Used car guide

1990 Toyota Supra: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Toyota Supra first registered in 1990: we looked at the 199 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 199 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

199MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
83%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
3,200typical miles a year
26%had suspension flagged

Common 1990 Toyota Supra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Toyota Supra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    26% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    24% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    15% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Toyota Supra

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Toyota Supra?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Toyota Supra compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022277Tyres 16%
2021566Tyres 18%
2020759Tyres 17%
2019414Tyres 14%
2007169Lights and electrics 18%
2006155Lights and electrics 17%
2005280Lights and electrics 18%
2004273Suspension 18%
2003269Brakes 20%
2002138Lights and electrics 19%
2001147Lights and electrics 15%
2000144Suspension 24%
1999231Brakes 18%
1998282Suspension 22%
1997105Brakes 12%
1996116Suspension 18%
1995188Suspension 15%
1994253Lights and electrics 14%
1993227Brakes 19%
1992111Suspension 31%
1991151Brakes 31%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota Supra cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score