VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota Previa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1997 Toyota Previa — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Previa years?

Previa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted92 complaints1987: 1 complaints1991: 92 complaints1992: 39 complaints1993: 54 complaints1994: 20 complaints1995: 40 complaints1996: 16 complaints1997: 13 complaints1998: 1 complaints2001: 4 complaints
Previa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Previa years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota Previa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine538%
Speed Control431%
Brakes18%
Fuel System18%
Other18%
Seat Belts18%

Does the 1997 Toyota Previa have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V056000TransmissionApril 4, 1997 · 707 units

Defect

DUE TO A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL SEPARATOR PLATE AND THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING OF THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UNIT, OIL LEAKAGE AT THE AIR BREATHER PLUG CAN OCCUR, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED CONTINUOUSLY ABOVE 75 MILES PER HOUR.

Consequence

OIL LEAKAGE WILL RESULT IN A SUFFICIENTLY LOW OIL SUPPLY TO CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UNIT LEADING TO EVENTUAL SEIZURE OF THE UNIT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BREATHER PLUG TO PREVENT SUCH OIL LOSS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH UP HILL AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AT SHOULDER OF ROAD. VEHICLE WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY. THEN, VEHICLE OVERHEATED , AND ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULDN'T TURN OFF. COOLANT EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE. MEHCANIC SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE UNTIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 13, 2000

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA PREVIA. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE. SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND PROCEEDED TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 5, 2010 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH UP HILL AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AT SHOULDER OF ROAD. VEHICLE WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY. THEN, VEHICLE OVERHEATED , AND ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULDN'T TURN OFF. COOLANT EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE. MEHCANIC SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE UNTIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 13, 2000

“I WAS A FEW BLOCKS FROM WORK IN MY 1997 TOYOTA PREVIA WITH MY DAUGHTER. WE STARTED UP A STEEP HILL WHEN AT THE CREST MY VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 50 MPH AND INCREASING. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT AT ALL. THEN I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. I SUCCEEDED ONLY IN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 26, 2009 · crash

1997 Toyota Previa — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota Previa reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 Previa problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 1997 Toyota Previa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Toyota Previa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.