Toyota MR2 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Toyota MR2 (1986–2003) that have at least 5 complaints. 1991 has the most, with 12. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (9 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All MR2 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 34,750 | 0 | 41 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 6 | 45,000 | 0 | 43 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 12 | 130,000 | 1 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | — | 0 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 6 | 250,000 | 0 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain9 25%
- Engine cooling7 19%
- Vehicle speed control5 14%
- Latches, locks and linkages4 11%
- Air bags4 11%
- Steering3 8.3%
- Seat belts2 5.6%
- Fuel system2 5.6%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1991: “For years I have been receiving a recall notice from Toyota every few months. I think it is for airbags, but I'm not sure. The notice always says to call my local dealer, which I have done a few times without any satisfaction. The last time I pursued the repair more vigorously, and Toyota told me they no longer have the repair kits and so cannot fix my car. Now I have just received another recall notice for the same issue, which is clearly an important safety issue. I want the car repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11276992, filed 2019-10, 63,909 miles2002: “2002 Toyota MR2 spyder mid-driving, smt slips out of gear into neutral. Only way to fix it is to disconnect the battery & let it sit overnight, disconnected. This resets the computer & thereafter the gears work again until it happens again. I've seen at least 50 complaints online about same problem, which is how I learned how to fix it. Toyota ignores complaints. It will happen while driving it, on the road. Recurs, not a one time incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10313851, filed 2010-02, 30 miles2003: “The design of the computer controlled power train makes throttle, transmission and starter inter-dependent. My vehicle has repeatedly lost power and coasted to a stop. The vehicle has been recently inspected by a Toyota dealer, who says there's nothing wrong with it. But the vehicle operator's manual anticipates stalling while underway and gives directions to re-start - sometimes successful, sometimes not and the vehicle has to be towed, in my experience. Manual directions (page 153): if your engine stalls while driving ... Reduce speed gradually, keeping a straight line. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574607, filed 2014-03, 28,000 milesOther Toyota models
18,207 complaintsToyota Prius
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11,738 complaintsToyota RAV4
9,401 complaintsToyota Sienna
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5,900 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology