1991 Toyota MR2: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Told by patt lobb toyota in mckinney, tx that toyota na will be reaching out to me. "unable to replace steering wheel" under recall 91v223”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2021
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2019
“I was checking for the takata airbag recall and found this recall which includes steering wheel and airbag(91v223) and the toyota dealership says it is to old of a recall to fix.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph one of the two throttle body springs fractured causing the vehicle to accelerate to 80 mph. The ignition was turned off several times so the vehicle could be safely maneuvered off the road. The dealer was alerted and determined the entire throttle body must be replaced. The manufacturer has not been alerted.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2006
“Driving on interstate at 65 mph hood flew up and shattered windshield and t-top glass. Secondary latch failed to catch hood from flight and resulted in hood, hood latch, wiper cowl, windshield, and t-top damage. No action taken to correct failure. Some repairs have been made to glass. This has happened 3 times in the same model of vehicle, 3 different cars.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2004
“While driving, a fire started in the engine compartment, located in the rear of the vehicle, there was no damage to the actual body of the car,the only visible damage to the unit was to the engine, (ohio traffic crash report). *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2001
“Driver's side door would not open from either side of vehicle. Dealer notified, and would not repair unless cost goes to consumer. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Dec 1999
“Air bag deployment was violent, causing multiple bruises, hearing loss in both ears,cervical strain, severe bruising to both thumbs, and loosened lower bridge in mouth.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 1996
“Driveline flipped out from underneath vehicle ahead, went underneath plaintiff's vehicle, impacted on the under carriage, causing air bag to falsely deploy, resulting in accident, multiple bruises and hearing loss.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 1996
“While driving at approximately 35 mph, consumer heard a flapping type noise that sounded like a belt had come loose. The vehicle immediately died. Consumer was informed that the engine had frozen in the event the vehicle had ran out of oil, however there was fresh oil in the vehicle and no signs of lack of oil. Dealership added that the engine could freeze if the vehicle had at any time run low on oil. Engine had to be replaced. *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE DRIVER'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM (STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG) EXCEEDS THE 60G THORAX CRITERION IN NHTSA CRASH TESTS.
Remedy: REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A MODIFIED WHEEL DESIGNED FOR INCREASED ENERGY ABSORPTION.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact MR2 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Toyota MR2 reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Toyota MR2. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 1991 Toyota MR2 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.