The Toyota 86, along with its Subaru BRZ twin, has carved a niche for itself as an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car that prioritizes handling and driving enjoyment above all else. It’s a purist’s machine, offering a raw and engaging experience that’s increasingly rare in the modern automotive landscape. However, like any vehicle, the 86 isn’t without its faults. While it’s generally considered reliable, certain issues have surfaced as more prevalent than others, becoming the car’s “Achilles heel” for some owners. Let’s delve into these common problems.
The Dreaded Engine Issues
The most widely discussed and arguably most concerning issues surrounding the Toyota 86 (and Subaru BRZ) revolve around its engine, specifically the 2.0-liter FA20 flat-four. This engine, while capable and entertaining, has demonstrated a propensity for certain failures.
The Rod Bearing Woes
One of the most talked-about engine issues centers around rod bearing failure. This occurs when the connecting rod bearings, which allow the connecting rods to rotate smoothly on the crankshaft, wear prematurely or fail catastrophically.
What are the symptoms of this failure? A telltale sign is a knocking sound emanating from the engine, particularly at lower RPMs. This sound often becomes more pronounced as the engine warms up. If ignored, this knocking can lead to severe engine damage, potentially requiring a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
What causes this? The exact cause is debated, but theories range from oil starvation due to aggressive driving or track use, to flaws in the bearing design or manufacturing process. Some speculate that the horizontally opposed nature of the engine and its oiling system contribute to the problem.
How can it be prevented? Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil, maintaining proper oil levels, and avoiding prolonged periods of high RPMs are often recommended preventative measures. Some owners also choose to install aftermarket oil coolers or upgraded oil pumps to improve lubrication. Regular oil analysis can also provide early warning signs of bearing wear.
The Infamous “Hone Creep”
Another engine-related problem is known as “hone creep.” The cylinders in the FA20 engine are honed during manufacturing to create a cross-hatched pattern that helps retain oil and promote proper piston ring sealing.
What is Hone Creep? Over time, and particularly under demanding driving conditions, this honing pattern can fade or “creep” away, leading to reduced oil retention and increased oil consumption.
How does it affect performance? Increased oil consumption is the primary symptom. Owners may notice that they need to add oil more frequently than expected. In severe cases, hone creep can also lead to decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and even engine damage.
What are the contributing factors? High engine temperatures, aggressive driving, and the quality of the engine’s original factory honing are all thought to contribute to hone creep.
How can it be mitigated? Some owners have addressed this issue by rebuilding the engine and re-honing the cylinders with a more durable pattern. Switching to a higher viscosity oil can also sometimes help to reduce oil consumption.
The Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
The FA20 engine utilizes direct injection, a technology that injects fuel directly into the cylinders rather than into the intake manifold. While this system improves fuel efficiency and performance, it also creates a vulnerability: carbon buildup on the intake valves.
Why does carbon buildup happen? In a traditional port-injected engine, fuel washes over the intake valves, helping to keep them clean. With direct injection, the valves are no longer exposed to this cleansing effect. Over time, oil vapors and other contaminants can accumulate on the valves, forming a layer of carbon deposits.
What are the symptoms? Carbon buildup can restrict airflow into the cylinders, leading to reduced engine performance, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and even misfires.
How is it addressed? There are several methods to combat carbon buildup. One common approach is to use a chemical intake valve cleaner that’s sprayed directly into the intake manifold. Another method involves physically cleaning the valves by removing the intake manifold and scrubbing them with specialized tools. Catch cans are also commonly used to prevent some of the oil vapors from reaching the intake valves.
Transmission and Drivetrain Concerns
While the engine often receives the most attention, the Toyota 86’s transmission and drivetrain can also present some issues.
Manual Transmission Grinding
Some owners have reported experiencing grinding noises or difficulty shifting, particularly when shifting into second or third gear in the manual transmission.
What are the potential causes? This grinding can be caused by worn synchros, which are components that help to synchronize the speeds of the gears during shifting. It can also be caused by low transmission fluid, contaminated transmission fluid, or damage to the shift linkage.
How can it be resolved? Addressing this issue often involves replacing the worn synchros or other damaged components within the transmission. Changing the transmission fluid regularly with the correct type of fluid can also help to prevent this problem.
Differential Issues
While less common than engine or transmission problems, some owners have reported issues with the rear differential, particularly in cars that are frequently driven on the track.
What type of issues? These issues can include excessive noise, leaks, or even failure of the differential itself.
What causes them? Aggressive driving and high stress on the drivetrain can accelerate wear and tear on the differential.
How can they be prevented? Regular inspection and maintenance of the differential, including fluid changes, can help to prevent these issues.
Other Common Problems
Beyond the major engine and drivetrain issues, here are a few other problems that have been reported by Toyota 86 owners:
Fuel Pump Failures
Some owners have experienced fuel pump failures, which can result in the engine stalling or failing to start. These failures seem more prevalent in earlier model years.
Paint Issues
The paint on the Toyota 86 (and Subaru BRZ) has been criticized for being thin and prone to chipping and scratching.
Water Pump Leaks
Water pump leaks have been reported by some owners, often occurring at higher mileage.
Maintaining Your Toyota 86: Best Practices
While the Toyota 86 can experience these common problems, diligent maintenance and preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of encountering them.
- Regular Oil Changes: Use high-quality synthetic oil and adhere to the recommended oil change intervals. Consider more frequent oil changes if you frequently track or aggressively drive your car.
- Proper Fluid Levels: Regularly check and maintain proper fluid levels for the engine, transmission, differential, and coolant.
- Avoid Over-Revving: Avoid prolonged periods of high RPMs, especially when the engine is cold.
- Warm-Up Procedure: Allow the engine to warm up properly before driving aggressively.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections by a qualified mechanic to identify and address potential problems early on.
- Consider an Oil Cooler: If you frequently track your car, consider installing an oil cooler to help maintain optimal oil temperatures.
- Consider a Catch Can: Installing a catch can can help to reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves.
The Toyota 86 offers an exceptional driving experience, but understanding its potential weaknesses is crucial for responsible ownership. By being aware of these common problems and implementing preventative maintenance practices, owners can minimize the risk of encountering these issues and enjoy many miles of trouble-free driving.
What is the most frequently reported engine-related problem with the Toyota 86?
The most frequently cited engine issue with the Toyota 86, and its Subaru BRZ twin, is related to oil starvation, particularly under sustained high-G cornering. This can lead to engine knocking and, in severe cases, complete engine failure. The FA20 engine, while praised for its responsiveness, has a design vulnerability where oil can pool away from the oil pickup during aggressive maneuvers, starving the engine of lubrication.
This oil starvation issue is more prevalent in older models and those frequently tracked or driven hard. Owners have reported that installing an aftermarket baffled oil pan or an oil cooler system can mitigate the problem by ensuring a more consistent oil supply and preventing overheating. Regular oil level checks and adhering to recommended oil change intervals are also crucial preventative measures.
Are there any issues with the Toyota 86’s direct injection system?
Yes, the Toyota 86’s direct injection system, while contributing to its fuel efficiency and power delivery, is prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. Unlike port injection engines that wash the valves with fuel, direct injection systems spray fuel directly into the cylinder, leaving the intake valves vulnerable to carbon deposits from oil blow-by and exhaust gas recirculation.
This carbon buildup can restrict airflow, leading to decreased engine performance, rough idling, and even misfires. Regular intake valve cleaning, either through professional walnut blasting or chemical cleaners, is often necessary to maintain optimal engine performance. The frequency of cleaning depends on driving style and fuel quality, but typically, it’s recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
How reliable is the Toyota 86’s manual transmission?
While generally reliable, the Toyota 86’s manual transmission can experience some issues, particularly with synchronizers, especially in the second and third gears. This can manifest as difficulty shifting into those gears, grinding noises during shifts, or a general feeling of looseness in the shifter. Aggressive driving habits and a lack of proper maintenance can accelerate wear on the synchronizers.
Addressing synchronizer issues typically requires a transmission rebuild or replacement, which can be a significant expense. To prolong the life of the manual transmission, owners should practice smooth and deliberate shifting, avoid aggressive clutch dumps, and adhere to recommended transmission fluid change intervals. Using a high-quality transmission fluid can also help improve shift quality and protect internal components.
What are the common problems with the Toyota 86’s suspension?
The Toyota 86’s suspension is generally well-regarded for its handling capabilities, but some owners have reported issues with the factory dampers (shock absorbers) wearing out prematurely. This can lead to a bouncy ride, reduced cornering stability, and increased body roll. Additionally, some individuals have noticed the rear suspension squatting under acceleration, indicating the dampers are no longer effectively controlling the spring movement.
Replacing the factory dampers with aftermarket options, such as coilovers or upgraded shocks, is a common solution. This not only restores the original handling characteristics but can also improve the overall ride quality and allow for suspension tuning to suit individual driving preferences. Regular inspection of the suspension components, including bushings and ball joints, is also crucial to identify and address potential issues early.
Does the Toyota 86 suffer from any paint-related issues?
Unfortunately, the Toyota 86, especially early models, is known to have a relatively thin and soft paint finish, making it susceptible to chipping, scratching, and swirl marks. This is a common complaint among owners and can detract from the car’s overall appearance. The thin paint offers less protection against environmental elements and road debris.
To mitigate these paint issues, owners can consider applying a paint protection film (PPF) to high-impact areas such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors. Regular waxing or sealing can also help protect the paint and maintain its shine. Careful washing techniques, avoiding automatic car washes with abrasive brushes, are crucial to prevent swirl marks and scratches.
Are there any recurring issues with the Toyota 86’s fuel system?
While not as prevalent as some other issues, some Toyota 86 owners have reported problems with the fuel pump, particularly in older models or those with modified engines. A failing fuel pump can lead to fuel starvation, causing the engine to hesitate, stumble, or even stall, especially under heavy acceleration. It can also trigger error codes related to fuel pressure or lean conditions.
Replacing the fuel pump with an upgraded or aftermarket unit is typically the solution to this problem. Furthermore, using high-quality fuel and avoiding running the fuel tank too low can help prolong the life of the fuel pump. Regular inspection of the fuel system components, including fuel lines and filters, is also recommended to identify and address potential issues early on.
How is the Toyota 86’s air conditioning system perceived in terms of reliability?
The Toyota 86’s air conditioning system is generally considered adequate for everyday use, but some owners, particularly those in hotter climates, have reported that it can struggle to keep the cabin cool during extreme heat. This is often attributed to the system’s relatively small compressor and condenser size. Additionally, refrigerant leaks are a common issue that can gradually reduce the system’s cooling capacity.
To improve the air conditioning system’s performance, some owners have opted for aftermarket upgrades, such as larger condensers or higher-output compressors. Regular maintenance, including refrigerant checks and filter replacements, is crucial to ensure the system operates efficiently. Additionally, parking in shaded areas whenever possible and using window tinting can help reduce heat buildup inside the cabin, easing the strain on the air conditioning system.