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Research · Two Seaters

2001 Toyota MR2Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2001 Toyota MR2. Most complaints involve tires (1) and engine and engine cooling (1). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: tires
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2010 – Jun 2024
  1. Tires1
  2. Engine and engine cooling1

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 MR2 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20004
20012
200232
200331
20042
20053
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

Tires

1 report
“Size 185/55/R15 82B. A set of tires was purchased May 2024 from Tire Rack. After driving less than 400 miles - the front drivers tire went flat while driving. Upon inspection of all four tires we noted all four are dated 2013. We were sold tires that are 11 years old and are therefore a danger.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2024TiresODI 11594920

Engine and engine cooling

1 report
“2000-02 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER, ENGINE BURN TOO MUCH OIL. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2010Engine and engine coolingODI 10328978
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular 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
MR2
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
222724$2,600370
  • MR2
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
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

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026
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

2001 MR2 questions

How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota MR2 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2001 Toyota MR2 problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (1), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2001 Toyota MR2 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Toyota MR2 at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026