Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 (ZN8), introduced to the UK in 2022, is the second generation of Toyota's acclaimed lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed alongside the Subaru BRZ. Famous for selling out its entire initial two-year UK production allocation within 90 minutes of order books opening, the GR86 was universally praised by the British motoring press for delivering pure, unadulterated driving pleasure at an attainable price. Built with a 50% increase in torsional rigidity, aluminium roof and wing panels, and a larger 2.4-litre naturally aspirated FA24 boxer engine developing 231 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, it eliminated the dreaded mid-range torque dip that characterised its GT86 forebear. Fitted as standard with a limited-slip differential, bespoke MacPherson front and double-wishbone rear suspension, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, the GR86 delivers sublime balance on twisty UK back roads. While road-going durability has proven dependable under normal use, enthusiast owners and track-day drivers must pay close attention to known Subaru FA24 engine traits, notably excess factory RTV silicone sealant migrating into the oil pickup screen, high-lateral-G right-hand cornering oil pressure drops on circuits, and fragile water-based exterior paintwork.
Check a specific car?
Got a registration for a GR86? Get an instant MOT and history report.
Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the Toyota GR86, sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
Excess Factory RTV Silicone Sealant Ingress Into Oil Strainer Pickup
high severityDuring factory assembly of the Subaru-manufactured FA24 engine, generous quantities of Room Temperature Vulcanization (RTV) silicone gasket sealant were applied to the timing chain cover and upper oil pan. Excess beads of cured silicone break off into the engine lubrication circuit and get caught in the fine wire mesh of the oil strainer pickup in the sump, partially restricting oil flow under high engine speeds.
Oil Pressure Starvation During Sustained High-Lateral-G Right-Hand Cornering
medium severityUnder hard cornering on track days or spirited country B-road driving on sticky tyres, oil within the FA24 boxer engine pools in the left cylinder head and upper timing area. Due to factory oil pan design, the pickup tube briefly runs dry in high-G right turns, causing instantaneous oil pressure drops from 60 psi to under 25 psi, leading to premature rod bearing wear under track conditions.
Soft Paint Finish and Accelerated Front Bumper Stone Chipping
low severityThe environmentally compliant water-based paint applied to the GR86's lightweight aluminium bonnet, polyurethane front nose cone, and flared wheel arches is exceptionally thin (averaging under 85 microns). Regular exposure to grit, road salt, and abrasive gravel on UK motorways causes widespread peppered stone chipping, edge flaking around seams, and premature lacquer degradation.
Browse by Production Year
Select a specific year to view detailed registration directory lookup and annual MOT history reports for the Toyota GR86.