1997 Toyota Supra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1997 Toyota Supra — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Supra years?

Supra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Supra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota Supra problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Speed Control	1	50%	— flat
Steering	1	50%	— flat

Does the 1997 Toyota Supra have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V033000AirbagsJanuary 22, 2020 · 138,842 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WELL I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED RIGHT AND TRIED TO DECELERATION AND IT KEPT ON BUILDING UP SPEED GOT UP TO 75 ON A 35 MPH ROAD PIT IN NEUTRAL AND IT RAPIDLY INCREASED IN TACH AND RPM SO PUSHROD THE BRAKES AND PULLED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND PUT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 28, 2014

“WELL I PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED RIGHT AND TRIED TO DECELERATION AND IT KEPT ON BUILDING UP SPEED GOT UP TO 75 ON A 35 MPH ROAD PIT IN NEUTRAL AND IT RAPIDLY INCREASED IN TACH AND RPM SO PUSHROD THE BRAKES AND PULLED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND PUT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 28, 2014

1997 Toyota Supra — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota Supra reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Toyota Supra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Toyota Supra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other Supra years?

What are the most common 1997 Toyota Supra problems?

Does the 1997 Toyota Supra have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Toyota Supra — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota Supra reliable?

Does the 1997 Toyota Supra have recalls?

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