1997 Toyota Previa
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 74 |
| 1992 | 35 |
| 1993 | 41 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100629
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100310
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100310
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
SEAT BELT OUT OF ORDER. YH
NHTSA ODI report, 19990823
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
EXHAUST PIPE FAILED. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 19990730
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CONTINUOUSL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BREATHER PLUG TO PREVENT SUCH OIL LOSS.
Campaign 97V056000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Toyota Previa — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V056000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Toyota Previa reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Previa?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Previa have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.