The Toyota MR2 spans 1985–2007 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2002, 2003, 1991 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1994, 1995, 2006. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Toyota MR2 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1985 to 2007 across multiple generations.
How to read a Toyota MR2 VIN — every digit explained
Every Toyota MR2 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Toyota and the country it was built in (real Toyota codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this MR2.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJT2 · JT3 · JT4 · JT5 · JT6 · JT8
- USA4T1 · 4T3 · 4T4 · 58A · 5TB · 5TD
- Canada2T1 · 2T2 · 2T3
- Mexico3TM · 3TY
- TurkeyNMT
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your MR2, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Toyota MR2 have?
The Toyota MR2 has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–2007. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1992 Toyota MR2 recalls 1
Air Bags
What's wrong. THE DRIVER'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM (STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG) EXCEEDS THE 60G THORAX CRITERION IN NHTSA CRASH TESTS.
Risk. THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THEENERGY ABSORPTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 208. THIS REDUCES THE CRASH PROTECTIONAFFORDED BY THE STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG SYSTEMS IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A MODIFIED WHEEL DESIGNED FOR INCREASED ENERGY ABSORPTION.
1991 Toyota MR2 recalls 1
Air Bags
What's wrong. THE DRIVER'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM (STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG) EXCEEDS THE 60G THORAX CRITERION IN NHTSA CRASH TESTS.
Risk. THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THEENERGY ABSORPTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 208. THIS REDUCES THE CRASH PROTECTIONAFFORDED BY THE STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG SYSTEMS IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A MODIFIED WHEEL DESIGNED FOR INCREASED ENERGY ABSORPTION.
Best and worst years for the Toyota MR2
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 18 tracked years, the worst years are 2002, 2003, 1991 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1994, 1995, 2006.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 MR2 | Seat Belts | Average | |
| 1986 MR2 | Parking Brake | Average | |
| 1987 MR2 | Vehicle Speed Control | Average | |
| 1988 MR2 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1989 MR2 | Seat Belts | Average | |
| 1991 MR2 | Steering | Avoid | |
| 1992 MR2 | Structure | Average | |
| 1993 MR2 | Power Train | Average | |
| 1994 MR2 | — | Best | |
| 1995 MR2 | — | Best | |
| 2000 MR2 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2001 MR2 | Tires | Average | |
| 2002 MR2 | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2003 MR2 | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2004 MR2 | Power Train | Average | |
| 2005 MR2 | Equipment | Average | |
| 2006 MR2 | — | Best | |
| 2007 MR2 | — | Average |
What are the most common Toyota MR2 problems?
The most-reported Toyota MR2 problems are Air (1 reports), Tires (6 reports) and Engine (6 reports) — out of 109 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Toyota MR2 specifications & dimensions
The 2007 Toyota MR2. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Toyota MR2 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the MR2's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 164″ | 67″ | 49″ | 94″ | 2,626 lb |
| 1989 | 156″ | 66″ | 49″ | 91″ | 2,390 lb |
| 1985–1986 | 155″ | 66″ | 49″ | 91″ | 2,315 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Toyota MR2 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the MR2 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 46 cu ft of passenger volume and 2 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Toyota MR2 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Toyota MR2 get?
The Toyota MR2 returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,400/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2005 Toyota MR2 (1.8L 4-cyl) gets 26 mpg combined and costs about $2,400/yr to fuel, emitting 342 g/mi CO₂ (smog 1/10) — about $1,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 MR2 | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | 1/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 MR2 | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | 1/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2003 MR2 | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2002 MR2 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2001 MR2 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2000 MR2 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 MR2 | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 MR2 | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 MR2 | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 MR2 | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 MR2 | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 MR2 | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 MR2 | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 MR2 | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 MR2 | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 MR2 | 23 | 29 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the MR2 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this MR2's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Toyota MR2 have? Power & range
The Toyota MR2 is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.8L · 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Toyota MR2 cost to own?
A used Toyota MR2 sells for a median of about $7,900 for a 2003 — most listed between $5,000 and $12,900, from 17 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 MR2 | $5,000–$12,900 | 4 | |
| 2002 MR2 | $10,900–$12,995 | 3 | |
| 2001 MR2 | $4,000–$13,000 | 5 | |
| 2000 MR2 | $11,995–$125,000 | 5 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a MR2 is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Toyota MR2 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this MR2 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the MR2 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Toyota MR2 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the MR2 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Toyota MR2 last?
A well-maintained Toyota MR2 typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Toyota MR2’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this MR2’s VIN free →All Toyota MR2 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Toyota MR2 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 MR2 | 0 | — | |
| 2006 MR2 | 0 | — | |
| 2005 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2004 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2003 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2002 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1995 MR2 | 0 | — | |
| 1994 MR2 | 0 | — | |
| 1993 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1989 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 MR2 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1985 MR2 | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the MR2?
By owner-complaint volume, 2002, 2003, 1991 drew the most reports. 1994, 1995, 2006 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the MR2 have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–2007. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the MR2 get?
Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a MR2 last?
A well-maintained MR2 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the MR2 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the MR2 is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Toyota MR2 warranty?
New Toyota models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Toyota dealer.
Where is the Toyota MR2 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your MR2's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Toyota may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the MR2 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.