The 2006 Toyota Supra doesn't exist — Toyota ended Supra production in 2002 (A80 chassis). If you mean a 1993-1998 2JZ-GTE Supra still on the road in 2006, or you're asking about a modified/imported vehicle, the problems below reflect the actual A80 Supra platform with its legendary but aging 3.0L 2JZ-GTE inline-six turbo engine.
Blown Head Gasket (2JZ-GTE, stock boost)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Milky oil or bubbles in coolant reservoir
Fix: Factory multi-layer-steel head gasket is marginal even at stock 14 psi boost. Replace with OEM Toyota gasket and ARP head studs while engine is apart. Requires head removal, milling for flatness check, new bolts/studs. 12-16 labor hours if no machine work needed, 20+ if head needs surfacing or valve job.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500
Automatic Transmission Failure (A340E)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 upshift, Slipping under throttle, Burnt ATF smell or dark fluid, No movement in any gear
Fix: A340E is weak behind 320 hp 2JZ-GTE, especially if ever tuned. Rebuild requires full trans removal, clutch pack replacement, valve body rebuild, new torque converter. 10-14 hours labor. Many owners swap to manual (R154) instead. Standalone rebuild: 12 hours. Manual swap: 18-24 hours plus parts sourcing.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,000
Fuel Pump Failure (in-tank)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Stumble or cut-out under hard acceleration above half-tank, No-start with crank but no fuel pressure, Whining noise from rear seat area, Limp mode or intermittent stalling
Fix: OEM Denso pump fails from age and ethanol fuel. Requires fuel tank drop on these cars — not a hatch-access job. Replace pump assembly, sock filter, and rubber fuel lines while tank is down. 4-6 hours labor. Many upgrade to Walbro 255 for $200 more if planning any power mods.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Turbo Failure (CT12 twins, 3.0L)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, Loss of boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, Loud whistling or grinding from engine bay, Oil consumption increases significantly
Fix: Sequential twin turbos suffer shaft wear and seal failure. Requires upper intake manifold removal, heat shield work, and exhaust disassembly. OEM replacement is expensive; most go single-turbo or upgraded twins. Stock twin swap: 14-18 hours. Single-turbo conversion: 20-28 hours plus custom piping and tuning.
Estimated cost: $3,500-8,000
Transmission and Differential Mounts
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on takeoff or throttle tip-in, Vibration through shifter or center console, Excessive driveline movement visible from underneath
Fix: Rubber mounts deteriorate and tear. Transmission mount is accessible, 1.5-2 hours. Differential carrier bushings require subframe drop or diff removal, add 3-4 hours. Many install polyurethane replacements for longevity (firmer ride). Common to do both at once.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Engine Harness Deterioration
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Check engine light with multiple random codes, Intermittent misfire or rough idle, Fuel injector or ignition coil codes that don't resolve with part replacement, Engine starts then dies, or long crank
Fix: 1990s Toyota insulation becomes brittle and cracks, especially in engine bay heat. Wires short to each other or chassis. Proper fix is harness replacement or professional re-wrap/re-pin. DIY re-wrap: 8-12 hours. New aftermarket harness: 6-8 hours install. OEM NLA, used JDM or reman required.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start, cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling while driving (dangerous), Tachometer drops to zero while running, P0335 or P0340 codes
Fix: CPS located behind timing belt covers. Sensor fails from heat cycles. Requires partial timing cover removal. If you're in there, smart to do timing belt, water pump, and cam/crank seals at same time unless recently done. CPS alone: 3 hours. Full timing service: 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $300-600 (sensor only), $1,200-2,000 (with timing belt service)
Iconic platform with bulletproof 2JZ block, but 20+ year-old examples demand deep pockets for deferred maintenance and aging rubber/seals — budget $3k-5k first year if buying neglected; well-maintained examples with records are worth the premium.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.