Supra (A70)

1986-1993 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A70) problems All workshop issues

Minor Suspension and Chassis

Rear Subframe Cracking

Symptoms

Cracks develop in the rear subframe, typically around the differential mounting points and the subframe-to-body mounting brackets. May manifest as unusual handling, the rear end feeling "loose" or inconsistent over bumps.

Cause

High-mileage, hard driving, drag launches, and increased engine power all stress the rear subframe beyond its design limits. The factory subframe was designed for 200-230 hp, not 400+.

Fix

Inspect the subframe carefully, you need to get under the car on a hoist.

Small cracks can be repaired by a qualified welder, but the subframe must be removed for proper access.

Aftermarket reinforced subframes and subframe bracing kits are available ($500-1,500).

For high-power builds, this is a preventive upgrade worth doing before cracks appear.

Cost mentioned in fix

$500-1,500

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// More Supra (A70) problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Chassis

Spherical Bearing Wear in Suspension Arms

Clunking over bumps, imprecise steering response, uneven tyre wear. The car may feel vague at turn-in.

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.

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Fan Clutch Wear

The engine runs hotter than normal, particularly at low speeds and idle. The cooling fan doesn't seem to pull much air through the radiator.

View all 17 Supra (A70) problems