1997 Toyota Supra Reliability ReportKeepScore 88/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1997 Toyota Supra
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1996 Toyota Supra earns a 92.
- The system most likely to surface first: aging rubber & plastics (moderate severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
1997 Toyota Supra: Buy or Avoid?
The 1997 Toyota Supra stands as a legend in automotive reliability, especially its robust 2JZ-GTE engine and Getrag V160/V161 transmission, making it one of the most mechanically sound high-performance cars from its era. While age-related wear on plastics, bushings, and electrical components is inevitable, the core engineering ensures that a well-maintained example will continue to deliver exhilarating performance with minimal critical failures. This is a rare breed that offers exceptional long-term ownership if you can find an unmolested, properly cared-for specimen.
Biggest Strengths
- Indestructible 2JZ engine (both GE and GTE variants)
- Highly durable V160/V161 Getrag manual transmission
- Exceptional build quality and engineering for a 90s sports car
1997 Toyota Supra — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1997 Toyota Supra. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1997 Toyota Supra
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
What breaks on the 1997 Toyota Supra?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Toyota Supra — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Toyota Supra. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1997s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1997 Toyota Supra
Parts and accessories matched to your 1997 Toyota Supra
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Frequently Asked Questions
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