Thinking about buying a used Toyota GT86 (2012–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 25 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.
25
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$1,800
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Toyota GT86 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA20D Cylinder Bore Scoring from Inadequate Lubrication
CriticalCommonEngine $8,000–$18,000 to fix
When the FA20D's chronic oil consumption is not monitored or the oil interval is extended beyond factory-recommended limits, the cylinder bores develop scoring and scuffing as oil film thickness drops below the minimum needed to protect the aluminium-lined bores. Bore scoring progresses rapidly once started and results in metal-to-metal contact, deep scratches in the bore surface, and rapid engine failure requiring full rebuild or replacement. This is distinct from the ring-seal fault and represents the terminal consequence of unmanaged oil consumption.
Symptoms to notice
Loud metallic knock or rattle from the engine block at idle or under load
Extremely high oil consumption (more than 1 litre per 500 km)
Low oil pressure warning light illuminating at operating temperature
Compression test reveals one or more cylinders significantly below specification
Blue-black exhaust smoke under all operating conditions, not just deceleration
What to check
Request a compression and leakdown test on all four cylinders – any cylinder below 150 psi or leakdown above 15% warrants investigation. Listen for a metallic knocking or ticking at idle that increases with RPM. Check for milky or heavily contaminated oil on the dipstick. Inspect the oil cap and rocker cover for excessive blow-by residue.
Where to look: FA20D engine – cylinder bores and piston rings, most often cylinders 2 and 3 (horizontally opposed layout)
Ask the seller
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt or had internal work done, and do you have documentation?”
“Have you ever received a low oil pressure warning light while driving?”
“Is the seller willing to allow a compression and leakdown test prior to purchase?”
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
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
Body & RustMinor
EngineMinor
23 more documented faults on the Toyota GT86
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 25 documented faults for the Toyota GT86, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Toyota GT86 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 GT86?
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We've catalogued 25 known faults for the Toyota GT86, 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 GT86?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota GT86 fall between $600–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 25 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 GT86?
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Yes. A Toyota GT86 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.