FaultScore

Toyota Supra engine problems

29 of the 138 complaints filed about the Toyota Supra are about the engine — 21% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1989.

29

Complaints

21%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

1980 Supra 1 3.4%
1983 Supra 3 10.3%
1986 Supra 2 6.9%
1987 Supra 1 3.4%
1988 Supra 2 6.9%
1989 Supra 6 20.7%
1991 Supra 3 10.3%
1995 Supra 1 3.4%
1998 Supra 1 3.4%
2020 Supra 3 10.3%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2021 Supra 6 20.7%

What owners said

2020 Toyota Supra Hubertus, WI

ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW and Toyota vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in 2019–2021 models. These engines use a variable displacement oil pump with an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates oil pressure. Field reports show this component can fracture, causing sudden loss or instability of oil pressure—most often during cold starts in low temperatures. When the part fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or disappears entirely, often with little or no useful warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported early signs include failed electronic oil level readings, abnormal pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction messages. Failures can quickly escalate to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage from oil starvation. A loss of lubrication may disable the vehicle without warning while driving or shortly after startup, creating a safety hazard—especially in winter conditions when failures are most frequent and occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures. Repairing the issue requires major disassembly, and oil pump replacement alone typically costs $6,000–$8,000 if the engine has not been harmed. Owners cannot reliably determine whether their cars contain the original plastic based pump or a later metal component revision because VIN based parts data now shows updated components even when no replacement occurred, and BMW has removed the original plastic pump part number from dealer systems. Failures have been reported across multiple production years, and the exact population of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this defect can cause sudden, warning free vehicle disablement—particularly in cold weather—I believe it warrants investigation as a potential safety related issue. One of the main indicators of this issue is the inability to determine oil level, my car has never been able to determine oil level. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11725612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Supra at 25,000 miles Tampa, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Supra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the Push-to-Start button, the vehicle hesitated while starting. A message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling in Low Power Mode while at a stoplight, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle then suddenly jolted forward. The failure was temporarily fixed after shifting to SPORT Mode. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the starter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent BMW Service Center, and the starter was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11722286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Supra Mustang, OK

ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Multiple BMW and Supra owners are experiencing this costly issue. Please investigate this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11721032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra Jacksonville, FL

ENGINE

I am reporting a safety recall issue involving my Toyota vehicle. Toyota stated that this safety recall remedy can be available in the last quarter of 2025, but the recall has still not been available and fixed. I contacted Toyota and spoke with them in person several times, but they are saying that the remedy is still not available to complete the safety recall repair. They also refused to provide a rental vehicle, even though this is a safety issue. I requested a rental car due to safety concerns, and Toyota stated that I would have to pay for it myself and that reimbursement is not guaranteed. This unresolved recall affects my safety, and Toyota’s refusal to repair the vehicle or provide safe transportation places me at risk. I am requesting National Highway traffic safety administration to review this matter and take appropriate action.

NHTSA complaint #11708558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra Midlothian, VA

ENGINE

I am extremely concerned this vehicle consumed .9 Quarts of oil which barely reached 1k miles from the oil consumption test performed by Toyota TECH TIP T-TT-0642-21 (Loyalty Toyota). If the vehicle had consumed the full one 1QT the engine could be deemed a replacement. By researching the internet, other 2021 Toyota 3.0 owners are having similar conditions at different intervals. According to the suggested maintenance interval by Toyota "Toyota recommends changing the oil every 12 months or 10,000 miles, or whenever the maintenance reminder light comes on, whichever comes first. So based on the Toyota I will incur 6.9 quarts for an oil change and 9 more quarts in between oil changes based on 10k miles intervals. It is feasible that to consume one quart every 3k, but one quart every 1k miles is extreme and the condition excessive and could worsen with vehicle mileage. I would like to get a resolution to this matter promptly.

NHTSA complaint #11554244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra Agoura Hills, CA

ENGINE

I own a new 2021 Toyota Supra and along with other owners of this new model, there is a safety issue that has been identified. There is a repeating issue with unresponsive/unpredictable throttle behavior for me and other Toyota Supra owners. It only happens on a cold start, when going in reverse on a slope (exiting the garage) and when traction control gets engaged (the wheel gets in the air for a second due to the curb/slope). After this maneuver either the engine gets stalled or the throttle starts to behave unpredictably. Specifically about the latter — pressing on the pedal does nothing for 2-3 seconds but then suddenly the engine revs go high and the car jumps ahead, even if the pedal is not pressed anymore. As if it's a 2-3 seconds lag between the pedal press and the wheel spin. This happened to me at least 20 times during the time of ownership (6 months). My trip to the dealership didn't help as I could not replicate the issue (only happens on cold start). I've contacted the manufacturer (Toyota USA) but they were unable to help and only documented the case. I have tens if not hundreds of Supra owners in an online community reporting the same issue. We are also aware that this issue is affecting owners globally, but Toyota has not yet made any statements about it. This issue is a safety concern and I almost got into an accident because of it. It requires attention before anyone gets hurt. Will be happy to assist and provide reports from other owners in the US. I've also attached the error codes that appeared at the time of the last accident and an invoice from the dealership. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11490226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra Alpharetta, GA

ENGINE

After a cold start, the vehicle will have sluggish/hesitant acceleration from a dead stop initially while trying to pull out of an intersection after the brakes have been applied. This has occurred several times and other owners have reported similar issues. Additionally, under rare situations the vehicle will shift into neutral and shut off when encountering this problem (other owners have also reported a similar problem).

NHTSA complaint #11489558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra North Hollywood, CA

ENGINE

Oil consumption of 1qt at 2800 miles and another one at 5800 miles. Warning message prompted at each time to add a quart. contacted dealer and tech. advised same thing with no further assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11468260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Supra Kansas City, MO

ENGINE

Unknown. Car is consuming a lot of oil in low mileage. Oil has been changed twice, once at 1200 miles, again at 2500 miles. Manual states oil change interval is 10,000 miles. Had an oil consumption warning at 7,xxx miles. Many other 2021 3.0 Supra owners are complaining of consumption issues

NHTSA complaint #11468271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1988 Toyota Supra Massapequa, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE RADIATOR WAS SERVICED FIVE TIMES. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED DUE TO FLAW IN ENGINE DESIGN.

NHTSA complaint #567446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1989 Toyota Supra Rancho Cucamonga, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR LOT AND PAID TO GET THE DMV PROCESSED AND THE SMOG CHECK WAS DONE PRIOR TO PURCHASE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE OWNER TOLD ME HE WAS SUING THE AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS NEXT DOOR BECAUSE HE WAS FALSIFYING THE SMOG CHECKS ON CAR THE USED CAR DEALER TOOK TO HIM. MY VEHICLE, I LEARNED WAS NOT OWNED BY HIM WHEN HE SOLD IT TO ME. MY VEHICLE HAD TWO PINK SLIPS WITH THE ORGINAL BEING IN MISSISSIPPI. AS A POLICE OFFICER I INVESTIGATED IT WITH DMV FROM JUNE OF 2000 TO FEBRUARY OF 2002 WHEN I WAS ABLE TO TALK THE GUY IN MISSISSIPPI INTO RELEASING THE VEHICLE. I NEVER NEEDED A SMOG CHECK UNTIL JULY 2002. MY VEHICLE FAILED BECAUSE OF HIGH HC. I WAS TOLD THAT MY ENGINE NEEDED REBUILTING AND I AM CURRENTLY GETTING MY ENGINE REBUILT. I THINK HYARCS AUTO REPAIRS AH190682 ALSO FORGED MY SMOG CHECK. THE OWNER OF PASADENA AUTO SALES HAD A FALLING OUT DURING THE YEAR AND A HALF IT TOOK ME TO GET THE OWNERSHIP TITLE TO THE CAR HE SOLD ME.

NHTSA complaint #765828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1998 Toyota Supra Massapequa, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING. HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN. DEALER CONTACTED. DEALER SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #8012503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1986 Toyota Supra Anaheim, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I LIKE TO KNOW IF NHTSA HAS ANY INFORMATION ON HEAD GASKET DEFECT ON MY 86.5 NON-TURBOSUPRA MODEL. I HAVE READ AND SEEN LOTS OF THESE PROBLEMS REPORTED ON WEBSITES AND OWNER CLUBS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING TO ME. THINKING THAT IT MIGHT HAVE APPLIED TO PEOPLE THAT MIGHT MOD THEIR ENGINE AT FIRST AND DIDNT THINK MUCH OF IT SINCE I DONT DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO MY CAR. MY CAR IS ALL FACTORY ORIGINAL, NO MODS, ALL MAJOR SERVICES DONE BY TOYOTA DEALER THEMSELVES SO I AM MOST SURPRISED WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME. STRANGE THING IS I WAS TOLD BY ONE MECHANIC AFTER THE FACT THAT THESE ENGINE MUST HAVE HEAD RETORQUE EVERY 30K IN TOYOTA MANUAL. I HAVE NOT SEEN THAT IN THE OWNER;S MANUAL OR HEARD IT RECOMMEND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICES.HMMMM. ANYWAYS I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELPS YOU COULD PROVIDE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #745457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1995 Toyota Supra Union City, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #784529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1989 Toyota Supra Ponce, PR

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BLOWN HEAD GASKET, BLOWN PISTON DUE TO OVERPRESSURE, STALLED.

NHTSA complaint #724896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1988 Toyota Supra E. Hardford, CT Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AFTER TAKING VEHICLE FOR A SAFETY CHECK CONSUMER HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 200 MILES AND HEARD TWO BANGS. THEN, TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT TO HIGH. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE, AND ENTIRE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED TO THE GROUND.

NHTSA complaint #863004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1980 Toyota Supra Sypress, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

IN MAR 95 THE CAR HAD THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET REPLACED BECAUSE OF MINOR LEAK IN #6 CYLINDER. THE HEAD WAS RESURFACED AND PRESSURE TESTED AND FOUND OK. IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS, THE GASKET WAS REPLACED TWO MORE TIMES AND LEAK STILL REOCCURS.

NHTSA complaint #832768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1983 Toyota Supra Upland, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL/TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER CHECKED OIL REGULARLY, AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP.

NHTSA complaint #851070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1983 Toyota Supra Upland, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

OIL/TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER CHECKED OIL REGULARLY, AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP.

NHTSA complaint #851070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1987 Toyota Supra Cleveland, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL PAN FAILED RESULTING IN LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #542076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.