1997 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.

1997 Toyota Supra

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Common 1997 Toyota Supra problems

The Toyota Supra 1997 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners:

  1. Regular Stalling:
    • Problem: The car stalls regularly, especially when the engine is warmed up.
    • Solution: This issue is often caused by a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor. Replacing this sensor can resolve the problem, although it may be a bit challenging due to its location.
  2. Brakes Dragging:
    • Problem: The brakes drag and may overheat.
    • Solution: This problem is typically seen in high-mileage Supras and is caused by a worn-out brake master. Replacing the brake master can rectify this issue.
  3. Lack of Power:
    • Problem: Gradual reduction in power and poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: The throttle position sensor is a common weak point in the Supra, leading to power loss. Replacing this sensor is crucial to restore power and fuel efficiency.
  4. High Pressure in Gas Tank:
    • Problem: Pressure gauge at the top end, illuminated check engine light, and potential emissions test failure.
    • Solution: The issue is related to the Evaporative system and the vapour canister releasing charcoal pellets. Replacing the vapour canister with valves can resolve this problem.
  5. Steering Wheel Shudder When Braking:
    • Problem: Excessive steering wheel juddering when applying brakes.
    • Solution: This issue is often due to warped front rotors or a configuration problem in some models. Replacing the front rotors is necessary to prevent recurrence.
  6. Cylinder Head Gasket Failure:
    • Problem: Cylinder head gasket failure leading to symptoms like overheating and white smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: This problem is typically caused by incorrect torque of the cylinder head bolts. Replacing the cylinder head gasket is essential to address this issue.

These common problems with the Toyota Supra 1997 can impact the car's performance and reliability. Owners should address these issues promptly to ensure the proper functioning of their vehicles.

1997 Toyota Supra engine

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.

What is the mileage of a 1997 Supra?

1997 Toyota Supra

EPA MPGOwner MPG Estimates
1997 Toyota Supra 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd
18 combined city/highway MPG 16 city 22 highway 5.6 gals/ 100 milesNot Available How can I share my MPG?
1997 Toyota Supra 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Manual 5-spd
Premium GasolineNot Available How can I share my MPG?

What is the reliability of a Toyota Supra?

How Reliable Is the 2020 Toyota Supra? The 2020 Toyota Supra has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

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.

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.

What is the mileage of a 1997 Supra?

1997 Toyota Supra

EPA MPGOwner MPG Estimates
1997 Toyota Supra 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd
18 combined city/highway MPG 16 city 22 highway 5.6 gals/ 100 milesNot Available How can I share my MPG?
1997 Toyota Supra 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Manual 5-spd
Premium GasolineNot Available How can I share my MPG?

1997 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:

  • Steering problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Supra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Toyota Supra complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Supra.

2014-12-29

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-12-28
  • VIN: JT3VN39W1L8
  • Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WELL I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED RIGHT AND TRIED TO DECELERATION AND IT KEPT ON BUILDING UP SPEED GOT UP TO 75 ON A 35 MPH ROAD PIT IN NEUTRAL AND IT RAPIDLY INCREASED IN TACH AND RPM SO PUSHROD THE BRAKES AND PULLED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND PUT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE 4 RUNNER. *TR

1997 Toyota Supra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Toyota Supra.

2020-01-22
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Positive 1997 Toyota Supra car reviews

  1. Brice Koss 2024-11-24

    Congratulations on your 3rd car! As someone who has owned all Acuras, it's great to hear that you are now a proud Toyota (and eventually Lexus hybrid) owner for life! This car is truly impressive, with the ability to turn heads everywhere you go. It's amazing that everything in this car can be upgraded, making the sky the limit when it comes to engine tuning. The car was built ahead of its time, and it's hard to believe that it's a 97 and not an 07. It's perfect for circuit or drag racing, or even just as a collector's item to watch go up in value. It's great to know that there's a large Supra enthusiast community, similar to the Mustang or Camaro. And it's even better to hear that this car has been extremely reliable for you, even after adding HP!

  2. Waylon Smith 2024-11-24

    This car looks amazing with the HKS BPU kit that boosts it up to 1200 HP!

  3. Virgil Lubowitz 2024-10-16

    One of the best imports in the USA today was the Supra, but unfortunately Toyota doesn't make them anymore. Many teenagers love imports to modify and the Supra was a popular choice. I believe it would be great if Toyota could bring back the Supra and make it more affordable, perhaps around $15,000, so that more teenagers could enjoy it.

  4. Broderick Lind 2024-07-24

    The car I drove was truly amazing! It was incredibly fast and absolutely beautiful.

  5. Brando Schaden 2024-06-06

    Hey there! I have a lot of knowledge about this car.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Supra problems:

Common problems in N/A supras? | Supra Forums
Common problems in N/A supras? | Supra Forums
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/common-problems-in-n-a-supras.477246/

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.

All my crazy Lexus issues SOLVED!! (ECU-leaking capacitor ...
All my crazy Lexus issues SOLVED!! (ECU-leaking capacitor ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/656360-all-my-crazy-lexus-issues-solved-ecu-leaking-capacitor.html

Sep 20, 2012 ... ○ Toyota Celica GT - 1985 -1998 ○ Toyota Supra Mark III (JDM) - 1986-1993 ○ Toyota Supra GT - 1995-1997 ○ Toyota Supra Mark IV - 1993-2002

common problems of a MKIV? | Supra Forums
common problems of a MKIV? | Supra Forums
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/common-problems-of-a-mkiv.465420/

Nov 19, 2007 ... A TT or NA? 1997 Supra TT- PT67/QSV/Vipec/HKS/AEM/SSR ... are there any common problems ... Supra Forums is the largest online Toyota Supra MKI, ...

1988 Toyota Supra MKIII: Intermittent Starting Problem - Q&A on ...
1988 Toyota Supra MKIII: Intermittent Starting Problem - Q&A on ...
https://www.justanswer.com/car/00t6r-toyota-supra-mkiii-intermittent-starting-problem-electrical.html

Mar 26, 2005 ... Toyota Supra MKIII 1988 Non-turbo - intermittent starting problems, plenty juice for lights/windows/stereo etc. but no - Answered by a ...

Whats the most common problem of Toyota supra 1995 | Supra ...
Whats the most common problem of Toyota supra 1995 | Supra ...
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/whats-the-most-common-problem-of-toyota-supra-1995.1120076/

Apr 27, 2020 ... 1995 Supra TT, BPU++, Baltic Blue, targa, TRD front/Cusco rear strut tower bars, HKS Hipermax S coilovers, 98 headlights w/ 6k HIDs, 97+ ...

Other years of Toyota Supra

toyota supra 1998 photo
Supra 1998
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1

20

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toyota supra 2020 photo
Supra 2020
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9

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toyota supra 2021 photo
Supra 2021
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10

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toyota supra 2022 photo
Supra 2022
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toyota supra 2023 photo
Supra 2023
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5

2

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toyota supra 1980 photo
Supra 1980
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2

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1997 Toyota Supra photo