MODEL
Toyota 86 Safety
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 2020 Toyota 86 achieves a "Strong" performance band rating with a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100. This places it well within acceptable safety parameters for its model year, though potential buyers should note that scores across the two covered years were not uniform, with some landing in the "Average" band. Rollover resistance stands out, with the 86 earning 5 out of 5 stars, a strong result for a coupe. Frontal protection also scored well, at 4 out of 5 stars. However, NHTSA did not publish side-impact test ratings for the 86 across the covered model years, leaving a notable gap in its overall crash-test profile. The recall record is minimal, with only 1 recall issued for the 2019 to 2020 period. Owner complaints total 11 across both years. Among these are 2 crash-related allegations, 2 fire-related allegations, and 3 reported injuries. While these are unverified reports, the fire-related complaints warrant particular attention. The 86 demonstrates a generally solid safety profile based on its published scores, but the absence of side-impact data and the specific pattern of owner complaints suggest a need for further investigation by prospective owners.
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.