Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop issues

Minor Electrical

Instrument Cluster Pixel Fade

Symptoms

The LCD displays in the instrument cluster (odometer, trip computer, clock) lose pixels, segments of the display stop working, making the readout unreadable.

Cause

The LCD displays use ribbon connectors that develop poor contact over time from thermal cycling. The solder joints on the circuit board can also crack.

Fix

The ribbon connector can be resoldered or replaced.

Instrument cluster repair specialists can rebuild the display for $200-400.

Some owners replace the entire cluster with a used unit from a wrecker ($300-600), but ensure the odometer reading is documented for compliance.

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-400$300-600

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

Wiring Harness Issues on Modified Cars

Random electrical faults, misfires, no-start conditions, erratic gauge behaviour, blown fuses, intermittent boost control problems.

Minor Electrical

Power Antenna Motor Failure

The power antenna doesn't extend or retract, or extends/retracts partially. Grinding noise from the antenna motor.

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).

View all 17 Supra (A80) problems