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Supra (A70)

1986-1993 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A70) problems All workshop issues
Common Electrical

ABS Module Failure

Symptoms

The ABS warning light illuminates permanently. The ABS system may activate inappropriately (pulsing brake pedal during normal braking) or not function at all.

Cause

The ABS module on the A70 uses early electronic technology that degrades with age. Internal solder joints crack, capacitors fail, and the pump motor wears. The module is also sensitive to voltage spikes and poor grounds.

Fix

ABS module repair specialists can sometimes reboard the module ($300-600).

Replacement modules are rare and expensive.

Many owners disconnect the ABS system entirely and run without it, this restores normal braking but without anti-lock functionality.

For cars that have had a manual transmission swap from an automatic, ABS integration issues are common because the speed sensor signals and wiring differ between auto and manual variants.

Cost mentioned in fix
$300-600

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Power Steering Pump Whine

A persistent whining noise from the power steering pump, most noticeable at idle with the steering wheel centred (no load on the system).
Minor Electrical

Engine Wiring Harness Degradation

Intermittent electrical faults, random misfires, fluctuating idle, gauge malfunctions, check engine lights with inconsistent fault codes.
Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Head Gasket Failure

The head gasket blows, allowing coolant into the combustion chambers and/or oil passages. White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible external leak, overheating under boost, milky oil on the filler cap, and bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. In severe cases, hydrolock (coolant filling a cylinder and bending a connecting rod on startup).
Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Low Oil Pressure at Idle

Oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle. The factory oil pressure warning light may flicker or illuminate at idle, particularly in traffic on hot days. The engine may develop bearing noise (deep knocking from the bottom end).
Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

CT-26 Turbo Failure

Loss of boost pressure, excessive oil smoke (blue/grey) on startup or deceleration, whistling or grinding noises from the turbo, and oil in the intercooler piping.
Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Cooling System Inadequacy Under Boost

Coolant temperature climbs rapidly under sustained boost, particularly in traffic or on hot days. The temperature gauge sits higher than normal and doesn't recover quickly.
View all 17 Supra (A70) problems