Toyota GR86 ZN8
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The GR86 succeeds the GT86 — same formula (RWD, naturally aspirated, lightweight), but with the stronger FA24 2.4L boxer at 176 kW. No turbo, no AWD distraction, pure driving.
The FA24 is technically more demanding than the old 4U-GSE: direct injection, more torque, but known weaknesses. Oil supply in corners is critical — track use can cause bearing damage from oil starvation. The oil pump pickup screen clogs with aggressive use. RTV sealant at the oil pan can detach at high temperatures.
The six-speed manual is precise and a key reason this car exists. The ZF automatic is good but takes away character.
Test-drive checklist: Cold-start for boxer sound. Shift precision in all gears. On a twisty road: does the rear break away controllably? Watch oil temps after spirited driving.
2026 market: Between $27,500 and $41,800. Manual premium is worth it.
Insider pick: GR86 with 6-speed manual — one of the last honest sports cars without turbo and electronic overkill.
Engine Overview
The Toyota GR86 ZN8 is available with one engine variant at 234 hp.
The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer revs eagerly past 7,000, gruff low down and screaming up top — a proper honest, mechanical flat-four. The extra capacity over the 2.0 predecessor largely fills the old torque hole between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm; the midrange now pulls cleanly. The big caveat is oiling: factory RTV sealant applied too liberally on the pan and covers can break loose and block the oil pickup strainer — worst case, engine death under 10,000 km. The safe move is an early pan drop to inspect the strainer. On track the limit is clear: oil pressure collapses in fast right-handers and the bearings go hungry. Without a baffled pan, an oil cooler and ideally 5W-30, hard track work isn't its strength. As a daily, though, it's a dependable, free-revving NA engine with genuine character.
- !! Oil strainer clogged by RTV sealant from 10,000 km
Excessively applied factory RTV sealant in the FA24 can break free at high oil temperatures and block the oil strainer. Oil supply fails and bearings seize.
Symptoms: Engine oil pressure warning, knocking from the crankshaft, in the worst case engine failure due to spun bearings - !! Oil starvation at main bearings under hard cornering from 30,000 km
The flat boxer engine is prone to critical oil pressure drops at the main bearings under sustained high lateral loads (track days). An oil baffle plate or Accusump system is required for track use.
Symptoms: Oil pressure drop in fast right-hand corners, knocking noise from engine after high-load phases, oil pressure warning - !! Oil Cooling Inadequate Under Track Use from 50,000 km
The FA24 in the GR86/BRZ uses a liquid-to-oil heat exchanger that is overloaded in stock form during track use. Hagerty has reported engine damage from oil starvation at high lateral g-loads due to the oil pickup design.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning in cornering or on track, engine damage from oil starvation, engine knock
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Connectivity Issues The GR86 ZN8 infotainment occasionally shows connectivity issues with smartphones. Symptoms: Smartphone connection drops spontaneously, infotainment freezes. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota GR86 ZN8 (2022–2025) — 11 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Rust, Suspension, Brakes.
GR86 (FA24, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Oil strainer clogged by RTV sealant, Oil starvation at main bearings under hard cornering, Oil Cooling Inadequate Under Track Use. Power: 234 PS.
What to watch out for with the Toyota GR86? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota GR86 ZN8 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota GR86 ZN8? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota GR86 ZN8 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota GR86 ZN8 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota GR86 ZN8? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee