The most-reported MR2 run is JTDFR320430 (2003 builds) with 4 complaints, 3.1× the typical run. Power train problems make up 29% of reports; 2003 is the worst model year at 2.1 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for MR2 model years 1991–1992.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Toyota MR2 has 42 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 25% of every MR2 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JTDFR320430•••••• | 2003 | 1 | — | |
| JTDFR320630•••••• | 2003 | — | — | |
| JTDFR320030•••••• | 2003 | — | — | |
| JTDFR320330•••••• | 2003 | 2 | — | |
| JTDFR320X30•••••• | 2003 | — | 1 | |
| JTDFR320720•••••• | 2002 | 1 | — | |
| JT2SW21N9M0•••••• | 1991 | 1 | — | |
| JTDFR3203Y0•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| JT2AW15C2F0•••••• | 1985 | — | — | |
| JP2AW15C9G0•••••• | 1986 | — | — | |
| JT2AW15C7H0•••••• | 1987 | — | — | |
| JTAW15CXH00•••••• | 1987 | — | — |
Each of the other 30 MR2 runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 17 MR2 VINs so far, most often 2002, 1991, 1986 builds; 1 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Toyota MR2 the gap between build years is 2.1×: a 2003 car draws 2.1 complaints per run, a 1985 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 15 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2002 | 6 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 1993 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 1991 | 8 | 7 | 1 | |
| 1987 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 1985 | 3 | 3 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2003 at 2.1 complaints per run; lightest is 1985 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 29% of everything Toyota MR2 owners report: Power Train, 15 of 53 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 2 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | — | |
| Tires | — | — | |
| Engine | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 1 | |
| Steering | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on the Toyota MR2; the 1 below cover build years 1991 to 1992. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 91V223000 | Air Bags | 1991–1992 |
How serious were they
Of the 53 reports on the Toyota MR2, 11.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Toyota MR2 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 53 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 6 (11.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 3 (5.7%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 95% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Toyota MR2 share of that is 53 complaints over 42 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Toyota MR2 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 53 NHTSA complaints from 42 MR2 runs and 1 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which MR2 production run has the most complaints?
JTDFR320430, a 2003 build, with 4 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical MR2 run has 1.3.
Which MR2 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2003 is heaviest at 2.1 complaints per run and 1985 lightest at 1.
How many MR2 complaints involve a crash?
11.3% of 53 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 3 involved a fire.
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