EngineHigh
Valve spring recall and engine checks on early cars
- Typically appears
- Any age
- What to inspect
- Check recall work was done by a Toyota dealer
2012–2021 Toyota GT86 · common problems & known faults
A fun rear-drive coupé that is mechanically simple, but often driven hard, so clutch, engine and modifications need checking.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed October 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2012–2021 Toyota GT86 are Valve spring recall and engine checks on early cars, Torque dip and modifications such as exhaust and engine remaps and Clutch wear and gearbox notchiness on hard-driven cars. 1 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Toyota GT86.
6.8/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 2
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Toyota GT86 problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
EngineMedium
Torque dip and modifications such as exhaust and engine remaps
- Typically appears
- Any age
- What to inspect
- Ask about modifications and check they are declared to insurers
Turn these known faults into a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact Toyota GT86 · $9.
Build the inspection planTransmissionMedium
Clutch wear and gearbox notchiness on hard-driven cars
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for slip and check every gear engages cleanly
BodyLow
Paint chips on the front and rust on rear arches on older cars
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect arches and sills
SuspensionMedium
Uneven tyre wear and accident damage from track use
- Typically appears
- Any age
- What to inspect
- Check tyres and look for repaired panels
InteriorLow
Seat bolster wear and rattles
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the driver's seat
Inspecting a Toyota GT86?
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the GT86 reliable?
Yes, if it has not been abused or heavily modified.
Is it the same as the Subaru BRZ?
Yes, they were developed together.
What replaced it?
The GR86.
Is insurance expensive?
It is higher than a hatchback, and modifications raise it further.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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