1992 Toyota Previa problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Previa year — the 1992 model ranks #4 of 10 Previa years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), transmission (4), and latches & locks (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
39
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other Previa years?
What are the most common 1992 Toyota Previa problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7 | 18% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 10% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN, WILL COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER TRIES TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BURN , INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK”
“FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN . TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE BECAUSE CONSUMER HAD TO SLIDE ACROSS THE SEAT TO GET OUT. *AK”
“THE AUXILLIARY DRIVESHAFT IS MAKING NOISE. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR CHECK UP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DEALER SUGGESTS THAT VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN. *AK ”
“WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES HIT EACH OTHER AND CRUMPLE UP CAUSING RIGHT BLADE TO STOP OPERATING; RESULTS ZERO VISIBILITY ON LEFT SIDE. TT *JB”
“WHILE DRIVING EXHAUST SYSTEM WOULD MAKE LOUD/HORRIBLE/RATTLING NOISES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT FLEX TUBE WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. IT WAS ALSO AFFECTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER & BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK”
1992 Toyota Previa — common questions
Is the 1992 Toyota Previa reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 1992 model at #4 of 10 Previa years. It is one of the Previa years to avoid.
What are the most common 1992 Previa problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), latches & locks (4 complaints).
Does the 1992 Toyota Previa have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Toyota Previa.
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.