Home/JT2AW15CXG0056574
VIN REPORT

JT2AW15CXG00565741986 TOYOTA MR2

Risk Score
20
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
7
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
40 yrs
Made in JAPAN
B-
Score: 80/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1986 TOYOTA MR2 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 7 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 3 injuries reported across 7 owner complaints
  • Complaint language indicates serious real-world safety incidents beyond routine mechanical failures
20/100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
TOYOTA
Model
MR2
Year
1986
Trim / Series
GT(MR2)
Body Style
Coupe
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.6L
Doors
2
Manufacturer
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly
JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Safety
B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 5 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~480,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Belt
Service interval: 7 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Belt immediately — already past the 90,000 mi / 7 yr interval
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 40 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 1986 TOYOTA.
1 in 2

1 in 2 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.

Complaints
Brakes
2
Engine/Powertrain
2
Other
1
Suspension/Wheels
1 crash2 inj1
Safety Systems
1 inj1
1994
1
1996
3
1999
1
2010
2
100% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (1)Cold weather (1)
7HIGH VOLUME
1
Fire
1
Crash
3
Injuries
ODI #10307137VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENTFIRE

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. I SAT AT THE INTERSECTION FOR A WHILE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. SO I STARTED TO JIGGLE THE LIMP GAS PEDAL. SOON AFTER I LOOKED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND HAD SEEN THAT A RUBBER PIECE WAS JAMMED UNDER THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. THE PIECE OF RUBBER WAS A CAP TO PREVENT WATER FROM GOING INTO AND RUINING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. I DROVE HOME AND LATER ON WENT TO A SPECIALIST THAT TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE RUBBER PIECE FROM LETTING THAT HAPPEN TO ME. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION CAN HELP, MAYBE THE NEWER TOYOTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ANOTHER INCIDENT WAS WHEN I BROUGHT THE SAME VEHICLE TO GET IT SMOGED. ME AND MY MOM FINISHED AND LEFT TO GO HOME. WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF INTERSECTIONS I LOOKED BACK AND NOTICED SPARKS SHOOTING UP FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOLD MY MOTHER WHOM DIDN'T BELIEVE ME TO STOP. THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, THEN MY MOTHER AND I EVACUATED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BAY BURST INTO FLAMES AND LUCKY THERE WAS A FIRE DEPARTMENT NEAR BY. WE FOUND OUT THAT THE HOOD PROP HAD FALLEN ONTO THE BATTERY WHICH SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICS AND CAUSED NEAR BY PLASTIC TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE REAR HOOD WAS RUINED, PAINT, WINDOW, WIREHARNESS, AND OTHER PIECES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID WE WERE LUCKY THAT THE FLAME DIDN'T RUPTURE THE FUEL IN THE CAR. HE SHOWED THAT THE FLAME WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE PLACE YOU FILL YOUR CAR WITH GAS. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY AND AN OFFICER WROTE UP A REPORT. *TW

ODI #10307138PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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. I'VE SOLVED THIS PROBLEM BY BUYING A FIVE POINT RACE HARNESS'. EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR BREAKING. SO FAR I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF MY EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES. ALSO ALL NONE OF THE TRUCK LATCHES WORK. I'VE EVEN REPAIRED MY DAD'S FRIEND TOYOTA SIERRA VAN'S REAR SLIDING DOOR MECHANISM. THIS IS ALL BECAUSE THE CABLES BECOME LONGER AFTER USE. *TW

ODI #834383ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE FLANGE OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HEAT SHIELD IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE OUTLET END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE FLANGE HAS WORN THROUGH THE OIL PAN, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK. *AK

ODI #509811PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN

PARKING BRAKE FREEZES IN LOCKED POSITION EVERYTIME THE WEATHER GETS BELOW FREEZING, ALSO TRANSMISSION GEARS GRIND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT AT RPM OVER 4000. *AK

ODI #985505ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE OUTLET END OF THE EXHUAST PIPE FLANG WEARS THROUGH, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK RECALL #93E021001. *AK

ODI #503975SUSPENSIONCRASH2 INJURIES

VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *DH

ODI #469944SEAT BELTS1 INJURY

SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER SECURE DURING SIDE IMPACT COLLISION, RESULTING IN DRIVER BEING THROWN FORWARD THRU WINDSHIELD. *SKD

36/100
High Severity
3 of 7 complaints use high-severity language

3 complaints use high-severity language including fire, died, emergency brake — these are not minor inconveniences.

firediedemergency brakerolled over
Annual complaints and reliability score for TOYOTA MR2 — recall years marked in red
023050100199419982002200620102014201820222026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 7 NHTSA complaints on file for the TOYOTA MR2 — a relatively low volume that spans from 1994 to 2010.

The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 62/100 in 1996.

Red dots on the amber line flag 1996, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$48,614
~$810/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$23,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

High-severity owner complaint language−$700
Total recommended deduction−$700
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: PARKING BRAKE,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
40-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

TOYOTA has been fined $1217M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Criminal settlement — concealed unintended acceleration defects for years before recall.

2014$1200MCriminal settlement — concealed unintended acceleration defects for years before recall
2012$17MFailure to promptly notify NHTSA of power window defect

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINJT2AW15CXG0056574
Model Year1986
MakeTOYOTA
ModelMR2
SeriesGT(MR2)
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleCoupe
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.6

Manufacturer

ManufacturerTOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JT2
Check Digit (Char 9)X
Model Year Code (Char 10)G
Plant Code (Char 11)0
Sequence (Chars 12–17)056574

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count7
J
1
T
2
2
3
A
4
W
5
1
6
5
7
C
8
X
9
G
10
0
11
0
12
5
13
6
14
5
15
7
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
T
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
2
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
AW15C
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
X
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
G
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
0
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
056574
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"G" → 1986
Could also be 2016
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 8:47:58 AM.