Toyota GT86 ZN6
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The GT86 (sold as BRZ/FR-S in North America) is the last affordable, purpose-built RWD sports car. The FA20D (4U-GSE) — 2.0L NA flat-four, D-4S dual injection, 12.5:1 compression, 7,400 rpm redline. 1,250 kg, 53:47 weight distribution, centre of gravity 460 mm above ground.
The torque dip at 3,000–4,500 rpm is the famous quirk — unequal-length headers keep the engine low. Above 4,500 rpm it transforms: metallic boxer rasp building to a howl at redline. Headers + ECU tune flatten the dip — the most popular first mod.
What to check: Valve spring recall (2012–2013 — 10hr repair, botched jobs destroyed engines). Throwout bearing squeal with clutch depressed. Diff oil service history (every 30–40k km). Underbody rust (Subaru body, marginal factory sealing). Coil packs on 2012–2014 (straight connector, fail early).
2026 market: €16,000–€28,000. US $12,000–$20,000.
Insider pick: 2017–2019 manual, under 80k km — revised ECU, redesigned coil connectors, no valve spring issue. Budget €400 for inspection + diff oil service.
Engine Overview
The Toyota GT86 ZN6 is available with one engine variant at 200 hp.
Boxer NA engine co-developed by Subaru (FA20D) and Toyota with D-4S dual injection and 12.5:1 compression. The notorious torque dip between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm is baked into the unequal-length headers — it comes with the territory. Above that: a metallic rasp that turns into proper boxer bark. The high-revving character demands frequent oil changes; bearing wear is documented when neglected.
- !! Connecting rod bearing failure from oil film breakdown under hard driving from 80,000 km
Under spirited driving the engine oil heats up significantly and can cause oil film breakdown on the connecting rod bearings, particularly through fast corners. A design-inherent weakness.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine; oil pressure warning; in severe cases engine seizure - !! Elevated Oil Consumption Under Spirited Use from 30,000 km
The FA20 shows elevated oil consumption through blow-by during full-throttle operation. The root cause is the open-deck block design. Short oil change intervals (5,000 km) are recommended.
Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably during spirited driving; bluish smoke; elevated blow-by - !! Cylinder Head Thermal Management Under Track Use from 80,000 km
The FA20/4U-GSE boxer engine has a flat cylinder head with restricted coolant passage geometry. Under frequent spirited driving or track use, localised overheating can attack the head gasket. Coolant should be changed on a regular schedule.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature spike on track, white smoke, power loss under heat
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody and cavity rust — Subaru body The GT86 ZN6 is based on a Subaru platform with body panels that rust if cavity sealing is insufficient. Year-round vehicles from salt-heavy regions show underbody rust from 8–10 years. Symptoms: Brown rust on sills, underbody and wheel arches, cavity corrosion on front longitudinal members on vehicles without subsequent rust protection treatment from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Rust on Tailgate and Bodywork The GT86 ZN6 shows rust on the tailgate and exposed areas when not properly maintained. Symptoms: Rust bubbles at door lower edges and tailgate. | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota GT86 ZN6 (2012–2021) — 9 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Other.
GT86 (4U-GSE, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing failure from oil film breakdown under hard driving, Elevated Oil Consumption Under Spirited Use, Cylinder Head Thermal Management Under Track Use. Power: 200 PS.
What to watch out for with the Toyota GT86? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota GT86 ZN6 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota GT86 ZN6? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota GT86 ZN6 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota GT86 ZN6 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota GT86 ZN6? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee