MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota Previa

○ Not enough data
1997 Toyota Previa
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:42:08.004Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Previa Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1987: 1 complaints 1987 1991: 75 complaints 1992: 36 complaints 1992 1993: 42 complaints 1994: 19 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 11 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1998 2001: 3 complaints 2001
1997: 9 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19871
199175
199236
199342
199419
199530
199611
19979
19981
20013

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.

Show complaint excerpts

CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 19990730

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show 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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
SEAT BELTS

1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

SEAT BELT OUT OF ORDER. YH

NHTSA ODI report, 19990823

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19970430 — power train

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 engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V056000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Previa have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.