Thinking about buying a used Toyota Supra (1993–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 32 known faults for this model spanning cooling, fluid leaks, suspension, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
32
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$2,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota Supra faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
012JZ-GTE Head Gasket Coolant Weep on High-Mileage Boosted Units
CriticalOccasionalCooling $3,200–$7,500 to fix
The 2JZ-GTE cylinder head gasket is a multi-layer steel (MLS) design that performs reliably at factory power levels but is documented to develop external coolant weeps and internal combustion gas ingestion on high-mileage examples — typically above 150,000 km — particularly those that have been run at elevated boost pressure or have experienced cooling system neglect. The factory head bolts are torque-to-yield fasteners that lose clamping load over time and thermal cycles, allowing the head gasket fire ring to weep coolant externally at the block rail or pass combustion gases into the coolant jacket. Signs include persistent coolant loss without visible external leaks, sweet exhaust odour, white smoke under load, and raised coolant pH. Many NZ/AU market JZA80s are JDM-sourced grey imports with unknown boost histories, substantially increasing the risk. Full repair requires head removal, deck resurfacing, new studs (ARP recommended over OEM bolts), and gasket replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Coolant level dropping without visible external leak
White or sweet-smelling exhaust smoke especially when warm
Milky or foamy residue under oil cap or on dipstick
Persistent overheating or temperature fluctuation
Bubbling in coolant reservoir under load
What to check
Remove oil filler cap and inspect underside for cream-coloured emulsified residue indicating coolant contamination. Check coolant reservoir for oily film or brown discolouration. Use a combustion leak tester (block tester) on the coolant reservoir — a colour change indicates combustion gases in the coolant. Inspect the block-to-head rail externally for dried coolant deposits or staining. Request service history for any previous head gasket work.
Where to look: Cylinder head gasket mating surface, inline-six engine block top rail, coolant passages between head and block
Ask the seller
“Has the head gasket ever been replaced and if so what studs were used?”
“What is the boost history of the car — has it been run above stock pressure?”
“Has the coolant ever been tested for combustion gases or has the car overheated?”
“When was the last full cooling system service including thermostat and hoses?”
02Crankcase Ventilation Oil Separator Fouling and Oil in Intake
MinorOccasionalEngine $400–$1,800 to fix
The B58's positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system routes blow-by gases — which carry oil mist — back into the intake tract. The oil separator mounted in the valve cover is designed to remove oil droplets from the blow-by before it re-enters the intake. On higher-mileage or hard-driven examples, the oil separator baffles clog with sludge or the one-way valve fails, allowing oil mist to pass through unchecked into the intake manifold and intercooler piping. This accelerates intake valve carbon buildup (see related fault) and can foul the throttle body and mass air flow sensor.
Symptoms to notice
Oily film or pooled oil visible inside the intake pipe or intercooler pipe when inspected
Oily residue around the throttle body bore, causing sticking or erratic idle
Blue-grey smoke on startup or light-load deceleration indicating oil entering the combustion chamber via the intake
Rough idle or hesitation that improves after cleaning the throttle body but returns quickly
Excessive oil consumption beyond expected limits with no external leak source identified
What to check
Inspect the interior of the intake pipe between the turbo outlet and the throttle body — a healthy engine will have minimal oil film; heavy oiling indicates separator failure. Inspect the PCV hose connections for oil weeping or residue at the fittings. Check the valve cover oil separator bung for cracks or loose fitment. Remove the oil filler cap with the engine idling and hold a clean rag over the opening — slight positive pressure is normal, but a strong blowback indicates excessive blow-by or a blocked PCV.
Where to look: Integrated into the B58 valve cover on top of the engine; PCV hoses connect to the intake manifold and the pre-throttle intake tract
Ask the seller
“Has there been any oil consumption between services, or has the oil level needed topping up outside of scheduled intervals?”
“Has the intake piping or throttle body ever been inspected or cleaned for oil fouling?”
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30 more documented faults on the Toyota Supra
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 32 documented faults for the Toyota Supra, the recurring problem areas are cooling, fluid leaks, and suspension. A Toyota Supra with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Supra?
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We've catalogued 32 known faults for the Toyota Supra, covering cooling, fluid leaks, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Supra?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Supra fall between $450–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 32 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota Supra?
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Yes. A Toyota Supra inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.