Toyota 86 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota 86 model year (2013–2021) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota 86 Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 89 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 95
1 recall · 8 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 11
1 recall · 5 complaints
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 8
Best Toyota 86 Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 5
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 7
Found the right year? Verify that specific 86 with a free VIN report.
Toyota 86 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 5 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 2 | 89 | — | — | 95 | Avoid |
All 9 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota 86 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2021Recent 86 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2021 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade 86 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year 86 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Toyota 86 if possible. It has 2 recalls, 89 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 95 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year 86 to buy?+
The 2014 Toyota 86 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 1 recall and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which 86 has the fewest problems?+
The 2014, 2017, 2016 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota 86 Research
Check a Specific Toyota 86 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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