The Toyota Supra is the brainchild of the Toyota Motor Corporation and has been in production since 1978. Toyota ceased sales of the Supra in the United States in 1998 and stopped production altogether in 2002.
After a hiatus lasting nearly two decades, the Toyota Supra returned in 2019 to critical and commercial acclaim. It immediately became one of the top-rated and most sought-after sports cars in the United States.
Table of Contents
However, there have been some complaints about the Toyota Supra’s functionality, and that’s really what this article is all about. Let’s get into it.
1. Steering Wheel Shudders
One of the Supra’s most common issues is its steering wheel malfunction.
There have been several complaints about the steering wheel shuddering when the brakes are applied. It has become a source of great concern for many owners.
Possible Causes and Solutions
How about we look into all the reasons this may be happening, as well as suggest optimal solutions?
Unbalanced Tires
This is one of the most common reasons steering wheels shake and shudder. If your tires are not properly aligned, they will send shudders into your car’s system right up to the steering wheels.
However, we must mention that if this is the reason for the problem, you will likely experience the shudders while speeding.
If you’re sure the tires are inflated appropriately, examine the treads on the tires. If they are uneven, the shudders are inevitable, and you may have to rotate or replace them. That is subject to an expert’s evaluation.
Faulty Brake Rotors
If your steering wheels shudder a lot while you are driving, that is probably an indication of a faulty brake rotor. It’s either the rotors are completely worn out, lost shape, or have been installed incorrectly.
It could also be a problem with the brake pad or the entire braking system, and it would help if you looked into it ASAP.
Issues With the Suspension Components
Unusual shudders in the steering wheels while driving could also result from issues with the suspension components. This is more likely to happen with very old cars because they often have worn tie rods and the likes.
What to Do
We understand how scary and unsettling it is when your steering wheels start shuddering out of the blue. It could be for any of the reasons above, but before taking any steps, we advise relating these symptoms to an expert.
2. Loss of Power
Many Supra owners have complained about the vehicle’s patent loss of power and rough running. Some owners suspect this to be a problem with the Supra’s exhaust system.
Owners also noticed that the power issue often arises when you restart the engine within a few minutes of turning it off.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Below are some reasons your Toyota Supra may be losing power:
Clogged Fuel Filter
Fuel filters take on the noble responsibility of removing impurities from gas to block their entry into the engine. However, if the fuel filter is blocked, it gives free entry to the contaminants, eventually resulting in a loss of power.
This is exactly why it’s important to change and service the filters regularly.
Clogged Exhaust
The Toyota Supra has an exhaust system which helps reduce the amount of pollution from the fumes. However, if the pipe gets clogged, it could weaken the engine and ultimately result in a loss of power.
Debris-infested Air Filter
Much like fuel filters, air filters ward off debris, dirt, allergens, and other such contaminants. However, if the filters are not cleaned regularly, they end up becoming hostage to the debris they are trying to ward off. This ultimately results in a loss of power for the engine.
What to Do
If you own a sports car like the Supra, there is no way you are comfortable with your car randomly losing power. That’s exactly why we advise taking the car to a trustworthy mechanic if you have this problem.
In addition to that, you should also have a maintenance and servicing plan for your car. That’s like one of the best precautions you can take to forestall the problem.
Related: Toyota Supra In Snow & Winter Driving? (Explained)
3. Thick White Smoke From the Exhaust
Taking your car out for a spin and watching it go berserk as it oozes thick white smoke isn’t a great experience. Unfortunately, this is one of the most commonly reported problems with the Toyota Supra.
Many of the owners who complain about this also reported noticing the car overheating for no reason.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Below are possible causes for the thick white smoke blowing from your Toyota Supra’s exhaust:
Broken Cylinder Head
Cylinder heads, by their very makeup, are vulnerable to cracking at some point. When this happens, coolants will leak out and contaminate the engine oil, which results in white smoke emerging from the tailpipe.
Cracked Head Gasket
The head gasket is a seal between the cylinder head and block, which serves to prevent coolants from getting to the engine cover. However, the head gasket often wears out with time, and its failure pretty much precipitates white smoke and overheating.
A blown head gasket can’t be repaired successfully; you’ll have to get a replacement.
Cracked Engine Block
Another reason for the thick white smoke emerging from the Supra’s tailpipe is a problem with the engine block. Now, this is very unlikely, especially if your car is new or recent; however, it is a possibility.
Engine blocks are supposed to withstand extreme heat and stop it from getting to more fragile components. However, if any of the engine component is faulty, it could cripple the entire process.
Apart from white smoke, other symptoms of a broken engine block include overheating, discolored coolants, and poor vehicle performance, amongst others.
There is no way around this other than a replacement which is best handled by a professional.
What to Do
If you have thick white smoking blowing from your Supra, get it across to an expert for proper diagnosis. That way, you can be sure of what the problem really is and the solution.
Related: How Long Do Toyota Supra Last? (Solved & Explained!)
4. Car Stalls Regularly
We also found a number of complaints regarding the Toyota Supra stalling randomly. Many Supra owners are concerned, and some even noticed it happens after the engine has been warmed up.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Here are some possible reasons your Toyota Supra has been stalling:
An Empty Tank
It goes without saying that a car will not run properly when it has an empty or near-empty tank. If your car has been stalling, you may want to make sure that this is not the case.
A Faulty EGR Valve
The exhaust gas recirculation valve serves the environment-friendly purpose of reducing pollutants emitted by the Toyota Supra. Like all other components, the EGR valve can develop faults, and when it does, it can cause your car engine to stall.
You may have to either clean it out or replace it, and of course, the latter costs a lot more money.
Hot Coolant Sensor
The Toyota Supra has a component known as the coolant temperature sensor. Its job is to measure the temperature of the engine coolant and send a signal to regulate fuel injection and engine timing.
If the coolant sensor fails, it could cause the engine to overheat, stall, or knock.
What to Do
If your car has been stalling for reasons other than an empty tank, we recommend visiting an expert for a diagnosis.
Related: 11 Toyota Supra Statistics You Should Know (Facts & Numbers)
General Pros and Cons
Here are some of the merits and demerits of the Supra:
Pros
The following are some of the pros of the Toyota Supra:
Massive Six-Cylinder Engine
The Toyota Supra has an inline-six engine with a great deal of potency. It churns out a massive 382 horsepower, which translates to very rapid acceleration.
Whether you are going for a relaxing drive or competing in a race, you can rest assured of top-tier performance. Thankfully, the fuel economy remains decent, with a combined MPG of 25 according to EPA ratings.
Impressive Handling
For a sports car like the Toyota Supra, the importance of great handling cannot be overstated. Hence, the Toyota Supra comes with a refined and compatible suspension that makes for splendid handling.
In addition to that, the Supra has aluminum braces and an electric steering option that keeps you in sync with the road.
Resplendent Exterior
The Toyota Supra has an exterior that is both unique and elegant. It sports an exotic look befitting for a car of its class, and its styling has an elegant touch to it. Not to mention other features like a six-lens headlight design and a double-bubble proof, amongst others.
Putting it simply, the Toyota Supra is as eye-catching as it is efficient.
Comfortable Seats
Of course, cars like Toyota Supra aren’t the go-to for cabin space and the likes because of their size. However, the Toyota Supra manages to dazzle in this area with its plush seats, quiet cabin, and decent head and leg room.
Great Infotainment System
The Toyota Supra boasts a very good infotainment system with a long list of features to back that up. There is an 8.8-inch display with elegant graphics and an in-built navigation system known as the “Supra command.”
You also get a Bluetooth connection, iPhone connectivity, and a standard 10-speaker stereo (12-speaker JBL for pro model).
Top-notch Safety Features
The Toyota Supra sports some very sophisticated safety technologies, even on its standard trims. They include:
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Forward Collision System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Headlights
- Road sign Recognition
- Airbags
- Stability Control
- Seatbelt Pretensioners
- Rearview Mirror
- Directional Parking Lights
Cons
- Steering wheel shudders
- Loss of power
- Thick white smoke from the exhaust
- Car Stalls regularly
What Do the Reviews Say?
“So is this miracle of automotive husbandry worthy of the Supra name? Heck, yeah. It reinvents the concept in a guise that make sense for today’s world, and it’s offered at a price … that’s a relative bargain when measured against both its predecessor and its Porsche competitor.”
Source: MotorTrend
It’s a very complete coupe. Big enough inside, well equipped, handsome, rapid and good-natured. It’s grown-up, yet compact, agile, yet smooth. It’s a clever piece of engineering. A car you’d enjoy driving anywhere, a car that probably strikes the best compromise of GT and sportiness of any car in its class.
Source: Top Gear
What Is the Resale Value of the Toyota Supra?
| Model Year | Mileage | Price |
| 2020 Toyota Supra | 12,906 miles | $53,990 |
| 2021 Toyota Supra | 4,214 miles | $57,999 |
Go Back: Problems for each Toyota model.
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ⓘ The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.