MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Toyota Gr86

NHTSA safety across every Toyota Gr86 model year we cover.

Across the 5 model years of the Toyota Gr86 we cover (2022 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-02

The Toyota GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want a lightweight, affordable two-door focused on pure engagement. Sold in its second generation from the 2022 model year onward, it competes in a shrinking segment of genuinely driver-focused coupes and draws buyers who prioritize feel and fun over practicality.

From a safety data standpoint, the GR86 presents a notably thin picture, and shoppers deserve to know that upfront. NHTSA has not crash-tested the second-generation GR86 across any of the 2022 through 2025 model years we cover, which means there is no federal star rating to lean on when evaluating occupant protection. That is a meaningful gap for a car sold to a broad audience that includes younger, newer drivers alongside seasoned enthusiasts. What the data does show is three recalls issued across the covered model years, a modest figure for a four-year window but worth tracking down by VIN before any purchase. Owner complaints total 37 across the generation, with one reported crash, one reported fire, and one reported injury among those unverified allegations. That complaint volume is relatively low for a vehicle in active production, though the fire report warrants attention and prospective buyers should review the specific complaint details on NHTSA's database. The honest bottom line here is that the GR86 is a compelling sports car with a real safety-data blind spot. Without crash-test results, MotorCaliber cannot offer a Safety Index score, and buyers who place significant weight on verified occupant protection ratings will need to look elsewhere or accept that uncertainty going in.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the GR86 for its sharp, communicative steering and balanced chassis that rewards skilled drivers. The naturally aspirated engine is considered lively and well-matched to the car's lightweight character. Interior materials and technology are viewed as functional but modest for the price, and the rear seats are widely regarded as a token gesture rather than a practical feature. Overall refinement is seen as appropriate for the segment.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • NHTSA has not conducted crash tests on the 2022 through 2025 GR86, so there are no federal star ratings available. Shoppers cannot compare this model on occupant protection the way they can with most mainstream vehicles.
  • Three recalls have been issued across the 2022 to 2025 model years. Any used or new GR86 purchase should include a VIN-specific recall check at NHTSA.gov to confirm all recall remedies have been completed.
  • Owner complaints filed with NHTSA include one reported fire among the 37 total submissions. While these are unverified allegations, the fire report is worth reviewing in detail before committing to a purchase.
  • As a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with performance-oriented tuning, the GR86 demands more active driver engagement than a typical family sedan. Buyers less experienced with RWD dynamics should factor that into their safety calculus, particularly in wet or cold conditions.

Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Toyota Gr86 with 1 recalls.

BY YEARGr86 by model year