Toyota Previa Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 5, 2016 · 54 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Toyota Previa, across 5 model years (1995–2001). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (30). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Toyota Previa
TOYOTA PREVIA (XR50) China. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 1995, with 30 complaints
1995: 301995301996: 111996111997: 9199791998: 1199812001: 320013

n = 54 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Toyota Previa years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Previa year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1995 Previa: 30 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 1996 Previa: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 1997 Previa: 9 complaints, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Toyota Previa problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling1220
Vehicle Speed Control1034
Air Bags816
Service Brakes, Hydraulic841
Seat Belts740
Tires421
Visibility430
Equipment220
Fuel System, Gasoline220
Structure220
Suspension220
Electrical System110
Fuel System, Other110
Interior Lighting110
Latches/locks/linkages110

All Toyota Previa model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2001 Previa30—Seat Belts
1998 Previa10—Visibility
1997 Previa91—Engine and Engine Cooling
1996 Previa110—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years
1995 Previa300—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years

More from Toyota: all Toyota models · Toyota VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota Previa years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (30) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Previa year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Toyota Previa?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 12 complaints across 2 model years.

How many recalls does the Toyota Previa have?

1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.