1991 Toyota MR2
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 12 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS CHECKING FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL AND FOUND THIS RECALL WHICH INCLUDES STEERING WHEEL AND AIRBAG(91V223) AND THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS TO OLD OF A RECALL TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
NHTSA REFERENCE ID 91V223. ESCONDIDO TOYOTA SAYS THEY CAN'T REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170824
3 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVELINE FLIPPED OUT FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AHEAD, WENT UNDERNEATH PLAINTIFF'S VEHICLE, IMPACTED ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE, CAUSING AIR BAG TO FALSELY DEPLOY, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT, MULTIPLE BRUISES AND HEARING LOSS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970325
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS VIOLENT, CAUSING MULTIPLE BRUISES, HEARING LOSS IN BOTH EARS,CERVICAL STRAIN, SEVERE BRUISING TO BOTH THUMBS, AND LOOSENED LOWER BRIDGE IN MOUTH.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970325
I WAS CHECKING FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL AND FOUND THIS RECALL WHICH INCLUDES STEERING WHEEL AND AIRBAG(91V223) AND THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS TO OLD OF A RECALL TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE ACTUAL BODY OF THE CAR,THE ONLY VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE UNIT WAS TO THE ENGINE, (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020125
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD A FLAPPING TYPE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A BELT HAD COME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ONE OF THE TWO THROTTLE BODY SPRINGS FRACTURED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE TO 80 MPH. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES SO THE VEHICLE COULD BE SAFELY MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060707
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE DRIVER'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM (STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG) EXCEEDS THE 60G THORAX CRITERION IN NHTSA CRASH TESTS.
Remedy: REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A MODIFIED WHEEL DESIGNED FOR INCREASED ENERGY ABSORPTION.
Campaign 91V223000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Toyota MR2 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V223000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Toyota MR2?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Toyota MR2 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.