Research · Minicompact Cars

2019 Toyota 86Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota 86. Most complaints involve engine (3) and fuel/propulsion system (2). 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
10
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
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 Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2019 – Jun 2026
  1. Engine3
  2. Fuel/propulsion system2
  3. Suspension1
  4. Back over prevention1
  5. Air bags1
  6. Electrical system1
  7. Seat belts1
  8. Structure1
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)1

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
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

3 reports1 crash
“On [XXX], my 2019 Toyota 86 experienced a sudden engine failure while I was driving, causing the vehicle to lose power and become undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ. The dealership initially diagnosed the failure as being caused by an “overfilled oil” condition. However, the vehicle was then inspected by Costa Oil (the shop that performed my most recent oil change). Costa Oil confirmed in writing that the oil level was within Toyota specifications, directly contradicting the dealer’s diagnosis. Camelback Toyota later today stated that the cause of failure was “undetermined unless the engine is disassembled.” Toyota corporate has denied goodwill repair coverage, despite the fact that the vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred suddenly without warning. This type of failure presents a safety hazard because the car lost power unexpectedly while in motion. It appears consistent with known engine defects in Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ models related to oil starvation and RTV sealant contamination. I have written documentation from both Toyota and Costa Oil available to NHTSA upon request.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2025EngineODI 11685141

Fuel/propulsion system

2 reports1 fire
“TOYOTA KNOWINGLY & WILLFULLY HAS MANUFACTURED AND SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES TO CONSUMERS WITH A KNOWN SAFETY RISK DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAKING THE VEHICLES UNSAFE TO DRIVE, HAVE NOT NOTIFIED CONSUMERS OF THIS MAJOR SAFETY RISK, HAVE NOT COMPENSATED OWNERS FOR THE LACK OF USE & THE DECREASE IN VALUE OF SAID CAR. THE MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE FINED & POSSIBLY HELD PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2020Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11310143

Suspension

1 report
“Right and left strut mounts struts are making noise popping noise when turning the wheel also transmission is very hot in cabin. Back up camera blanks out on hot says”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2026Suspension, Back over preventionODI 11743916
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 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 Oct 28, 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$2,950328
86
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
212824$3,300373
  • 86
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 32 hwy · $2,950/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • 86
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 2019 Toyota 86 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 13405
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

2019 86 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 86 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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 2019 Toyota 86 problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), fuel/propulsion system (2), suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Toyota 86 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Toyota 86 at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026