Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop problems

Critical Brakes

Brake Caliper Seizure

Symptoms

The car pulls to one side under braking. One wheel runs hotter than the others (feel through the wheel spokes after a drive). Uneven pad wear, one pad worn to the backing plate while the opposite is barely touched. In severe cases, a binding sensation and smell of hot brakes after normal driving.

Cause

The A80's front calipers are 4-piston opposed units (2-piston on NA models). The pistons and slide pins seize from corrosion when brake fluid absorbs moisture over years of service. Cars that sit for extended periods are particularly prone, as the pistons corrode in position.

Fix

Strip, clean, and rebuild the calipers.

New piston seals, dust boots, and slide pin boots: $50-100 per caliper in parts.

If the piston bores are scored, the caliper body needs honing or replacement ($200-400 per caliper secondhand).

New brake fluid is mandatory after any caliper work, use DOT4 and flush the entire system.

For modified cars making serious power, an upgrade to aftermarket calipers (Wilwood, Brembo) is common and provides better heat management.

Cost mentioned in fix

$50-100 per caliper$200-400 per caliper

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Common Brakes

Rear Brake Proportioning

Rear brakes feel weak or barely contribute to stopping. The rear pads last much longer than the fronts (a sign they're barely working rather than a sign of efficiency).

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Sequential Twin-Turbo System Failures

A flat spot or hesitation in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range during full-throttle acceleration. Boost may spike or surge unpredictably. The car feels fast below 3,500 RPM and above 5,000 RPM but stumbles in the transition zone.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Turbo Seal Wear (High Mileage)

Blue smoke on cold startup (oil pooled in the turbo housing overnight drains into the exhaust when started). Blue smoke on deceleration (intake manifold vacuum pulls oil past the compressor seals). Oil residue in the intercooler piping. Increased oil consumption without external leaks.

Minor Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Timing Belt Failure

Catastrophic engine damage. The 2JZ is an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons strike the open valves, bending them and potentially damaging the pistons, head, and block. The engine stops instantly and will not restart.

Critical Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Cam Cover Gasket Oil Leaks

Oil seeps from the edges of the cam covers (rocker covers), running down the sides of the engine. Oil smell from the engine bay. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk on the turbo side).

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Oil Cooler O-Ring Leak

Oil leak from the oil cooler housing on the front of the engine, typically dripping down onto the oil filter and undercarriage.

All Supra (A80) problems