Defect
FAILURE OF A SPECIFIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN THE RADIOS CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
REPAIR THE RADIO.
1991 Toyota Previa problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 92 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Previa year — the 1991 model ranks #1 of 10 Previa years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (22), electrical system (12), and body & structure (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
92
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Previa years?
What are the most common 1991 Toyota Previa problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 22 | 24% | new |
| Electrical System | 12 | 13% | new |
| Engine | 8 | 9% | new |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 9% | new |
| Brakes | 7 | 8% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | new |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | new |
| Transmission | 4 | 4% | new |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | new |
Does the 1991 Toyota Previa have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENTS ARE SUBJECT TO PREMATURE FAILURE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO FUNCTION UNDER HIGH LOAD LEVELS.
Consequence
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL AND CEASEOPERATION ENTIRELY, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW WIPER MOTORS, CERTAIN WIPER ARM COMPONENTS, AND RETORQUE THE WIPER ARM PIVOT.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER NOTICED A SCREW MOLDED INT0 THE WINDOW WAS BROKEN ON REAR WINDOW SIDE, BEHIND DRIVER. BELIEVED THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE WINDOW COLLAPSING IF ENOUGH WIND PRESSURE IS APPLIED. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS WAS A SAFETY FACTOR AND WANTED ON RECORD/ DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK”
“CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE RADIO. CAR WAS TOTALED. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE RADIO. CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. 93V-147. *AK”
“WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER'S CHILD OPENED THE DOOR TO LET THE PET IN AND THE DOOR FELL COMPLETELY OFF. MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE DOOR IS NOW TIED ON.*AK”
“1991 TOYOTA PREVIA AND DRIVER NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. DRIVER PULLED OVER WHERE HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-90-0947. *JB”
“ABS:BECAUSE OF SIZE OF DRIVER'S FEET (15 AAA), CAUSES OVERLAP OF THE FOOT GOING TO BRAKE PEDAL FROM GAS PEDAL;FOOT HIT GAS PEDAL;POWER OF ENGINE OVERTOOK BRAKE.”
1991 Toyota Previa — common questions
Is the 1991 Toyota Previa reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 92 complaints put the 1991 model at #1 of 10 Previa years. It is one of the Previa years to avoid.
What are the most common 1991 Previa problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (22 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints).
Does the 1991 Toyota Previa have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Toyota Previa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 Toyota Previa under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Previa years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Previa years to avoid are 1991, 1993, 1995, 1992. The cleanest record among Previa years belongs to 1998.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.