The resurrection of an icon is not an easy job, more so when you plan to make someone else build it for you. Being essentially a BMW coupe under the skin, the new Supra has lost its appeal as being a mechanically bulletproof vehicle as its predecessors. In stark contrast, the owners of the new GR Supra have been hurled upon by a variety of complaints and recalls, something which Toyota is not really known for. From faulty engine electronics to below-par fit and finish levels, we can’t help but say the name has been slightly tampered with. As asking prices for the 2022 Toyota GR Supra soar around the $43,290 marker, does it have what it takes to match the likes of coupes such as the 2022 Audi TT, 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman, and the 2022 Ford Mustang coupe? Well, we will let you decide on that after going through this article.
2022 Toyota GR Supra Coupe Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
2022 Toyota GR Supra User Complaints and Problems
Given the mediocre number of takers the Toyota GR Supra has seen since its launch, the number of official complaints that have been registered on the NHTSA is actually on the lower side. The officially recognized complaints top out at just a maximum of 8 a year, which is not true in reality. Unofficial MkV Supra forums have been piling up several issues that owners face on this coupe, which this article discusses in detail. Listed below are the most commonly known issues with the 2022 Toyota GR Supra and their implications on the ownership experience.
Mechanical Complaints
- Throttle hesitation- Unresponsive throttle has pretty much been a widespread issue on the A90 GR Supra even though NHTSA has just one complaint about it. As stated, owners experience random loss of power as if the engine was starting to stall when pressing the throttle lightly. It is mostly noticed when the car begins to roll from a standstill but goes back to normal once the revs climb. This issue is also said to have not received a fix as the dealerships were unable to detect any fault codes or replicate the issue. Multiple owners have also complained about the car failing to rev on startup, which is also an issue that didn’t receive any support from the automaker as per the owners.
- Oil consumption- Owners have been complaining about excessive oil consumption on their MKV GR Supra, with “engine oil at minimum level” warning at barely 1500 miles from the previous service. Dealerships dismissed any possibility of excessive cylinder wall scoring and external leaks in the case. Also, a document from BMW suggests that it is normal for its B-series of engines with low mileage to consume around 1 liter of engine oil every 1500 miles.
- Steering- Steering wheel malfunction is one of the common problems on the Toyota GR Supra as officially reported by NHTSA. Owners complain about the steering wheel vibrating and even pulling the car to one side while driving, which comes in as a serious compromise to safety. The issue was diagnosed to be with the power steering motor which was replaced under warranty. Faulty/ bent tie rods in some initial batches are also said to have been affecting the car's steerability and stability, which was taken care of under a recall (NHTSA ID-20V355000) initiated by the automaker.
- Service brakes- The main service brake losing assist is one complaint that has been officially recognized by the NHTSA. In an isolated case the owner complained about the Toyota GR Supra completely losing braking assistance while on the freeway. As quoted by the owner, he had to “stand on the brakes” to bring the car to halt. This is something that has come to the notice of the automaker that has already started a recall (NHTSA ID-21V598000) to fix this issue. No crashes were reported against this complaint though. Premature brake rotor wear that causes juddering when braking is also one issue to know about on the A90 GR Supra as stated by owners.
Electric System Complaints
- Infotainment system- A few A90 Toyota GR Supra have complained about the infotainment system getting stuck at the “loading” screen while accessing onboard navigation. Although this issue was expected to be resolved with the firmware update recall (NHTSA ID- 19V684000), the issue continues to persist. As stated, at least two owners have had to replace the head unit to fix this issue.
Structural Complaints
- Wind buffeting noise- Not an issue to be concerned about, but multiple owners have complained about deafening levels of wind buffeting noise on the GR Supra when driven with the windows rolled down. Drivers seem to be completely cut off from sounds approaching traffic or even horns when driven with the windows rolled down. This issue, even pointed out by many popular automotive media, was unable to fetch any official statements from the automaker’s side.
- Rattles/ vibrations- Many owners have pointed out the improper fitment of cabin materials and panels on the new GR Supra with rattles coming from mainly inside the door panels, seat belt mounting points, and trunk area. Users are left to their own as official support in this issue has been meek. Owners have also complained about noises coming from the central tunnel when engaging “Park” or “Drive” but were later dismissed as a characteristic mechanical engagement sound.
Safety Complaints
- Wheel speed sensor- A pretty common issue on the Toyota GR Supra that has been inherited from BMW. Multiple owners have been complaining about faulty wheel speed sensors which have caused the CEL, ABS, and stability control warnings to light up on the dashboard. One owner even complained about the car going into limp mode on the occurrence of this issue. Changing the faulty ABS sensor is said to be the only way out of this and users have complained about one sensor going bad after the other in a short time.
The following table only lists official complaints that are recognized by the NHTSA. The number does vary drastically in reality with unofficial forums listing out several common problems with this coupe.
Category |
Number of complaints |
---|---|
Fuel and Propulsion System |
0 |
Engine/ Powertrain |
2 |
Safety |
0 |
Service brakes |
3 |
Electrical |
1 |
Structural |
8 |
2022 Toyota GR Supra Recalls
Being a BMW Z4 at heart, the relatively high number of recalls the Toyota GR Supra has clocked in this short time comes as no surprise to nobody. Taking a closer look, we realize that all these recalls in the name of this coupe have been initiated by BMW with Toyota acting as a mere intermediate. The last recall on this vehicle was in August 2021 but the way things have been with BMW, we still expect something to come up as the car is only in its third running model year.
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
2nd August 2021 |
21V598000 |
Loss of braking assist |
During engine start, the engine management system may cause a loss of braking assist which can increase the risk of a crash. |
2 |
21st July 2021 |
21V554000 |
Passenger seat belt malfunction |
During a crash, the passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor system may not work as intended increasing the risk of injury. |
3 |
12th November 2020 |
20V700000 |
The fuel tank weld may fail |
The joint between the fuel tank halves may be insufficiently welded which may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of fire. |
4 |
27th August 2020 |
20V516000 |
Horizontal headlamp adjustment possible |
If headlamps do get adjusted horizontally, it increases glare and reduces visibility on oncoming drivers, and also reduces visibility to the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash. |
5 |
15th July 2020 |
20V355000 |
The steering gear tie rod may become damaged |
A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle control and handling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
6 |
27th November 2019 |
19V850000 |
Loss of headlight function |
The headlight control unit may fail, causing the loss of one or both headlights, increasing the risk of a crash. |
7 |
27th September 2019 |
19V684000 |
No backup camera display image |
The display settings can be adjusted such that the rear-view image is no longer visible and retain the setting for the future, increasing the risk of a crash |
8 |
12th September 2019 |
19V653000 |
Improperly welded seat belt guide loop mount |
In the event of a crash, the mount could become damaged and the seatbelt may not properly restrain the driver, increasing the risk of injury. |
The year 2022 has seen no recalls on the Toyota GR Supra as well as on its competitors like the 2022 Audi TT, 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman, and the 2022 Ford Mustang coupe. The 718 Cayman and the TT have no recalls on their name since 2020 making them one of the best performing sporty coupes here. In contrast, the Mustang has over 3 recalls while the GR Supra has almost 5 recalls in the same period.
Component Affected |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Safety |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Exterior |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Electric |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
Interior |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Drive System |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Fuel System |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Engine |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Which Toyota GR Supra model year should you avoid?
As enthusiasts, we all belong to the group of people who would never say no to a Toyota Supra. However, things have changed in recent times disappointingly, and the Supra has become more of a choice that needs a second thought. Even though the number of official complaints on the new GR Supra has been low, the forums have been piling up with consumer complaints and the car is in no shortage of recalls as well. If we were to suggest, the 2020 model year will strictly be out of our recommendation list.
Should you buy a used Toyota GR Supra?
If the A80 Supra from the late 90s depicted what Toyota is capable of, the new generation A90 Toyota GR Supra showcases what they couldn’t. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you should know that you are buying a BMW in Toyota clothing and with it, brings along all the niggles the former brand is known for. We are not trying to defame the car here, but recommending this car as a Toyota product would be us doing wrong. That said, if you are looking for a relatively affordable sports coupe that goes quick, handles great, and has a legendary “name” backing it up, then you would not get disappointed.