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1997 Toyota PreviaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1997 Toyota Previa, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints92 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage119kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 29, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Toyota Previa has problems

9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling40
Vehicle speed control42
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts10
Service brakes, hydraulic11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Toyota Previa recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Driveline: differential unit

Recall 97V-056 · Apr 4, 1997 · 707 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Previa year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Previa median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Toyota Previa safety ratings

1997 Toyota Previa in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Previa owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY TOYOTA PREVIA HAD A INCIDENT WITH A STUCK ACCELERATOR. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO CONTROL AND STOP VEHICLE WITH MAXIMUM FOOT BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE POINT OF GRINDING BRAKES AND TURNING IGNITION OFF WHEN AWAY FROM OTHER TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WITH THE STUCK ACCELERATOR AND…
Complaint 10314810 · Feb 27, 2010 · 121,500 miles
ON OCT 2002, OIL IN THE ENGINE SLUDGED CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANICS WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE ENGINE TO PARTIAL WORKING ORDER. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LEAKED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND THE POWER OF THE ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. ON 8 JAN 2004, THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT…
Complaint 10052742 · Jan 9, 2004 · 116,226 miles
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 ENGINE…
Complaint 875917 · Dec 4, 2000

Own a 1997 Previa?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.