Toyota Supra years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Toyota Supra years

The 2021 Toyota GR Supra has the most overall complaints, and CarComplaints rates 2021 as the worst model year ranked on factors such as repair cost and average mileage when problems occur. On the NHTSA side, raw complaint volume tells a different story: the highest NHTSA complaint count belongs to the 2020 model year with 15 complaints, while 2022 sits at the lowest with just 1. CarComplaints ranks a "worst year" by its PainRank - a blend of repair cost and how early in a car's life problems tend to surface - while NHTSA shows raw complaint volume without adjusting for sales or time on road. Those two measures frequently point to different years, and they do here: CarComplaints names 2021 worst on repair-cost/mileage grounds, while NHTSA complaint volume peaks on 2020.

This article draws on NHTSA complaint and recall data, CarComplaints PainRank, owner reports on the SupraMKV forum, and Consumer Reports recall records to build the rankings below. The classic 4th-generation Supra (A80, 1993-2002) is a separate collector-market vehicle assessed differently; this guide covers the revived 5th-generation GR Supra that used-car shoppers realistically shop today. Our editorial guidelines and research verification process requires cross-referencing NHTSA data, owner forums, and manufacturer TSBs before assigning any model year a verdict.

Every Toyota Supra model year ranked

The 5th-generation GR Supra launched for model year 2020, and early production years carry the bulk of the generation's recall and complaint load.

*Note: The classic A80 Supra (1993-2002) is a collector-market car assessed separately. CarComplaints rates the 1996 A80 as that era's worst year on repair cost, with the most overall complaints among classic-gen cars - but those pre-2003 models occupy a different market entirely, so they are not included in the avoid/best sets above.*

Most common Toyota Supra problems

The single biggest documented failure across the modern GR Supra is excessive oil consumption on the 2021 model year's B58 engine. Beyond that, early 2020 cars collected a large cluster of BMW-platform recalls covering steering, fuel, lighting, and braking systems. Here are the four main recurring problem categories, ordered most serious first.

1. Excessive oil consumption (2021 B58 3.0L)

The most-reported problem on the GR Supra is excessive oil consumption, concentrated on the 2021 model year, which CarComplaints rates as the worst year overall. The symptom is an illuminated dashboard warning reading "Oil level at minimum, add one quart" appearing well before the next oil-change interval. One owner reported the car needed a quart of oil at just 2,950 miles, and owners note the 2020 models were not experiencing the same issue, with the compression ratio and cylinder head design changing between those years.

Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) titled "Engine oil level low, oil level at minimum" to dealerships twice - on February 15, 2021, and on March 23, 2021 - confirming that customers may complain about high oil consumption. Rather than recommending a diagnostic or repair solution at the time of issue, the TSB directed dealers to gather information from owners and then open a technical assistance case before attempting any repair. Toyota's executive office later confirmed plans to release an additional TSB with a fix, with the remedy targeted for dealer distribution in early 2022; the suspected cause is oil slipping past the valve seals.

Owner data-collection threads on the SupraMKV forum show the fault appearing as early as 3,000-5,000 miles on affected cars. If you are buying a used 2021 GR Supra, check the oil level cold before any test drive and ask the seller for documented oil-top-up history. An engine burning a quart every 2,000-3,000 miles is a red flag that the B58 in that specific car is affected.

2. Steering tie-rod fracture (2020)

NHTSA campaign 20V-355 (June 15, 2020) covers a fault in which steering gear tie rods may become damaged or fractured, with a fractured tie rod posing a direct risk to vehicle handling and control. The recall covers 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles alongside several 2019-2020 BMW models, with approximately 2,779 units potentially affected. High temperatures and rough road surfaces were identified as conditions that could trigger the damage.

The remedy is free dealer replacement of the steering gear tie rods. Before buying any 2020 GR Supra, confirm this recall has been completed by running the VIN through NHTSA's database. Given that a fractured tie rod can cause sudden loss of directional control, this is the most safety-critical recall in the generation.

3. Fuel tank weld defect (2020-2021)

NHTSA recall 20V-700 covers certain 2020-2021 model year GR Supra vehicles for a potential fuel tank leak, issued because BMW - which manufactures the current-generation Supra for Toyota - determined a safety defect exists. The fuel tank may not have been welded properly and could leak fuel, and a fuel leak near an ignition source creates a fire risk. The recall affected approximately 35 U.S. vehicles.

The remedy is fuel-tank replacement at no cost to the owner. Because of the fire risk, any 2020-2021 Supra you are considering should have this recall verified as closed before purchase.

4. Starter motor overheating / fire risk (2020-2023)

Certain 2021-2023 Toyota GR Supra models were recalled due to a starter motor issue that could increase the risk of fire. According to BMW, unexpected wear on an internal starter component could cause the motor to fail and, in rare cases, increase the risk of a thermal event. This recall appears related to a previous safety campaign covering approximately 1,500 model-year 2020-2022 GR Supras equipped with the 2.0-liter B48 engine; the newer campaign covers roughly 800 vehicles from 2021-2023.

Owners of affected vehicles were advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy was complete, with dealers replacing the engine starter free of charge. This is a shared-platform recall; the same starter relay corrosion issue hit multiple BMW models built on the same architecture. Confirm via VIN lookup that this campaign is closed on any 2020-2023 car you evaluate.

Which Toyota Supra years should you avoid

The Toyota Supra years to avoid are 2020 and 2021. CarComplaints rates the 2021 GR Supra as the worst model year based on repair cost and the average mileage at which problems occur. On NHTSA's raw complaint-volume metric, the 2020 model year leads the generation with 15 complaints on file. Both early years sit below the generation average in reliability scoring and carry the heaviest recall loads. The years to avoid methodology used here weights recall severity, complaint volume, and mileage at failure together rather than treating any single metric as definitive.

**Worst Toyota Supra years:** 2020, 2021

5th-generation Toyota GR Supra 2020-2021

The 2020 Toyota GR Supra has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA, covering steering tie rods (20V-355), headlight control units, backup-camera braking-assist software, and the fuel-tank weld defect (20V-700), among others. The 2020 car was the first year of production, and many of these recalls trace directly to the shared BMW-Toyota platform being new and not yet fully sorted.

Five recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota GR Supra, including the starter motor fire-risk campaign. On top of the recall cluster, the most-reported CarComplaints problem for the GR Supra is excessive oil consumption on the 2021, a fault that showed up as early as a few thousand miles on affected cars and for which Toyota issued two TSBs rather than an immediate fix. These two factors combined - multiple open safety recalls plus an active engine-consumption fault - make 2021 the year to avoid most firmly.

What are the best Toyota Supra years to buy

The best Toyota Supra years to buy are 2022, 2023, and 2024. The 2022 GR Supra carries just 2 recalls and 1 owner complaint, making it the quietest year on both metrics after the turbulent 2020-2021 launch window. The 2023 has 2 recalls and 5 complaints, with service-brake complaints the most common report - a manageable fault profile with no dominant engine failure. The 2024 GR Supra has 0 recalls and just 1 owner complaint on file, giving it the cleanest record in the modern generation.

**Most reliable Toyota Supra years:** 2022, 2023, 2024

2022 Toyota Supra

The 2022 GR Supra carries a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 68/100, featuring just 2 recalls and 1 owner complaint - a dramatic improvement from the 2020-2021 years. It was also the first year Toyota offered the 6-speed ZF manual transmission as an option alongside the standard 8-speed automatic, giving enthusiast buyers the gearbox they had been asking for since launch. The oil-consumption complaints documented on 2021 cars do not show up on 2022 NHTSA filings in any meaningful way, so buyers shopping this year get the same B58 powertrain in a more settled state.

2024 Toyota Supra

The 2024 GR Supra has good reliability with 0 recalls and just 1 owner complaint on file, with the only reported problem area being the parking brake. For a used buyer, a zero-recall model year means no outstanding safety campaigns to chase down, which simplifies the pre-purchase process considerably. Prices on used 2024 cars remain relatively high given their age, but if budget allows, this is the safest bet in the current generation.

Toyota Supra submodel years to avoid

The modern GR Supra is sold in two distinct powertrain configurations - the B48 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the B58 3.0-liter inline-six - each with its own fault profile. Each is assessed on its own record below.

Toyota GR Supra years to avoid

The GR Supra was built from March 2019 through March 2026, covering model years 2020-2026, assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Two powertrain variants define the model's complaint history differently.

B58 3.0-liter inline-six (2020-2024, all years): This is the engine at the center of the generation's worst documented fault. The most-reported problem on CarComplaints is excessive oil consumption on the 2021 B58-powered cars, with 2021 rated the worst GR Supra year on repair cost and mileage-at-failure. Owners on forums note the 2020 B58 cars were not reporting the same oil consumption rate as 2021 cars, pointing to changes in compression or head design between those years. If you're buying a used 3.0-liter car, the 2021 model year is the one to scrutinize most carefully; check the oil cold and ask for any TSB or dealer service history before purchase.

B48 2.0-liter four-cylinder (2020-2022 only): Toyota discontinued the inline-four option for the 2023 model year, a move widely attributed to low consumer demand. A separate recall campaign covered approximately 1,500 model-year 2020-2022 GR Supras equipped specifically with the B48 2.0-liter engine for the starter motor issue. The four-cylinder was not associated with the oil-consumption fault documented on 2021 B58 cars. Its main concern is the starter relay corrosion covered earlier; verify that campaign is closed before buying a 2020-2022 2.0L car.

Buyer checks specific to the GR Supra before purchase:

• Verify NHTSA recall 20V-355 (steering tie rods) is completed on any 2020 car

• Verify NHTSA recall 20V-700 (fuel tank) is completed on any 2020-2021 car

• Check the engine oil level cold on any 2021 3.0L car, and ask if the oil TSB was ever opened at a dealership

• Confirm the starter motor recall is closed on any 2020-2023 car (both engine variants potentially affected)

• On any B48 2.0L car, confirm the starter relay recall applying specifically to that engine variant is resolved

Toyota Supra pre-purchase checklist

Before buying any used GR Supra, run through these model-specific checks:

• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker at nhtsa.gov/recalls - with 8 recalls on 2020 cars and 5 on 2021 cars, there is a meaningful chance of an open campaign on early models
• On any 2021 GR Supra, check the oil level cold and request full oil-top-up service records; the B58 oil-consumption fault can appear as early as 3,000 miles and is the generation's most serious engine concern
• On 2020 cars, confirm recall 20V-355 is closed - the steering-gear tie-rod fracture poses a direct vehicle-control safety risk and should be verified before any test drive
• On 2020-2021 cars, confirm recall 20V-700 is closed - the fuel-tank weld defect (fire risk) was a limited-population recall but must be verified on every affected VIN
• On any 2020-2023 car, verify the starter motor recall is resolved - the fire-risk campaign covers both the B48 and B58 engines across that range; dealers replace the starter at no cost
• Ask for full dealership service records - since the Supra shares its BMW platform, some dealers unfamiliar with the car have been reluctant to service it; records showing consistent Toyota-dealer care are a positive sign
• Inspect for interior rattles - wind buffeting and interior rattles are among the most commonly noted quality issues by GR Supra owners, with door-panel and passenger-seat rattles reported as intermittent but persistent

Better alternatives to consider

If the GR Supra years in your budget land on the avoid list, consider these alternatives instead:

• Toyota Highlander - a longer production run with well-documented year-by-year reliability data across multiple generations, if you want a Toyota with more history behind it

• BMW Z4 - shares the GR Supra's platform and B58 engine, so a used Z4 from the same 2019-2021 window carries many of the same recall considerations, but the open-top experience is genuinely different and it is worth cross-shopping if budget allows. Shoppers evaluating related sports cars should compare the best and worst Porsche 996 years, since the 996 occupies a similar used price bracket and has its own well-documented engine fault patterns.

• Ford Mustang - a direct competitor in the rear-wheel-drive sports-car segment with a longer used-car supply chain and more independent-shop service options, which addresses one of the Supra's real-world ownership pain points

• Chevrolet Camaro - similarly priced in the used market with strong V8 engine reliability data and broader mechanic familiarity than the BMW-sourced GR Supra drivetrain

Is the Toyota Supra worth buying

Yes, the GR Supra is worth buying - as long as you stick to the 2022 or newer model years. The 2020-2025 GR Supra can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history, with 43 total NHTSA complaints on record across the generation - a low number for a sports car with this level of performance. The early 2020 and 2021 cars introduced the platform with growing pains that are well-documented and mostly remedied, but buying one still means doing careful VIN-recall homework. Toyota Supra reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 75/100 compared to 65/100 for older years. The 2022-2024 cars represent the GR Supra at its most settled - the same B58 power, the addition of the manual gearbox option, and a much cleaner recall sheet. Run every VIN through NHTSA's recall database and verify a complete maintenance history before any purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Toyota Supra years to buy?

The 2022 GR Supra has good reliability with 2 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file, making it the strongest entry point for used buyers. The 2023 and 2024 model years are equally strong picks, with 2024 carrying zero recalls and just one complaint - the cleanest record in the modern generation. The best Toyota Supra years to buy are 2022, 2023, and 2024.

What are the worst years for the Toyota Supra?

The 2021 Toyota GR Supra has the most overall complaints and is rated by CarComplaints as the worst model year on repair cost and average mileage at failure. On NHTSA's raw complaint volume, the 2020 model year leads with 15 complaints on file. Both 2020 and 2021 are the years to avoid.

Which year Toyota Supra is most reliable?

The 2024 GR Supra is the most reliable pick in the modern generation. It carries 0 recalls and just 1 owner complaint on file, the fewest of any year in the current lineup. For buyers who want a slightly lower price point with nearly the same record, 2022 is a close second with only 1 NHTSA complaint.

What year Toyota Supra has oil consumption problems?

The excessive oil consumption problem is documented on the 2021 Toyota GR Supra, specifically on the B58 3.0-liter inline-six. Toyota issued a TSB titled "Engine oil level low, oil level at minimum" to dealerships on both February 15, 2021, and March 23, 2021, acknowledging the issue. The B58 in 2022 and later cars does not carry the same complaint volume for this fault. When buying a 2021, checking the oil cold and asking for dealer oil-top-up records is the essential pre-purchase step.

How long does a Toyota Supra last?

The modern GR Supra is built around BMW's B58 and B48 engines, both of which have strong long-term track records in the BMW lineup. The 2020-2025 GR Supra can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With proper servicing - oil changes per Toyota's interval, not deferred - B58-powered cars in the BMW family routinely reach 150,000+ miles without major engine work. The platform's biggest risk to longevity on early GR Supras is the documented oil-consumption fault on 2021 cars: if an affected engine ran low on oil repeatedly without being caught, long-term wear on piston rings and valve seals is a real concern on high-mileage 2021 examples.

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Meta Description: Avoid the 2023-2024 Toyota bZ4X; the 2024 logged the most NHTSA complaints. The 2025 is the safest pick. Data-backed buyer guide with recall and complaint facts.