Research · Minicompact Cars

2018 Toyota 86Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2018 Toyota 86. Most complaints involve steering (1) and wheels (1). The EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2021
Owner complaints
1
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jul 29, 2021NHTSA 21V587000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2020 – May 2020
  1. Steering1
  2. Wheels1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 86 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20172
20181
201910
20201
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

1 report
“STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END SHIMMIES AND SHAKES WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS. PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT THE FORUM THREAD REGARDING THIS ONGOING ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE MODEL AT THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T60099_DS754672?SNTEMLID=4482627649#MSG1069173 A REPAIR IS ALSO DESCRIBED IN THE FORUM CONVERSATIONS. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO RECALL.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2020Steering, WheelsODI 11322923

Wheels

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
86
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
243227$2,850328
86
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
212824$3,200373
  • 86
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 32 hwy · $2,850/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • 86
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Toyota 86 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 12353
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 86 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota 86 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Toyota 86 problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1), wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Toyota 86 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota 86 at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026