The 2022 Emira is still in early ownership cycles, but inherits powertrain DNA from Toyota (2.0T AMG-sourced) and supercharged Toyota V6 platforms—both generally robust. Early problems center on transmission cooling, mount failures, and isolated engine carnage from oil starvation or poor break-in.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 15,000-35,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warning on track or spirited driving, Burnt ATF smell, Harsh shifting or limp mode under load
Fix: Replace cooler and flush system; 4-6 hours labor due to tight engine bay access and need to drop undertray and disconnect lines without air intrusion
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Transmission Mount Collapse (V6 models)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 10,000-30,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Vibration through shifter or center console, Visible engine/trans movement in bay during throttle blips
Fix: Upper transmission mount fails early under spirited use; replacement is straightforward but requires supporting powertrain from below, 2-3 hours labor
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Fuel Filter Clogging (contamination from production)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 5,000-20,000 mi
Symptoms: Stumbling or hesitation under wide-open throttle, Intermittent limp mode or reduced power, No codes or generic fuel trim codes
Fix: Early production batches had tank assembly debris; filter plugs prematurely. Replace filter and inspect tank pickup screen, 1.5-2.5 hours depending on access
Estimated cost: $350-700
Catastrophic Engine Failure (oil starvation)
Rare · high severitySymptoms: Sudden knocking or metallic rattling, Oil pressure warning followed by seizure, Metal debris in oil pan during drain
Fix: Handful of documented cases—rod bearings spin, piston skirts crack, crank scored. Typically traced to oil cooler line leaks, inadequate break-in, or sustained high-RPM low-oil-temp running. Short block or full rebuild required, 25-40 hours labor plus machine work
Estimated cost: $15,000-28,000
Head Gasket Weeping (V6 supercharged)
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 20,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant seepage at cylinder head parting line, Slow coolant loss without external leaks, Sweet smell from engine bay after heat cycling
Fix: Isolated V6 cases, possibly torque sequence issue from factory. Head removal, resurface, new gaskets; 12-16 hours labor per bank if both sides addressed
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Buy with caution if documented oil changes and no track abuse—stunning driver's car, but too new to assess long-term durability and catastrophic failures exist in the wild.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.