Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop issues

Critical Cooling System

Radiator Degradation

Symptoms

Engine temperature creeps up in traffic or on hot days. Coolant loss. Green or pink coolant stains on the front of the engine or on the ground beneath the car.

Cause

The factory radiator is an aluminium-core, plastic-tank design. The plastic tanks become brittle with age and develop cracks at the crimped seams where they join the core. The core itself can clog internally from sediment in old coolant.

Fix

Replace with a full-aluminium aftermarket radiator ($300-600).

This is one of the best value upgrades on any A80, the all-aluminium unit provides better cooling, eliminates the plastic tank failure point, and lasts indefinitely.

While replacing the radiator, flush the entire cooling system, replace the thermostat ($30-50), and install new upper and lower hoses.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-600$30-50

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Common Cooling System

Heater Core Leak

Sweet coolant smell inside the cabin. Fogging on the windscreen (coolant mist from the heater core mixing with cabin air). Coolant loss with no visible external leak. Wet carpets on the passenger side.

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.

View all 17 Supra (A80) problems