Common problems

Toyota Supra Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 7 Toyota Supra model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
41

7 model years

Top recurring issue
Unknown Or Other

3 affected years

Crash reports
4

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
0

1 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Toyota Supra problem categories

#1

Unknown Or Other

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2021.

#2

Electrical System

10complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#3

Engine

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#4

Steering

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2020.

#5

Service Brakes

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2023.

#6

Back Over Prevention

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.

#7

Fuel Propulsion System

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2021.

#8

Parking Brake

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2024.

#9

Power Train

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2021.

#10

Suspension

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Toyota Supra model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Supra frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints about a recall involving a fire risk due to a defect in the engine starter relay. Multiple owners describe delays in obtaining the necessary parts for this recall, leaving some vehicles parked outside due to safety concerns. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle failing to restart after an automatic ignition shut-off, and issues with unpredictable throttle behavior on cold starts, particularly when reversing on a slope. These problems have been noted at various mileage levels, and the throttle issue is reported to have occurred at least 20 times for one owner over six months. Safety implications include potential fire hazards and loss of control, as one owner nearly experienced an accident due to unpredictable throttle response.

ENGINE

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Supra report excessive oil consumption as a prevalent issue in the engine category. Complaints frequently mention the need to add approximately one quart of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, which is significantly more frequent than the manufacturer-recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles. Typical symptoms include oil consumption warnings and the need for additional quarts of oil between changes. One owner also reports an unresolved safety recall related to the engine, with concerns about the lack of a timely remedy and no provision of a rental vehicle. These issues may affect vehicle reliability and maintenance costs for potential buyers.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2023 Toyota Supra with a manual transmission report issues with the electronic parking brake releasing unintentionally. Complaints frequently mention that the parking brake disengages when the clutch pedal is released, even when the transmission is in neutral, leading to potential rollaway scenarios. This issue is noted to occur both immediately after starting the vehicle and after it has been in operation. Symptoms typically include the vehicle rolling unexpectedly when parked, posing a safety risk. No specific mileage range is mentioned, but the issue's recurrence suggests it may be a consistent problem for affected vehicles.

ENGINE

Owners report that the 2020 Toyota Supra, equipped with the B58 Technical Update engine, experiences issues related to the variable displacement oil pump, particularly in cold weather. Complaints frequently mention the internal thermoplastic component of the oil pump fracturing, leading to sudden loss or instability of oil pressure, often without warning. Typical symptoms include failed electronic oil level readings, abnormal pressure behavior, and drivetrain malfunction messages, with some vehicles becoming disabled shortly after startup or while driving. These failures are most commonly reported during cold starts in low temperatures and around 25,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of oil pressure can result in engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage, potentially leaving occupants stranded in hazardous conditions.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Toyota Supra report several issues related to the electrical system. One common problem involves the blend door actuator, which affects the climate control system by preventing the proper mixing of hot and cold air, leading to insufficient heating and defrosting capabilities on the driver's side. This issue can pose a safety risk in colder climates due to impaired windshield defogging. Another reported issue is the rear hatch failing to open both electrically and manually, which could pose a safety concern if someone becomes trapped in the trunk. Additionally, some owners describe the dashboard going completely blank, temporarily losing all driving information and reducing driver assistance features, though this issue appears unresolved by dealers. These complaints do not specify mileage, but they highlight potential safety implications buyers should consider.

STEERING

Owners of the 2020 Toyota Supra report issues with the steering system, particularly involving loss of control and steering wheel vibrations. Complaints frequently mention incidents where the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or seizes entirely, with some owners noting that the power steering malfunction warning indicator illuminates. These issues are reported at low mileages, with one case occurring at just 197 miles and another at 1,100 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash where the steering allegedly took control, resulting in a collision with a tree and an injury. Buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues, especially given the potential for loss of vehicle control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report two distinct issues with the 2021 Toyota Supra. The first involves the blender door actuator, leading to uneven heating and cooling, with cold air blowing on the driver's side unless the heater is set to 84 degrees, which can cause visibility problems due to fogging. The second issue is a hesitation or delay in acceleration from a complete stop, where the vehicle moves at a crawl for several seconds before resuming normal acceleration. This hesitation occurs without warning lights or error messages and has been difficult for service departments to diagnose. Both issues carry potential safety implications, particularly in adverse weather conditions or in traffic situations, as described by owners. There is no specific mileage range mentioned for these issues.

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Supra report issues related to steering, with complaints highlighting severe safety concerns. One owner describes a sudden and violent autonomous steering and acceleration incident during a low-speed turn, which nearly resulted in loss of control. This event reportedly occurred after ongoing unresolved brake system issues, suggesting a potential link between the braking and steering systems. Another complaint involves a complete breakage of the driver's side tie rod while the vehicle was moving at a minimal speed, leading to a costly repair not covered under warranty. These incidents, occurring at different points in the vehicle's lifecycle, reveal potential safety risks such as loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Toyota Supra

When problems are reported to begin

  • Engine oil consumption1,000–3,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
  • Service brakes failure13,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
  • Engine oil pump failures25,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
  • Steering system malfunctions197–1,100 miles on the 2020 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Test electric parking brake for unintended release when clutch is engaged in neutral
  • Verify parking brake holds vehicle securely on an incline
  • Check for software updates related to parking brake system
  • Test electronic parking brake for unintentional release when clutch is engaged
  • Inspect 19" wheels for signs of structural defects or separation
  • Verify manual transmission gear display accuracy in instrument cluster
  • Check for any unusual rollaway behavior when vehicle is parked in neutral
  • Inspect windshield for chips or cracks

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Toyota Supra data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota Supra research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Toyota Supra research FAQ

What is the most common Toyota Supra problem?

Unknown Or Other is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 3 years with 4 complaints represented.

Which Toyota Supra year has the most reported problems?

The 2021 has the largest unknown or other count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Toyota Supra has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota Supra you are considering.