Own a Toyota 86 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Toyota 86 for model years 2017 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 86 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on file for the 86 and 3 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (5), fuel/propulsion system (3), structure (2).
Most-Reported Toyota 86 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 86 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 35% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 21% | |
| Structure | 2 | 14% | |
| Wheels | 1 | 7% | |
| Steering | 1 | 7% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 1 | 7% | |
| Air Bags | 1 | 7% |
Engine
5 of the 14 complaints (35%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Fuel/Propulsion System
3 of the 14 complaints (21%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Structure
2 of the 14 complaints (14%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Toyota 86 Complaints by Model Year
The 86 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2017, 2018. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 10 | |
| 2020 | 1 |
Toyota 86 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 86, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Toyota.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 86? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Toyota 86 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 86 in these model years, most often involving tires, electrical system, fuel system, gasoline. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2021 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 21V587000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- 2017 recall, Tires (campaign 17V295000): Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Electrical System (campaign 16V920000): Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2017 Toyota 86 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016 through August 11, 2016 equipped with an automatic transmission and ignition key.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 86, 2 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 3 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Toyota 86 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Toyota will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 86 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 86 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Toyota 86, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Toyota 86 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Toyota 86 repair service, or choose a service below.
Toyota 86 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Toyota 86?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Toyota 86 are engine (5), fuel/propulsion system (3), structure (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 86 model years have the most complaints?
The 86 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2017, 2018. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Toyota 86?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Toyota 86. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Toyota 86 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the Toyota 86 across model years 2017 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Toyota 86 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Toyota vehicles including the 86, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Toyota 86?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Toyota 86 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Toyota Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.