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
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 75 |
| 1992 | 36 |
| 1993 | 42 |
| 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.
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, 1999-07-30
Vehicle speed control
4 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
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, 2010-06-29
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, 2010-03-10
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Service brakes
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
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, 1999-08-23
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-04-30Power train97V056000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a modified air breather plug to prevent such oil loss.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Toyota Previa — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V056000 · Power train
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.