Buyer Research

2022 Toyota GR86 — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $26,000–$34,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

The purist's answer — a light, naturally aspirated, rear-drive coupe built purely for driving joy, co-developed with Subaru. The bigger 2.4L fixed the old car's torque dip. Reliable and simple, so the risks are track abuse and modification. A clean, documented, non-tracked example is the buy.

What we checked

Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 21 owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota GR86, across 1 recall campaign.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 62% of them are about one thing — the engine. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Looked at and set aside: the lights (5) — 5 lighting complaints on file; real, but usually a bulb or a housing rather than a reason to walk.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2022 Toyota GR86

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Track abuse and heatMedium

Bought to be driven hard and tracked. Inspect brakes, tires, and clutch, and verify no overheating or oil-starvation history from track use.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (13), the transmission and drivetrain (1), tyres (1).

Clutch and drivetrain wearMedium

Enthusiast driving wears the clutch; verify engagement and no abuse.

Repair cost (estimate): $1,000-$2,000

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (1).

Early-build engine concern (verify)Medium

Some very early builds had isolated engine issues; verify any recalls/campaigns and that the engine runs cleanly.

Repair cost (estimate): $0 if under warranty

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (13); 1 NHTSA recall campaign on this model year.

Modification historyLow

A popular platform to modify; verify the quality of any changes.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Heavy track history with worn components
✗Any engine campaign not completed
✗A questionable modified build
✗Salvage title

Good Signs

✓Street-driven or light, documented track use
✓Healthy clutch and brakes
✓Stock or documented tasteful mods
✓Remaining warranty

Found a specific Toyota GR86?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2022 Toyota GR86 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.