Toyota 86 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota 86 model year (2013–2021) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota 86 Years to Avoid
1 recall · 9 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 18
2 recalls · 2 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 8
1 recall · 1 complaint
Top issue: STEERING,WHEELS
Problem score: 4
Best Toyota 86 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
Found the right year? Verify that specific 86 with a free VIN report.
Toyota 86 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 9 | 18 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Caution |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Toyota 86 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2021Recent 86 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2021 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade 86 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year 86 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Toyota 86 if possible. It has 1 recall, 9 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ENGINE. The overall problem score is 18 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year 86 to buy?+
The 2013 Toyota 86 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which 86 has the fewest problems?+
The 2013, 2014, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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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