the seat belts useless.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-07
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-08-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-12-10 Engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Toyota MR2 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Parking brake: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Toyota MR2 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Toyota MR2?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Toyota MR2 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.