Thinking about buying a used Toyota GR86 (2012–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 24 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
24
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$1,500
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Toyota GR86 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA24 big-end bearing failure on high-revving track-driven examples
CriticalRareEngine $5,000–$12,000 to fix
A subset of GR86 owners who regularly drive their cars at or near the 7,500 rpm redline on track have experienced FA24 big-end (connecting rod) bearing failure. The failure mode appears linked to oil starvation during sustained high-lateral-g cornering, where the wet-sump oil supply to the main and big-end bearings is interrupted. This is documented on GR86 track-use threads and is similar to the oil surge issue that affected the previous FA20 engine. The result is spun or destroyed bearings requiring a partial or full engine rebuild.
Symptoms to notice
Deep knocking sound from the engine that worsens under load
Sudden loss of oil pressure warning light during or after track use
Metallic particles visible in oil at service
Engine may develop a tick that rapidly progresses to a knock
What to check
Ask seller directly about track use history. Check the oil for any metallic glitter. Look for evidence of an oil catch can or baffled sump, which responsible track owners typically fit. If a workshop inspection is possible: A compression and leak-down test is advisable on any car with known track use.
Where to look: Connecting rod big-end bearings inside the FA24 flat-four engine block
Ask the seller
“Has this car been driven on a circuit or racetrack?”
“Has an oil pressure gauge or baffled sump been fitted?”
“Has the oil ever shown any metallic contamination at a service?”
02FA24D Valve Stem Seal Oil Leakage (GR86 2022–2023)
MinorCommonEngine $1,200–$2,800 to fix
The FA24D 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine introduced in the 2022 GR86 (ZN8) has accumulated owner reports of valve stem seal degradation causing oil to seep past the intake valve guides into the combustion chamber. The fault presents primarily as blue smoke on cold start, clearing after the engine reaches operating temperature, and is accompanied by elevated oil consumption. Community fault threads on GR86-specific forums document this as a repeat presentation across multiple markets including Australia and New Zealand.
Symptoms to notice
Blue or grey smoke from exhaust on cold start that dissipates within one to two minutes of warm-up
Gradually increasing oil consumption between service intervals on a low-mileage engine
Occasional misfires or rough idle on a cold start due to oil-fouled spark plugs
Faint oil smell from the exhaust during first start of the day
What to check
Start the engine cold and observe the exhaust tailpipe for the first 30–60 seconds; blue-tinged smoke that clears as the engine warms indicates valve stem seal leakage. Check oil consumption by comparing dipstick readings against service intervals. Inspect the spark plugs for oil fouling on the electrode crown.
Where to look: FA24D cylinder head – valve stem seals on intake valves, accessible from the top of the engine with cam cover removal
Ask the seller
“Have you noticed any blue smoke from the exhaust when starting the engine cold in the morning?”
“Has Toyota or a dealer investigated any oil consumption or cold-start smoke concern?”
“How often have you needed to top up oil between scheduled service intervals?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
Body & RustMinor
EngineMinor
22 more documented faults on the Toyota GR86
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 24 documented faults for the Toyota GR86, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Toyota GR86 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota GR86?
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We've catalogued 24 known faults for the Toyota GR86, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota GR86?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota GR86 fall between $500–$1,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 24 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota GR86?
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Yes. A Toyota GR86 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.