IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023–2024 Toyota GR86

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2023–2024 Toyota GR86. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Excess Factory RTV Silicone Sealant Ingress Into Oil Strainer Pickup

SeriousEngine

During 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£550
Warning Signs:

Visible small black or grey silicone rubber flakes trapped in engine oil filter pleats, Flickering oil pressure warning lamp under hard acceleration, Reduced oil pressure readings on aftermarket auxiliary gauges at warm idle

What to Inspect:
  • Ask the seller or dealer if the lower oil pan has been removed to clean the pickup strainer mesh
  • Inspect used oil filter during servicing for loose silicone gasket fragments
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Oil Pressure Starvation During Sustained High-Lateral-G Right-Hand Cornering

ModerateEngine

Under 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£500
Warning Signs:

Momentary dip in engine oil pressure gauge during long right-hand circuit sweepers, Faint metallic bottom-end tapping noise under load following aggressive track sessions, High oil operating temperatures exceeding 125 degrees Celsius on digital dashboard

What to Inspect:
  • Check whether an aftermarket anti-slosh sump baffle plate or oil cooler kit has been installed
  • Ensure engine oil level is maintained slightly above the maximum mark on the dipstick for track events
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Soft Paint Finish and Accelerated Front Bumper Stone Chipping

MinorBodywork & Rust

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£750
Warning Signs:

Dense clusters of white primer stone chips visible across the front bumper lip, Clear-coat lacquer peeling around headlamp edges and lower bonnet rim, Swirl marks and micro-scratches easily induced during standard contact washing

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect leading edge of bonnet and bumper under bright inspection light for stone rash
  • Check whether Paint Protection Film (PPF) or a ceramic coating was applied from new
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2023–2024 Toyota GR86

  • Inquire whether the oil sump has been dropped and inspected for stray factory RTV silicone gasket sealant blocking the oil pickup screen.
  • Check if the car has been tracked extensively on sticky semi-slick tyres without an aftermarket baffled oil pan or oil cooler fitted.
  • Inspect the front bumper, bonnet nose, and wheel arches for heavy stone chipping due to thin factory paint application.
  • Verify that documented 6,000-mile or annual oil services with the correct 0W-20 synthetic grade have been logged to preserve Toyota Relax warranty.
  • Examine the rear subframe and suspension arms for surface salt corrosion if the car has been driven through UK winters.
20222025
Check a 2023–2024 Toyota GR86 by Registration