1993 Toyota Previa problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Previa year — the 1993 model ranks #2 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 (12), airbags (8), and tires & wheels (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
54
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Previa years?
What are the most common 1993 Toyota Previa problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 12 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 8 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING BRAKES WOULD MAKE SQUEAKING/SQUEALING NOISES. THE PROBLEM GETS LOUDER WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THE AUXILLIARY SHAFT NEEDED REPLACING. *AK”
“BOUGHT NEW TIRE 6/20/03 (P205/75R14, T47-SIGMA TEMPEST); TIRE BLEW OUT ON SIDE ON 6/23/03 (SERIAL #S AQ5W30/SG01120754W). CAR WENT OFF ROAD AND HIT GUARD RAIL. CAR DAMAGE TO 1993 TOYOTA PREVIA IS TOTALED. MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. *NLM”
“BOUGHT NEW TIRE 6/20/03 (P205/75R14, T47-SIGMA TEMPEST); TIRE BLEW OUT ON SIDE ON 6/23/03 (SERIAL #S AQ5W30/SG01120754W). CAR WENT OFF ROAD AND HIT GUARD RAIL. CAR DAMAGE TO 1993 TOYOTA PREVIA IS TOTALED. MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. *NLM”
“WHILE STARTING UP OUR 1993 TOYOTA PREVIA, THE RADIO AMPLIFIER UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE FIRE STOPPED. SMOKE ODORS FROM THE FIRE STILL PERSIST, AND THE AMPLIFIER WAS REMOVED. THE CIRCUIT BOARD NEAR ONE OUTPUT TRANSISTOR WAS BADLY BURNED, AND THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING BRAKES WOULD MAKE SQUEAKING/SQUEALING NOISES. THE PROBLEM GETS LOUDER WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THE AUXILLIARY SHAFT NEEDED REPLACING. *AK”
1993 Toyota Previa — common questions
Is the 1993 Toyota Previa reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 1993 model at #2 of 10 Previa years. It is one of the Previa years to avoid.
What are the most common 1993 Previa problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints).
Does the 1993 Toyota Previa have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 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.