Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Toyota Supra Reliability Report
The 2021 Toyota Supra scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 19 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
5
Complaints
19
Complaint Rate
27.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$526
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,450–$2,750
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- ENGINE (4)
- STEERING (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
At 64/100, the 2021 Toyota Supra lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (J29/DB).
Its complaint rate of 27.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 16.9. The most common reports involve electrical system (7).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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 issues reported (7 complaints)
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2021 Toyota Supra With
2021 Ford Mustang
Reliability: 54/100
2021 Dodge Challenger
Reliability: 75/100
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 71/100
2021 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Porsche 911
Reliability: 58/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- ENGINE (4)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
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 soldSegment avg: 16.9
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2021 Toyota Supra? Check its history first
Every 2021 Toyota Supra has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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
Toyota SupraRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based 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.
Check for excessive engine oil consumption by inspecting oil level and consumption history
Test brakes for proper function and check for any unusual noises or warning lights
Inspect electrical system for any recall notices and verify recall repairs are completed
Test throttle response on a cold start, particularly when reversing on a slope
Inspect for any signs of fuel leakage under the vehicle
Verify odometer reading with vehicle history report to check for discrepancies
2021 Toyota Supra Common Problems by Component
19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Toyota Supra frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints about a recall involving a fire risk due to a defect in the engine starter relay. Multiple owners describe delays in obtaining the necessary parts for this recall, leaving some vehicles parked outside due to safety concerns. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle failing to restart after an automatic ignition shut-off, and issues with unpredictable throttle behavior on cold starts, particularly when reversing on a slope. These problems have been noted at various mileage levels, and the throttle issue is reported to have occurred at least 20 times for one owner over six months. Safety implications include potential fire hazards and loss of control, as one owner nearly experienced an accident due to unpredictable throttle response.
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Toyota Supra report excessive oil consumption as a prevalent issue in the engine category. Complaints frequently mention the need to add approximately one quart of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, which is significantly more frequent than the manufacturer-recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles. Typical symptoms include oil consumption warnings and the need for additional quarts of oil between changes. One owner also reports an unresolved safety recall related to the engine, with concerns about the lack of a timely remedy and no provision of a rental vehicle. These issues may affect vehicle reliability and maintenance costs for potential buyers.
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Toyota Supra report issues related to steering, with complaints highlighting severe safety concerns. One owner describes a sudden and violent autonomous steering and acceleration incident during a low-speed turn, which nearly resulted in loss of control. This event reportedly occurred after ongoing unresolved brake system issues, suggesting a potential link between the braking and steering systems. Another complaint involves a complete breakage of the driver's side tie rod while the vehicle was moving at a minimal speed, leading to a costly repair not covered under warranty. These incidents, occurring at different points in the vehicle's lifecycle, reveal potential safety risks such as loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct issues with the 2021 Toyota Supra. The first involves the blender door actuator, leading to uneven heating and cooling, with cold air blowing on the driver's side unless the heater is set to 84 degrees, which can cause visibility problems due to fogging. The second issue is a hesitation or delay in acceleration from a complete stop, where the vehicle moves at a crawl for several seconds before resuming normal acceleration. This hesitation occurs without warning lights or error messages and has been difficult for service departments to diagnose. Both issues carry potential safety implications, particularly in adverse weather conditions or in traffic situations, as described by owners. There is no specific mileage range mentioned for these issues.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Supra report issues with the vehicle's braking system, specifically mentioning problems with the anti-lock braking system and brake assist. Complaints frequently mention the brakes failing to decelerate the vehicle as expected, with one owner describing the anti-lock brakes engaging inadvertently and causing skidding, leading to a crash. Another owner reports a complete loss of brake assist without warning lights or indicators, necessitating aggressive braking to avoid an accident. These issues are reported at mileage around 13,000, and the safety implications include crashes and potential loss of control, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintMy 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 complaintAfter 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.
Best & Worst Toyota Supra Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota Supra Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Toyota Supra year is 2026 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (78/100) and 2024 (73/100).
Toyota Supra Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Supra year is 2020 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to engine (3) issues. Also avoid 2021 (64/100).
2020
2021
(Current Model)
Toyota Supra Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Supra reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 75/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Supra reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Supra?
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Supra have?
Is the 2021 Toyota Supra expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Toyota Supra without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Toyota Supra.
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