MODEL
Toyota 86
NHTSA safety across every Toyota 86 model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Toyota 86 we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 79. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Toyota 86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed in partnership with Subaru, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want an affordable, lightweight, back-to-basics performance car. Sold in two-door coupe form, it targets younger buyers and purists who prioritize feel and balance over luxury or practicality. For 2019 and 2020, MotorCaliber examines how this driver's car holds up on the safety front.
The Toyota 86 earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 for the 2020 model year, landing it in the 'Strong' performance band for that year, though the covered range also includes an 'Average' band result, so shoppers should not assume uniform scores across both years. Crash-test results tell a nuanced story: the 86 earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars in frontal protection, and an impressive 5 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance, a notable figure for a low-slung coupe where the center of gravity works in its favor. Side-impact testing returned no rating across the covered years, which is a meaningful gap in the safety picture and worth acknowledging honestly. On the recall front, the 86 carries just 1 recall across the 2019 to 2020 window, a relatively clean record for any vehicle in this segment. Owner complaints total 11 across both years, with 2 crash-related allegations, 2 fire-related allegations, and 3 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular are worth monitoring before purchase. Overall, the 86 presents a reasonably solid safety profile for a sports coupe, anchored by strong rollover and frontal scores, but the missing side-impact data and fire-related complaint pattern mean buyers should do their due diligence.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Toyota 86 as one of the most rewarding and driver-focused affordable sports cars on the market, praising its balanced chassis and precise steering. Most acknowledge that the trade-off for its light, nimble character is a modest power output and a spartan interior, positioning it as a purist's choice rather than an all-around performance machine.
- The 2020 model year earns the best NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, rated 'Strong', but the covered range also includes an 'Average' band result, so verify the specific model year score before buying.
- Side-impact crash-test data is not available for the 2019 to 2020 Toyota 86, leaving a real gap in the safety picture that buyers should factor into their decision.
- Owner complaints include 2 fire-related allegations across the covered years. These are unverified, but shoppers should review the latest NHTSA complaint database and check for any open investigations before purchase.
- With only 1 recall across both covered model years, the 86 has a relatively clean recall record, but always confirm that any outstanding recall work has been completed on a specific used vehicle through the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Toyota 86 with 1 recalls.