1994 Toyota Previa problems
The Toyota Previa, also known as the Toyota Estima (Japanese: トヨタ・エスティマ, Hepburn: Toyota Esutima) in Japan, and Toyota Tarago in Australia, is a minivan that was produced by Toyota from 1990 until October 2019 across three generations.
The name "Previa" is derived from the Spanish for "preview", as Toyota saw the first Previa as a vehicle that would preview technologies used in future minivans. The Previa was the second largest minivan in Toyota's lineup in Japan after the bigger and more luxurious Alphard/Vellfire.
First generation (XR10/XR20; 1990)
The first generation, designed by Toyota designer Tokuo Fukuichi and Calty designer David Doyle in 1987 (patent filed 24 December 1987), was introduced on 27 January 1990, and had only one sliding side door for the rear passengers. It featured a mid-engined platform, where the inline-four cylinder gasoline-powered engine was installed almost flat (at a 75-degree angle), beneath the front seats.
Installing the engine in this configuration allowed moderately easy access to the spark plugs, which were located underneath a panel on the mid right-side of the vehicle, after removing the front right seat, the carpet and an access panel.
All of the engine-driven accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor and radiator fan, are accessible from the front hood and are driven by an accessory driveshaft on the front of the engine. This method received the name Supplemental Accessory Drive System, or "SADS". Placing these items in front allowed the designers to achieve an even front/rear weight distribution, which benefits ride quality and handling. However, it also prevented the installation of a larger engine, and meant that the design and development costs could not be mitigated by sharing the platform with other vehicles.
The first generation Previa was 4,750 mm (187.0 in) long and 1,800 mm (70.9 in) wide. In Japan, two smaller versions, the Toyota Estima Lucida and Toyota Estima Emina, were produced from January 1992, which were approximately 110 mm (4.3 in) narrower and 70 mm (2.8 in) shorter than the standard model. The original design continued to be sold in Japan, but became known as the "wide-body" Estima.
The reason that the smaller Emina and Lucida models were developed is the vehicle tax system in Japan, which is based on the product of the length and width of the car; the smaller variants fall into a lower tax band. The Estima Emina and Estima Lucida were also available with a 2.2-liter diesel engine (3C-T and 3C-TE). In Japan, the Estima and Estima Emina were exclusive to the dealerships called Toyota Store. The Estima Lucida sold at Toyota Corolla Store dealerships. The two received small redesigns in 1994 and a facelift in 1996.
The first generation Previa was available in both rear- and all-wheel drive versions (called All-Trac) and powered by a 135 PS (99 kW) JIS four-cylinder 2.4-liter fuel injection engine. Available with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox, this Previa also seated seven or eight people, with three seating configurations offered (North America only received the seven passenger configurations, however).
All configurations have a driver and front passenger seat forward, and a three-seat bench seat at the rear that splits and folds flat against the sides of the cabin. The eight-seat configuration contains a 2/1 split swiveling bench seat in the middle row, while the seven-seat configurations contain either two independently swiveling captain's chairs (referred to as "Quad Seating"), in the middle row or a two-seat bench offset towards the driver's side. The third row is better upholstered in the seven-seat version.
The Previa was available with either four-wheel disc brakes or traditional front disc/rear drum brake setup, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) as an option.
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Common 1994 Toyota Previa problems
The Toyota Previa, produced from 1990 to 2000, is known for its reliability and durability. However, as with any vehicle, there are common problems that owners have reported. This article will focus on the 1994 Toyota Previa and its most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints.
- Sudden Unintended Acceleration: This is the most reported problem for the 1995 Toyota Previa, but it can also be a concern for the 1994 model.
- Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System: This issue is not specific to the 1994 Previa, but it is a common problem for this model.
- Starting Problems: Some owners of the 1994 Previa have reported issues with starting the vehicle, particularly during the first start of the day.
- Head Gasket Problems: Head gasket problems are a common issue for the 1994 Toyota Previa, with some owners reporting problems after paying for a head gasket job.
- Age-Related Problems: As with any vehicle, the 1994 Toyota Previa can experience age-related problems due to its age. These problems can include worn-out suspension components, leaking seals, and electrical issues. The cost to fix these problems can vary, depending on the specific issue, but it can range from $100 to $1,000.
In conclusion, while the 1994 Toyota Previa is known for its reliability and durability, there are common problems that owners have reported. These problems can include sudden unintended acceleration, failed emissions tests due to blocked EGR systems, starting problems, head gasket problems, and age-related issues. The cost to fix these problems can vary, depending on the specific issue, but it can range from $100 to $2,000.
What is the common problem of Toyota Previa?
A common issue on the Previa is for the arm rests to become loose. When they become very loose, they will not stand up when you try to move them out of the way. Instead they will fall straight back down.
Is Toyota Previa a reliable car?
I have owned 2 Previa's and I put 180,000 miles on the first one and more than 200,000 on the second one which I still drive every day. Both were extremely reliable and other than a battery, brakes, tires and oil changes, you'll never have to worry about anything. I wish they still made them today.
How long can a Toyota Previa last?
It's a great car,very reliable, durable, dependable and are known to last at least 300,000 miles on same tranny and engine.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Previa?
The Previa was considered too small and too underpowered to compete with the much bigger and cheaper Chrysler minivans, and so Toyota stopped selling it in the United States and went to the very competent but basically unoriginal Sienna.
What is the common problem of Toyota Previa?
A common issue on the Previa is for the arm rests to become loose. When they become very loose, they will not stand up when you try to move them out of the way. Instead they will fall straight back down.
Is Toyota Previa a reliable car?
I have owned 2 Previa's and I put 180,000 miles on the first one and more than 200,000 on the second one which I still drive every day. Both were extremely reliable and other than a battery, brakes, tires and oil changes, you'll never have to worry about anything. I wish they still made them today.
How long can a Toyota Previa last?
It's a great car,very reliable, durable, dependable and are known to last at least 300,000 miles on same tranny and engine.
Why did they stop making Toyota Previa?
The Previa was considered too small and too underpowered to compete with the much bigger and cheaper Chrysler minivans, and so Toyota stopped selling it in the United States and went to the very competent but basically unoriginal Sienna.
1994 Toyota Previa car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Previa problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Toyota Previa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Toyota Previa complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Toyota Previa.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- VIN: JT3AC14R2R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT IT SMELLED STRANGE. I PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO BACK UP WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SPIDERWEBBING THE WINDSHIELD AND FILLING THE CABIN WITH A SMOKE THAT SMELLED INTENSELY OF THE BAD SMELL FROM BEFORE. THERE WAS NO COLLISION NOR EVEN CONTACT WITH ANY THING ELSE BY THE VEHICLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT3AC23S3S1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE CATCHES ON FIRE DUE TO OIL LEAK. MANUFACTURER DESIGNED INHERENT FLAWS. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER HA A PROBLEM WITH RIGHT SIDE SLIDING VAN DOOR HANDLE. UPON PULLING OPEN THE DOOR HANDLE IT BROKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP FOR REPAIR BUT DUE TO THE COST THE HANDLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE HANDLE WAS MADE OF POOR QUALITY PLASTIC THAT WAS VERY FRAGILE. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY INCIDENT WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE PLASTIC DID INJURED THE CONSUMER'S HAND WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT3AC12RXP1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: (1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND APPROACHING INTERSECTION. LIGHT TURNS YELLOW AND DRIVER DECIDED TO STOP FOR THE RED LIGHT. STOP WAS FROM SOMEWHERE AROUND 30 MPH OVER MAYBE 100 FEET. (FIGURES ARE JUST FOR REFERENCE) (2)FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: FEMALE, RECEPTACLE FOR SEAT BELT SOMEHOW BROKE AND SPLIT ITS CASING TO RELEASE THE STRAP. RESULTING IN THE 6 YEAR OLD IN BOOSTER SEAT FLYING FROM BACK SEAT INTO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND STARTS CRYING, SCARED BUT RECEIVING ONLY A BUMP ON HIS HEAD. (3) WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: HAD THE SEAT BELT LOOKED AT BY ROYAL MOORE TOYOTA IN HILLSBORRO, OR. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN BEFORE AND THAT WOULD BE $180 TO REPLACE. I DID NOT REPLACE THE SEATBELT->RECEPTACLE YET AND STILL HAVE THE BROKEN PART.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-20
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRES I HAD REPLACED BECAUSE 3 OUT OF THE FOUR TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. MR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-12
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT, AND COULD HAVE LOST STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO OPEN DOOR WITH NO WARNING SIGNS. CONSUMER STATES THAT IN AN ACCIDENT IT COULD BE DEADLY. TOYOTA FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION, FAILED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-13
- VIN: JT3AC12RXR1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I NOTICED A BUMP-BUMP-BUMP LIKE RUNNING OVER ROUGH ROAD WHEN I DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN FROM 70 TO ABOUT 55 AND THEN IT BLEW. I STILL HAVE THE LAST TIRE. TWO MONTHS AGO, A SISTER TIRE BLEW UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND WE RETURNED IT TO THE LOCAL GOODYEAR SERVICE CENTER AND THE CREDITED US SOME PART OF THE COST OF A NEW ONE (THEY SAID IT STILL HAD 15-20,000 MILES STILL LEFT IN TREAD).( DOT NUMBER: MKVF5BHR03 TIRE SIZE: P215/65R15 )
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT3AC14RXR1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY - PORTION OF THE RIGHT THUMB SEVERED
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-10
- VIN: JT3AC14R2R1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR LAP BELT ISN'T WORKING DUE TO THE CASING WITHIN THE SEAT BELT CRACKING, AND THE SEAT BELT IS CATCHING IN THE CRACK, AND WON'T COME OUT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-12
- VIN: JT3AC12R4R1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR STICKS, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE GRADUALLY. WHEN THIS OCCURS YOU MUST PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS LEADS TO THE CAR ABRUPTLY LUNGING FORWARD, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC OR TIGHT SPACES. THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE FIRST 8 MONTHS. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED, HOWEVER ITS OCCURRING AGAIN. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM ON THIS VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT3AC12R8R1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3AC12R3R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY DURING FRONTAL IMPACT, DRIVER SUSTAINED JAW BONE FRACTURE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-17
- VIN: JT3AC12R4R1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SLIDING REAR DOOR STICKS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JT3AC12R3R1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON CASING FELL APART.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
- VIN: JT3AC12R3R1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SECOND ROW PASSENGER SHOULDER/LAP BELT RELEASE BUTTON BUCKLE LOOSENED AND FELL APART, OCCUPANTS RODE UNRESTRAINED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-23
- VIN: JT4RN93P8R5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TOO LIMP. CAUSING BELT TO TWIST/FUEL OUTSIDE DOOR WHEN OPENED. *SD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LIGHT DOES NOT SHINE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE WHEN POSITION ON DIM. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-06
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ALL OFF THE REAR BENCH SEATBELTS ARE UNSAFE TO HOLD A REAR FACING CHILD SEAT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT3AC11R6R1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTED CAUSED CHILD TO BE UNCONSCIOUS AND CAPILLARIES BROKEN IN NECK AND FACE. FATHER CUT CHILD LOOSE WITH SCISSORS. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-10
- VIN: JT3AC12R1R1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SLIDE SUN ROOF FAILED. *SKD
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-20
- VIN: JT3AC12R5R1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO TOYO TIRES BLEW OUT. *SKD
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-04
- VIN: JT3AC11R9R1
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER'S AIR BAG, ALSO AIR BAG BURNED PASSENGER'S FACE AND UPPER CHEST. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-27
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL LEVER POSITIONED ON STEERING COLUMN DID NOT RESPOND TO LEVER MOVEMENTS, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
Negative 1994 Toyota Previa car reviews
Positive 1994 Toyota Previa car reviews
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I have yet to do a major repair to this van beyond replacing the starter. It has consistently been the most reliable and least expensive car we own.
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your van! It sounds like it's been a really reliable vehicle for you, even with all those miles on it. The only issue you mentioned was with the brakes, but it's great to hear that it was diagnosed and fixed. Plus, it's always a bonus to have a vehicle that gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room inside. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I love this van! Recently bought used, it's a '94 but it looks brand new. It drives that way too! It's fun to drive, has lots of pep, and loads of room. The cool fold-down seats in the back are a great feature. I love the solid feel of the drive.
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Sadly we are going to replace our Toy Previo,
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So fun! Your van has good power, spinning seats, two sunroofs, and amazing comfort. Your friends won't believe that your van was designed at the same time as their Windstars that lack headrests, adjustable seats, and their first transmissions. It's really a car you can be proud of. The space is great and the fact that you don't have to remove the seats in order to create spontaneous cargo space is awesome.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Toyota Previa problems:
1994 Toyota Previa - Rough idle, bad hesitation on acceleration ...
Jan 18, 2011 ... This problem started suddenly. Very rough idle with a repetitive cycle that is smooth for a couple of seconds then misses badly, ...
96 Previa DX suspension issues - sway bar and strut related questions
Dec 9, 2012 ... Luckily I have a great mechanic who feels my pain and doesn't rape me on parts and labor cost. Albeit, he is not a toyota previa expert. So ...
1994 Toyota Previa Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Problem with your 1994 Toyota Previa? Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1994 Toyota Previa.
Differential noise common on older Previas ? | Toyota Nation Forum
May 22, 2009 ... ... common are Previa differential problems. ... A common problem? I don't know ... Toyota Van LE, 1992 Toyota Previa, 1992 Nissan Maxima, 1994 Mazda ...
Previa Problems: Whistling and Burning Smell
Aug 14, 2014 ... 1994 Toyota Previa LE 1997 Toyota Previa LE S/C 2007 Toyota Sienna CE; Join Date: Dec 2012; Location: California; Posts: 28. Rep Power: 1 ...
Other years of Toyota Previa
Are you having problems with your 1994 Toyota Previa?
Murphy Pfeffer 2024-06-10
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with this van. I purchased it two years ago and it has been an awesome older used vehicle. I've only had to do minor maintenance and haven't had any big problems. It's been reliable in all seasons and has been a great choice for a soccer mom like me!