1991 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 1991 Toyota Supra problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1991 Toyota Supra, several common problems have been reported:
- Brakes Dragging:
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- Problem: Owners have reported issues with the brakes dragging, potentially leading to overheating.
- Solution: This problem is typically seen in older Supras and is often due to a worn-out brake master. Replacing the brake master is necessary to address this issue, and replacements are readily available from BreakerYard.
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- Lack of Power:
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- Problem: Gradual reduction in power and poor fuel economy have been noted by owners.
- Solution: A common cause of this issue is a worn-out throttle position sensor. Ignoring this problem can lead to further deterioration, so replacing the sensor is crucial. Owners can find replacement sensors easily to restore the car's power and fuel efficiency.
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- High Pressure in Gas Tank:
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- Problem: Owners have reported high pressure in the gas tank, leading to the illumination of the check engine light and potential emissions test failures.
- Solution: This issue is often linked to problems with the evaporative system, specifically the vapour canister releasing charcoal pellets. Replacing the vapour canister, including the valves, is necessary to resolve this issue. Replacement parts are available to address this common problem.
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- Steering Wheel Shudder When Braking:
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- Problem: Excessive steering wheel judder occurs when applying the brakes.
- Solution: This issue is typically caused by warped front rotors. In some cases, there may be a configuration problem in later models leading to vibration fatigue failure in the steering tie rod. Replacing the front rotors with factory-quality parts is recommended to prevent a recurrence of this problem.
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- Cylinder Head Gasket Failure:
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- Problem: Cylinder head gasket failure is a common issue, often due to incorrect torque of the cylinder head bolts. Symptoms include overheating and white smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: To address this problem, owners will need to replace the cylinder head gasket. Proper installation and torque of the cylinder head bolts are essential to prevent this issue from reoccurring.
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By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1991 Toyota Supra, car enthusiasts can better understand and potentially resolve issues that may arise with this model.
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 are some Supras illegal?
You'll be taken aback to learn that the 1994 Supra is an illegal variant. The car might have been propelled to stardom after its extraordinary performance in films, but they never saw the light of the day. The NHTSA banned the 1994 model stating reliability issues.
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 Supras high maintenance?
From thirsty fuel-hungry engines, to higher insurance costs and expensive repairs, keeping these cars on the road can be a costly endeavor. According to CarEdge, the Toyota Supra will cost about $4,950 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.
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 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.
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.
Which year Supra is best?
12 Best Toyota Supra Models, Ranked
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- 4 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo. ...
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- 2 2020 Toyota GR Supra. ...
- 1 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0. Reasons To Buy: The Return Of The Stick Shift.
1991 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
- Structure problems
- Equipment problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Toyota Supra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Toyota Supra complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Toyota Supra.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER WAS LEAKING WATER ON PASENGER'S SIDE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JT2MA71N2M0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXPERIENCED HEAD GASKET FAILURE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ENGINE; ALSO, ROOF LEAKS WATER INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING A RAIN STORM AND LANDS ON DRIVER'S HEAD/SHOULDER AND ARMS, COULD BE DISTRACTING. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2MA71N2M0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TARGA ROOF LEAKS WATER INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN RAINING. ROOF HAS CONTINUED TO LEAK EVEN WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JT2MA71N2M0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE IS AN INHERENT FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE 7M-GTE ENGINE USED IN THE TOYOTA SUPRA.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES ABOVE SET SPEED OUT OF CONTROL UNINTENTEDLY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-09
- VIN: JT2MA71NXM0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE TO OVERFLOW. (THIRD VEHICLE ON 490785, 601406) *DSH
Negative 1991 Toyota Supra car reviews
Positive 1991 Toyota Supra car reviews
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If you're considering a MKIII Supra, it's important to test drive the car. If you hear gurgling sounds coming from the coolant overflow tank after stopping, it could be a sign of a leaking head gasket. Check under the oil cap for grey sludge, which could indicate worn rings or coolant getting into the oil. Also, look in the overflow tank for any signs of oil. It's best to have some mechanical knowledge as maintenance can be costly. However, once the mechanical issues are sorted, it's a great car to drive. The Supra offers a lot of premium features, especially the Turbo model with the full sport package. You can even put your arm upright on the window sill without feeling cramped, unlike in newer FR-S or even a MKIV 93-98 Supra. I've been driving the same Supra for 27 years and I can't find a car I like better. Although it's a bit heavy (3,600 lbs) for the horsepower (200 to 230) and uses gas (premium for a turbo) 16 - 23 MPG, it's still a comfortable sport touring car. It's more of a track car unless you make costly modifications to get 360HP or more. Some of the lines of the car remind me of a Porsche 928 or a 1980s Laser / Daytona. Parts can be hard to find, but Toyota has come up with a program and a website for people with vintage Supras (MK3 & MK4) to apply for parts to be reissued, depending on demand. Overall, the Supra is a great car to own and drive, but it's important to be aware of the potential maintenance costs.I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share some updates on my car. With the help of the first government stimulus check, I was able to purchase a new set of tires and rims, which have been working great so far. I also found a product called EZR hairline crack sealer that has been really helpful in fixing some leaks in the targa top and trunk hatch. Recently, I repainted the rear bumper, both door mirrors, and the hood with Nason 3H1 red pearl metallic base coat and clear coat, and it's looking fantastic! I've been using McGuire's products to keep the rest of the paint looking good. I've also been keeping up with maintenance, including changing the radiator fluid and replacing the valve cover gaskets. In the spring of 2023, I replaced the driver side inner tie rod on the steering rack and painted the rear wing and bumper with Nason 3H1 red pearl metallic base coat and clear coat. I also replaced and adjusted the throttle position sensor, which has resulted in increased fuel mileage. In the fall of 2023, I replaced the turbo pressure sensor with a new old stock one I found on eBay for $100. I have a list of things to do this winter, like replacing the low-pressure power steering hoses and repairing a rip in the driver seat. Overall, the car is running well and I haven't had any major issues.
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This is one of the nicest cars I've ever owned, and it rivals my Lexus LS 430 in many areas, exceeding it in performance, fun-to-drive, and styling. I'm happy to report that I've had no problems with it in the 21 years I've owned it, and it still looks and drives like new. In fact, it has been called the best car Toyota ever made. I remember reading a car magazine that said something like, 'If you want performance and comfort, buy the Supra; otherwise, the Porsche 928 will do.' The car gets as high as 28/20 highway/city and averages 24/19. It's still a head-turner and can even carry 2 bicycles and camping gear for a 3-week trip. By the way, is anyone looking for an 18,000-mile LS 430? Let me know!
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The Mark 3 Supra is an amazing performer for a small price. Personally, I use this car as a daily driver and weekend warrior (at the track). I have to say that I am very satisfied with not only the performance, but also the level of comfort this vehicle offers. Pressing the gas pedal anywhere above 3000 rpm gives you a nice kick in the pants as the car begins to accelerate. The interior includes such features as a 10-way electronically adjustable driver seat (including lumbar). If you buy the Targa (sport roof) model, it is quite pleasant to remove on nice spring or summer days.
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What a fantastic coupe! It's plenty fast with natural aspiration and a blast to drive, yet still comfy for a long road trip. And you can bet it's reliable too. The 26 mpg on the highway is more than okay for the power provided. The only thing to note is that the 5-speed manual revs a bit high on long freeway drives, with well over 3500 rpm at 80 mph.
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I've loved this car since I saw my first one in '87.5. It was a metallic burgundy. When I had the choice in '91, I saw the metallic blue under the lights and it was a tough decision. When I drove it, I had to stifle my joy so the salesman would believe me when I said, 'It's okay.' Then we proceeded to make a deal. I put a lot of miles on it in the first 10 years. I still have the car; it looks and drives like new, but I don't drive it much. I need to do the timing belt and check for BHG since I found out that the valves and pistons are in 'interference'. However, I'm looking forward to taking it to car shows again. It always gets people to come by and look at it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Toyota Supra problems:
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Other years of Toyota Supra
Are you having problems with your 1991 Toyota Supra?
Dee Moen 2025-03-27
I have had to replace the head gasket twice in four years. As a result, I had to replace the clogged catalytic converter, exhaust, muffler, and other parts. It is clear that the 3-liter engine design of Toyota is faulty and requires immediate attention.