1989 Toyota Supra problems
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.
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Common 1989 Toyota Supra problems
The Toyota Supra 1989 is a well-regarded car, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. One of the issues reported by owners is related to the turbo. Some users have experienced smoky turbo, which can be caused by various factors such as worn-out seals or damaged turbochargers. This problem can lead to a decrease in performance and fuel efficiency, and it may require a replacement of the turbocharger or related components.
Another issue that has been reported by some owners is related to the engine coolant temperature sensor. This problem can cause the car to stall regularly, especially after the engine has had time to warm up. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty sensor with a new one, which can be sourced from the BreakerYard store.
The brakes are another component that has been reported to cause problems in the Toyota Supra 1989. Some users have experienced brakes dragging and overheating, especially in cars with high mileage. This problem can be caused by a worn-out brake master cylinder, which may require replacement.
The throttle position sensor is another known weak spot in the Toyota Supra 1989. This sensor can wear out sooner than expected, leading to a gradual reduction in power and poor fuel economy. Replacing the faulty sensor with a new one can restore the car's performance and fuel efficiency.
The Evaporative system can also cause problems in the Toyota Supra 1989. This system can release charcoal pellets, which can plug up the vent valve and cause high pressure in the gas tank. Replacing the vapour canister with a new one that comes complete with valves can resolve this issue.
The steering wheel can also cause problems in the Toyota Supra 1989, especially when braking. Some users have reported excessive juddering of the steering wheel when applying the brakes. This problem can be caused by warped front rotors, which may require re-machining or replacement.
The cylinder head gasket is another component that has been reported to cause problems in the Toyota Supra 1989. This problem can be caused by incorrect torque of the cylinder head bolts, leading to overheating and white smoke coming from the exhaust. Replacing the cylinder head gasket with a new one can resolve this issue.
The wiring harness is another component that has been reported to cause problems in the Toyota Supra 1989, especially in turbo cars. The wiring harness can run hot, especially in older cars, which can cause troubles.
In summary, the Toyota Supra 1989 is a well-regarded car, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. These issues include problems with the turbo, engine coolant temperature sensor, brakes, throttle position sensor, Evaporative system, steering wheel, cylinder head gasket, and wiring harness. Owners of the Toyota Supra 1989 should be aware of these common problems and take appropriate measures to address them.
Is the 1989 Toyota Supra reliable?
Used to own this car
I bought the 1989 with 158,000 miles and had no doubts it would easily surpass 300,000 miles without any major engine problems. Toyota does it RIGHT.
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.
Is the 1988 Supra a good car?
Its powerful, a blast to drive, good on gas, and really good looking if kept in good shape. Literally the only complaint I have with the car is that its a little hard to fit in the back but that's probably the product of the fact that I'm 6' 6" and its a coupe.
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.
Is the 1989 Toyota Supra reliable?
Used to own this car
I bought the 1989 with 158,000 miles and had no doubts it would easily surpass 300,000 miles without any major engine problems. Toyota does it RIGHT.
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.
Is the 1988 Supra a good car?
Its powerful, a blast to drive, good on gas, and really good looking if kept in good shape. Literally the only complaint I have with the car is that its a little hard to fit in the back but that's probably the product of the fact that I'm 6' 6" and its a coupe.
Why was the Supra banned?
The Supra was never illegal. There was chronic vehicle issues that caused the NHTSA to ban the vehicle. It was not illegal ever. The chronic reliability issues caused bad sales that resulted in the vehicle being discontinued in the United States in 1998.
1989 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
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Equipment adaptive/mobility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Toyota Supra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Toyota Supra complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Toyota Supra.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: I OWNED A 1989 TOYOTA SUPRA TURBO FROM 1989 TO 1999. IN THE MID- TO LATE-1990'S I EXPERIENCED ONE INSTANCE IN WHICH MY GAS PEDAL GOT PINNED TO THE FLOOR BY AN AFTERMARKET FLOOR MAT THAT HAD SHIFTED OUT OF POSITION. THIS OCCURRED AT A LARGE INTERSECTION ON THE FAR NORTH SIDE OF INDIANAPOLIS, AS I WAS APPROACHING A LEFT-TURN ARROW. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE THE TURN, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FULL-THROTTLE. I QUICKLY DETERMINED THAT I WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN SAFELY, SO I VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND WENT STRAIGHT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THEN I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT, VERY FRIGHTENED BY WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND LOOKED DOWN, AND IMMEDIATELY SAW THAT THE FLOOR MAT HAD SHIFTED FORWARD AND SNAGGED THE BOTTOM OF THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I PRESSED IT DOWN TO ACCELERATE. THROUGH SHEER LUCK THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THE INTERSECTION AT THE TIME, AND MY QUICK REACTION AVOIDED ANY ACCIDENT. I THREW THE FLOOR MATS AWAY, AND MADE SURE TO REPLACE THEM WITH ONES THAT WERE FASTENED DOWN. I NEVER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2MA71J3K0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-18
- VIN: JT2MA71J9K0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BLOWN HEAD GASKET, BLOWN PISTON DUE TO OVERPRESSURE, STALLED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE ADD
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEATBELT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, WILL NOT RETRACT AND TIGHTEN, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-04
- VIN: JT2MA70J7K0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET STARTED LEAKING AROUND 60 MILES AND LEAKED AGAIN AROUND 181000 MILES. HAD GASKETS FAILED BOTH TIMES, CAUSING THE COOLING SYSTEM TO BECOME OVERPRESSURIZED DURING ENGINE OPERATION, AND SUCKING WATER INTO CYLINDER AFTER ENGINE IS SHUTDOWN. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SUPRAS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-18
- VIN: JT2MA70J6K0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOW BUTTON FELL OFF.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-18
- VIN: JT2MA70J6K0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: FAULTY OIL PRESSURE SENDER GAUGE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-08
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN UNDER BODY FIRE INTO THE INTERIOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-03
- VIN: JT2MA70L0K0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE TO OVERFLOW. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 601406, 601407) *DSH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-09
- VIN: JT2MA70L6K0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE TO OVERFLOW. (SECOND VEHICLE ON 490785, 601407) *DSH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2MA70L2K0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: MOLDING ON BOTH SIDEVIEW MIRRORS CRACK BETWEEN VEHICLE AND MIRROR, CAUSING MIRRORS TO FALL OFF, DEALER'S REPLACED TWICE, ONCE UNDER WARRANTY. TT
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-11
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-11
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POWER BRAKES FAILED. *SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-11
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-11
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAULTY. *SD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Toyota Supra problems:
So what are really the common problems for an mkiii? | Supra Forums
Feb 25, 2003 ... The common problems on a MK3: Power steering hose, Knock sensours, leaky hatch, gittery speedo, heater valve. Well, I wouldn't say super common.
Common Problems...MKII | Toyota Celica Supra Forum
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 ...
Common problems in N/A supras? | Supra Forums
Feb 14, 2008 ... Members on here with a TT telling you ur not a real surpa... lol (Nothing agaist you i to started out with a n/a). 1994 Toyota Supra TT 6spd.
Toyota Supra: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Toyota Supra Common Problems and Solutions · Regular Stalling · Brakes Dragging · Lack of Power · High Pressure in Gas Tank · Steering Wheel Shudder When Braking ...
Are MKIII's reliable. | Supra Forums
Apr 9, 2003 ... No, they're not that reliable, and if yours is, you're lucky. It's an old car that was likely abused during it's life, which starts to wear over ...
Other years of Toyota Supra
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