2018 Toyota 86

Introduction to the 2018 Toyota 86

The 2018 Toyota 86 is a compact sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience with its rear-wheel-drive layout, precise handling, and powerful engine. It is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that generates 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

People who appreciate the 86 praise its responsive handling, balanced weight distribution, and affordable price point. However, some common complaints include its cramped interior, limited rear visibility, and lack of modern features.

Engine

2.0-liter Flat-Four Engine (Manual Transmission)

• Oil Pump Failure: The oil pump may fail prematurely, leading to oil starvation and catastrophic engine damage.
  • Symptoms: Loss of oil pressure, knocking noises, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace the oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Valve Spring Failure: The valve springs may break, causing valves to float and collide with pistons.
  • Symptoms: Loss of compression, misfiring, engine knocking
  • Solution: Replace the valve springs and associated components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

2.0-liter Flat-Four Engine (Automatic Transmission)

• Torque Converter Shudder: The torque converter may malfunction, causing vibrations during acceleration.
  • Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking while shifting
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
• Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission case may develop a leak, leading to fluid loss.
  • Symptoms: Low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears
  • Solution: Repair the leak and replace lost transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Transmission

• Manual Transmission Grinding: The manual transmission may experience grinding or difficulty shifting gears.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty or resistance when shifting
  • Solution: Replace or repair the faulty components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Automatic Transmission Slipping: The automatic transmission may slip or hesitate during gear changes.
  • Symptoms: Loss of acceleration, slipping gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noise: The rear suspension may produce a knocking or squeaking noise when driving over uneven surfaces.
  • Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking sounds from the rear
  • Solution: Replace or lubricate the worn suspension components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
• Front Strut Failure: The front struts may fail prematurely, leading to poor handling and tire wear.
  • Symptoms: Abnormal tire wear, loss of stability
  • Solution: Replace the failed struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery may drain prematurely due to a faulty alternator or parasitic drain.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace the alternator or identify and eliminate the parasitic drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Wiring Harness Issues: The wiring harness may experience corrosion or shorts, leading to electrical problems.
  • Symptoms: Malfunctioning lights, flickering gauges, engine problems
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Exterior

• Body Panel Misalignment: Some 86 models may have misaligned body panels, resulting in uneven gaps or poor fitment.
  • Symptoms: Noticeable gaps between body panels
  • Solution: Adjust or replace the affected body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Door Lock Malfunction: The door locks may fail to operate or may lock and unlock randomly.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing doors, random door locking
  • Solution: Repair or replace the door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• Climate Control Failure: The climate control system may malfunction, leading to improper temperature control.
  • Symptoms: Inability to adjust temperature or air flow
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Instrument Cluster Malfunction: The instrument cluster may experience flickering, dimming, or complete failure.
  • Symptoms: Malfunctioning gauges, warning lights not illuminating
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Summary

The 2018 Toyota 86 is a fun and capable sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience. However, it has a few known issues that can affect its reliability and ownership experience. The most serious issues include oil pump failure, valve spring failure, and transmission problems. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from $1,000 to over $3,000. While some of these issues are common to the 86, others are more sporadic. It is important to research these issues thoroughly before purchasing a used 86 and to factor in the potential cost of repairs.