Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 64/100 (GOOD)

2021 Toyota Supra Reliability Report

The 2021 Toyota Supra rates good but trails other 2021 sedans, with a recall repair waiting on parts and early oil use leading owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

27.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$526

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,450–$2,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity60/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact63/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good but sits among the weaker Supra years, with electrical recall delays and early oil consumption standing out in owner complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
ENGINE (4)
STEERING (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2021 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (J29/DB).

Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
5th generation Supra (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2019: Fifth generation (J29/DB) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (J29/DB).

Should You Buy the 2021 Toyota Supra?

Good is the standing, yet this is one of the weaker Supra years. It rates below average against other 2021 sedans and ranks among the weaker of seven scored Supra years. The 2020 rates about the same. The 2022 rates better, but its single complaint mostly reflects less time on the road.

Electrical trouble leads the complaints. Owners describe waiting on a recall repair that dealers cannot finish because the part is unavailable. Some disconnect the battery or park outside to reduce fire risk, and federal recall records include one park-outside recall. Others report the engine failing to restart after automatic shutoff with a "starter system fault" message. Oil consumption starts early, between 1,200 and 5,800 miles, and owners say dealers only top off. Two brake complaints describe sudden loss of braking power while slowing, and one involved a crash.

Ask for proof that every recall repair is done, and whether any are still waiting on parts. Ask for oil top-off history and any dealer consumption test. Have the brakes and steering inspected before buying.

Compared to the 2022 Toyota Supra, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Toyota Supra for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Well-established generation
+Only 19 complaints reported

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several reports describe waiting on a recall repair that dealers cannot... (7 complaints)
−Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2021 Toyota Supra With

2021 Ford Mustang

Reliability: 54/100

Mixed

2021 Dodge Challenger

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2021 BMW 4 Series

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Porsche 911

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
ENGINE (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Supra. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

27.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Toyota Supra Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Supra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0560002026-01-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

Consequence

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 27, 2026. Owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

25V6360002025-09-23Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Consequence

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.

21V5980002021-08-02

ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Consequence

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Toyota Supra? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota Supra, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Toyota Supra NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Front Passenger)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota SupraRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$526

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–28 MPG

Running cost: $3,000–$3,300/yr

Fuel + repair

22–25 city / 30–32 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
GR Supra 2.0L 4-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	25	32	28	$2,450
GR Supra 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	30	25	$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Toyota Supra.

Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm every open recall has been completed, not just scheduled.
Compare the odometer reading against a vehicle history report and service records for mileage discrepancies.
Ask for oil top-off records and check the dipstick or oil level display for low oil.
Brake firmly from 40 mph and confirm strong pedal assist with no ABS chatter or skidding.
Have a mechanic inspect both tie rods for bends, cracks, or play before purchase.
Run the heater at several temperature settings and confirm both sides blow equally warm air without fogging.
Pull away from a full stop several times and watch for a multi-second hesitation before acceleration.
Let auto engine stop shut the engine off at a light and confirm it restarts cleanly every time.

2021 Toyota Supra Common Problems by Component

19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)ENGINE (4)STEERING (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)POWER TRAIN (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Several reports describe waiting on a recall repair that dealers cannot complete because the part is unavailable. While they wait, owners describe disconnecting the battery or parking outside to reduce fire risk. Separate reports describe the engine failing to restart after automatic shutoff with a "starter system fault" message, a low beam headlight that fails suddenly, and erratic throttle after a cold-start reverse on a slope. In that case the pedal does nothing at first, then the car surges. One filing reports an odometer discrepancy found on a history report.

7 complaints total

ENGINE

4 complaints

Oil consumption at low mileage is the main pattern. Owners report needing to add a quart within the first few thousand miles, with oil warnings on the dash and dealers offering no fix beyond topping off. One car was put through a dealer oil consumption test. Some owners changed oil far earlier than the 10,000-mile interval to keep up. One report instead concerns a recall repair that has not been done, with the owner saying the remedy is still unavailable and Toyota refused a rental car.

4 complaints total

STEERING

2 complaints

Loss of control at very low speed is the common thread. One report describes the driver's side tie rod breaking in half while backing out of a garage at 1 mph, with the dealer refusing warranty coverage and quoting a $5000+ repair. Another describes the wheel jerking side to side with uncommanded acceleration during a slow turn, following ongoing brake noise and a "STOP DRIVING" brake warning. Both carry a real risk of losing control.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Climate control faults and hesitation when pulling away make up these reports. A faulty blend door actuator sends cold air to the driver's side and warm air to the passenger side, and the windows fog, a visibility hazard in winter. Separately, the car hesitates when pulling away from a stop into traffic, crawls for 3-4 seconds, then accelerates normally. Dealers could not find a cause after repeated visits, and no warning lights appear.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Braking power drops off unexpectedly while slowing for stopped traffic. One report describes the anti-lock system engaging at low speed, the car skidding and failing to slow, and a rear-end crash in which the air bags did not deploy. Another describes the brake pedal suddenly losing assist with no warning lights, forcing the driver to swerve and press hard on the pedal. Both describe a real collision risk, and one of the 2 complaints involves a crash.

2 complaints total1 crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2025-06-01

My fuel tank is leaking fuel. I noticed a spot underneath my car in my driveway that is made out of rock and you can smell the fuel. The check engine light is always on and the fuel tank loses mileage and fuel on the telemeter without even driving the vehicle.

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2022-10-16

After a cold start, the vehicle will have sluggish/hesitant acceleration from a dead stop initially while trying to pull out of an intersection after the brakes have been applied. This has occurred several times and other owners have reported similar issues. Additionally, under rare situations the vehicle will shift into neutral and shut off when encountering this problem (other owners have also reported a similar problem).

When Do 2021 Toyota Supra Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,200–5,800 milesExcessive engine oil consumption

Best & Worst Toyota Supra Years

Best Toyota Supra Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Good

2021

(Current Model)

5Recalls

19Complaints

See full Toyota Supra years-to-avoid analysis

Toyota Supra Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Supra reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2020	63/100	Good
2021	64/100	Good
2022	68/100	Good
2023	69/100	Good
2024	73/100	Good
2025	78/100	Good
2026	78/100	Good

Toyota Supra Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	78/100	0	Good	0	0
2025	78/100	+5	Good	0	0
2024	73/100	+4	Good	0	1
2023	69/100	+1	Good	2	5
2022	68/100	+4	Good	2	1
2021(selected)	64/100	+1	Good	5	19
2020	63/100	—	Good	8	15

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Supra reliable?

It has a good reliability standing, but it is one of the weaker Supra years. Against other 2021 sedans it rates below average. Owner complaints center on electrical problems, early oil consumption, brakes, and steering. Independent repair-cost data puts model-wide annual repairs at $526.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Supra?

Electrical issues are the largest group, with 7 of 19 complaints. They include recall repairs delayed by missing parts, a failed restart after automatic shutoff, and a sudden low beam headlight failure. Engine oil consumption is next, followed by brake and steering complaints.

Does the 2021 Toyota Supra use too much oil?

Some owners say so. Complaints describe needing to add a quart within the first few thousand miles, with problems starting between 1,200 and 5,800 miles. Dash oil warnings appeared, and dealers offered no fix beyond topping off. Some owners changed oil well before the 10,000-mile interval.

Does the 2021 Toyota Supra have recalls?

Federal records list 5 recalls. They cover the electrical system (2), engine, seat belts, and gasoline fuel system. One is a park-outside recall because of fire risk. Some owners report the repair parts were unavailable, so ask the seller whether each repair is done.

Is the 2021 Toyota Supra better than the 2022?

The 2022 rates better, with 1 complaint and 2 recalls against 19 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2021. That gap partly reflects time on the road, since newer years have had less time to collect complaints. The 2020 rates about the same as the 2021.

Don’t buy a 2021 Toyota Supra without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Toyota Supra

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Toyota Supra does best on how many systems draw complaints (80/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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