1983 Toyota Supra problems

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The Toyota Supra (Japanese: トヨタ・スープラ, Hepburn: Toyota Sūpura) is a sports car and grand tourer manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation beginning in 1978. The name "supra" is derived from the Latin prefix, meaning "above", "to surpass" or "go beyond".

The initial four generations of the Supra were produced from 1978 to 2002. The fifth generation has been produced since March 2019 and went on sale in May 2019. The styling of the original Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was longer. Starting in mid-1986, the A70 Supra became a separate model from the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and named the car Supra. Owing to the similarity and past of the Celica's name, it is frequently mistaken for the Supra, and vice versa. The first, second and third generations of the Supra were assembled at the Tahara plant in Tahara, Aichi, while the fourth generation was assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. The 5th generation of the Supra is assembled alongside the G29 BMW Z4 in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr.

The Supra traces much of its roots back to the 2000GT owing to an inline-6 layout. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Crown's and 2000GT's M engine. Interior aspects were also similar, as was the chassis code "A". Along with this name, Toyota also included its own logo for the Supra. It was derived from the original Celica logo, being blue instead of orange. This logo was used until January 1986, when the A70 Supra was introduced. The new logo was similar in size, with orange writing on a red background, but without the dragon design. That logo, in turn, was on Supras until 1991 when Toyota switched to its current oval company logo. The dragon logo was a Celica logo regardless of what colour it was. It appeared on the first two generations of the Supra because they were officially Toyota Celicas. The dragon logo was used for the Celica line until it was also discontinued.

In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the fourth-generation Supra in the United States. Production of the fourth-generation Supra for worldwide markets ended in 2002. In January 2019, the fifth-generation Supra, which was co-developed with the G29 BMW Z4, was introduced.

1983 Toyota Supra

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Common 1983 Toyota Supra problems

The 1983 Toyota Supra, also known as the MK2, is a classic sports car that shares its roots with the Toyota Celica. Despite its age, the 1983 Supra is still a popular choice among car enthusiasts due to its unique features and performance capabilities. However, like any car, the 1983 Supra is not without its common problems.

One of the most common problems with the 1983 Toyota Supra is the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) valve getting blocked up. This problem can result in a loss of power and rough running, making it difficult to drive the car smoothly. The EGR valve is responsible for re-circulating a portion of the exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides produced by the engine. When the EGR valve gets blocked up, it can cause a buildup of exhaust gases in the engine, leading to a loss of power and rough running.

Another common problem with the 1983 Toyota Supra is the engine coolant temperature sensor. This problem can cause the car to stall regularly, especially when the engine has had time to warm up. The engine coolant temperature sensor is responsible for measuring the temperature of the engine coolant and sending this information to the engine control unit (ECU). When the sensor fails, it can cause the ECU to incorrectly adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing, leading to stalling.

The brakes are another common problem area for the 1983 Toyota Supra. The brakes can drag and may overheat, especially if the car has a lot of miles on the clock. This problem is caused by a worn-out brake master, which can cause the brakes to apply unevenly and generate excessive heat. Replacing the brake master can solve this problem, but it is important to ensure that the brake system is properly bled and adjusted after the replacement to prevent any further issues.

The throttle position sensor is also a known weak spot in the 1983 Toyota Supra. This sensor can wear out sooner than expected, leading to a gradual reduction in power and poor fuel economy. Replacing the throttle position sensor can solve this problem, but it is important to ensure that the sensor is properly calibrated and adjusted to prevent any further issues.

The Evaporative system is another common problem area for the 1983 Toyota Supra. This system is responsible for preventing fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. If the Evaporative system is not functioning properly, it can cause a buildup of pressure in the fuel tank, leading to a failure in emissions tests and poor fuel economy. Replacing the vapor canister and vent valve can solve this problem, but it is important to ensure that the entire system is properly inspected and maintained to prevent any further issues.

The steering wheel shudder when braking is another common problem with the 1983 Toyota Supra. This problem is caused by warped front rotors, which can cause the steering wheel to judder excessively when the brakes are applied. Replacing the front rotors with high-quality factory parts can solve this problem and prevent any further issues.

Finally, the cylinder head gasket is a known problem area for the 1983 Toyota Supra. This problem is caused by incorrect torque of the cylinder head bolts, which can cause the gasket to blow and result in overheating and white smoke coming from the exhaust. Replacing the cylinder head gasket can solve this problem, but it is important to ensure that the cylinder head is properly inspected and machined to prevent any further issues.

In conclusion, the 1983 Toyota Supra is a classic sports car that is still popular among car enthusiasts. However, like any car, the Supra is not without its common problems. From the EGR valve to the cylinder head gasket, there are several problem areas that owners of the 1983 Supra should be aware of. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these problems from occurring, but if they do, it is important to address them promptly to prevent any further issues.

1983 Toyota Supra engine

What engine is in a 83 Supra?

Powertrain

CodeYearEngine
MA6719832,759 cc (2.8 L; 168.4 cu in) 5M-GE I6
19842,759 cc (2.8 L; 168.4 cu in) 5M-GE I6
2,759 cc (2.8 L; 168.4 cu in) 5M-GE I6
1985-19862,759 cc (2.8 L; 168.4 cu in) 5M-GE I6

How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Toyota Supra get?

What's more, this big, comfortable, accomplished GT car responded to our every heavy-footed whim, running usually at a pace that would leave many cars wheezing on shoulders or stuffing their noses into embankments, and it returned no less an average than 21 mpg, a remarkable feat in its class.

What year Supra is most desirable?

The 1993-1998 Toyota Supra remains a sought-after car today, and is available for purchase on the used car market. Prices can vary, depending on condition and mileage, but the Supra remains one of the most sought-after sports cars on the market.

Why are old Supras so rare?

The fact that the car was also unmodified increases its scarcity, as Supras from this generation were often modified and customized, making the unaltered examples a rarity.

Are old Toyota Supras reliable?

While the Toyota Supra MK 4 is widely regarded as a very reliable modern classic, it still has problems that it's more prone to.

Why was Supra banned?

The National Highway Safety Administration banned the vehicle because it failed to meet safety and reliability standards. The 1994 model was the only one banned.

Which year Supra is best?

12 Best Toyota Supra Models, Ranked

  • 8 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo. ...
  • 7 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A. ...
  • 6 1989 Toyota Supra. ...
  • 5 1993 Toyota Supra. ...
  • 4 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo. ...
  • 3 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo. ...
  • 2 2020 Toyota GR Supra. ...
  • 1 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0. Reasons To Buy: The Return Of The Stick Shift.

Why are old Supras so rare?

The fact that the car was also unmodified increases its scarcity, as Supras from this generation were often modified and customized, making the unaltered examples a rarity.

1983 Toyota Supra car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Supra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Seats problems
  • Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Toyota Supra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Toyota Supra complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Toyota Supra.

1999-10-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2MA6712DO
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: OIL/TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER CHECKED OIL REGULARLY, AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP.
1998-04-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-04-04
  • VIN: JT2MA67L8D0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: GOING 45MPH ENGINE LOCKED UP. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC SAID TOP CAM HAD BLOWN OUT & NEEDED REPLACING. HAD IT REPLACED. PROBLEM NOT FIXED. TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER & MECHANIC REPLACED ENTIRE ENGINE. *AK
1997-10-29

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-20
  • VIN: JT2MA67L1D0
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE METAL ON THE SEAT CRACKED IN HALF, CAUSING THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO FALL BACK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1997-01-30

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-02
  • VIN: JT2MA67L8D0
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: FOUR STUDS THAT HOLD THE WHEEL ON BROKE OFF, CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)

1983 Toyota Supra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Toyota Supra.

1984-09-12
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: OIL PRESSURE SENDER GAUGE MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CONTINUED ENGINE OPERATION UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH PRESSURE MAY CAUSE THE SENDING UNIT TO LEAK OIL OR MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP.
  • Remedy: REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL SENDER GAUGE WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Toyota Supra problems:

Common Problems...MKII | Toyota Celica Supra Forum
Common Problems...MKII | Toyota Celica Supra Forum
https://www.celicasupra.com/threads/common-problems-mkii.15542/

Aug 6, 2005 ... The car also needs a head gasket and a clutch master cylinder. The engine bay is clean. Also, are parts expensive and hard to find for these ...

Toyota Supra: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Toyota Supra: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/toyota/supra/common-problems

The Supra is known for the EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) valve getting blocked up. This problem will result in a loss of power and rough running. Some people ...

What Problems Should I look for before buying MKII | Toyota Celica ...
What Problems Should I look for before buying MKII | Toyota Celica ...
https://www.celicasupra.com/threads/what-problems-should-i-look-for-before-buying-mkii.121876/

Apr 29, 2020 ... I'm about to pay 10k for a 1984 Supra mkii that seems pretty clean with most original parts. I have already checked the the obvious spots for ...

5MGE reliablility, trouble spots? | Supra Forums
5MGE reliablility, trouble spots? | Supra Forums
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/5mge-reliablility-trouble-spots.88938/

Dec 2, 2002 ... The only real problems you'll see are common on all older cars. Rubber just doesn't hold up too well after 15+ years, its just a fact of life.

Concerns with Cressida being my first car... | Toyota Nation Forum
Concerns with Cressida being my first car... | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/concerns-with-cressida-being-my-first-car.200148/

Jul 11, 2007 ... ... problem was only in the newer (7M-GE) cars. It's also common in the older Cressidas and Celica-Supras with the 5M-GE, and should be given as ...

Other years of Toyota Supra

toyota supra 1984 photo
Supra 1984
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toyota supra 1985 photo
Supra 1985
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toyota supra 1986 photo
Supra 1986
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toyota supra 1987 photo
Supra 1987
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toyota supra 1988 photo
Supra 1988
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toyota supra 1989 photo
Supra 1989
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1983 Toyota Supra photo