1996 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 1996 Toyota Previa problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Toyota Previa 1996 based on complaints from owners:
- Rattling Sound When Idling: A rattling sound is commonly heard when the engine is running on idle. This noise is typically caused by a loose crankshaft pulley bolt. In some cases, the bolt can be removed, treated with a thread locker, and reinstalled. If the thread is too worn, a replacement bolt may be necessary.
- Stalling: The vehicle is reported to stall very regularly and idle roughly. This problem is often associated with a faulty mass airflow sensor, which may require replacement.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling can lead to emission failures during MOT tests. This issue is attributed to exhaust valve problems, where the valves may have been knocked out of place or become too tight. Replacement valves are needed to address this issue.
- Engine Misfire: Owners have experienced constant engine misfiring, which is commonly caused by a faulty fuel safety cut-off system. Resolving this issue involves replacing the entire system.
- Excessive Tyre Wear: The Previa is known for wearing down tires quickly, with estimates ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Monitoring tire tread depth is crucial, and if there are signs of excessive wear, affected tires should be replaced promptly.
- Turbo Failure: Turbo problems are indicated by a whistling noise from the top of the engine or a lack of power. If the turbo has failed, a replacement is necessary, although it can be costly.
- Suspension Problems: The rear track control arm is prone to failure, leading to a knocking noise from the suspension area when driving over rough surfaces. Replacing the rear track control arm resolves this issue.
- Loose Arm Rests: Arm rests in the Previa are known to become loose over time, causing them to fall back down instead of staying in place. Replacing the arm rests is the solution to this problem.
- Oxygen Sensor Failure: A failed oxygen sensor triggers the engine management warning light on the dashboard and results in higher fuel consumption. Replacing the oxygen sensor is necessary to address these issues.
These common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Previa 1996 highlight various issues ranging from engine performance to suspension and tire wear. Addressing these concerns promptly can help maintain the vehicle's reliability and performance.
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.
1996 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seat belts problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Toyota Previa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Toyota Previa complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Toyota Previa.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-19
- VIN: JTDKB20U663
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING AND GO OFF AND ON. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON TILL I TURNED THE POWER OFF IN THE CAR AND RE-STARTED THE CAR. MY HUSBAND HAS INSTALLED NEW HEADLIGHTS TWICE BUT THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN GREENVILLE, NC AND THEY TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I CONTINUE TO ONLY HAVE ONE HEADLIGHT TO DRIVE WITH, THE LEFT OR RIGHT, I USUALLY START OUT WITH BOTH ON AND THEN ONE WILL GO OUT. I AM VERY SCARED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT. I CALLED THE TOYOTA 1-800 NUMBER TO ASK FOR ADVICE BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND TO TAKE MY CAR TO A TOYOTA GARAGE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT3GK12MXT1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, THE STERING COLUMN BECAME VERY HOT. RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE TOTALING DESTROYED BY FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-26
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3GK12M2T1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AT 65MPH WHEN THE VAN STARTED INCREASING IN SPEED FOR NO REASON,SPEED SHOT UP TO 100MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS AND TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL COULD BARELY SLOW IT DOWN ,UPON PULLING THE HAND BRAKE IT DID SLOW IT DOWN TO AROUND 40MPH AT WHICH TIME MY WIFE JUMPED OUT AND THE VAN WENT DOWN INTO A DITCH AND WAS STOPPED BY A CHAIN LINK FENCE WHICH IT WAS STILL TRYING TO GO THREW, SHE RAN DOWN TO THE VAN AND SHUT THE KEY OFF.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
- VIN: JT3GK12M712
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SLIDING DOOR MALFUNCTION.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: JT3HN86ROTO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAKE NOISE. QCAW
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-09
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TOP RACK SEPARATED FROM THE CAR SENDING ITEMS ON TOP INTO TRAFFIC.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-17
- VIN: JT36K12M8T1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MIDDLE RIGHT BENCH SEAT LAP BELT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST DUE TO ITS DESIGN.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: JT3GK13M6T1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SLIDE/SIDE DOOR WINDOW FAILED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JT3GP10V1T0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LOCKS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JT3GP10V1T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-06
- VIN: JT3GK13M8T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY OR FLAT SURFACE ROADS ABOUT 30 MPH AND UP, WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IS HARD TO STOP AND FEELS A BIG VIBRATION LIKE A KICK BACK. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-10
- VIN: JT3GK12M4T0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SPEED SENSOR FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: JT3GK13M3T1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-09
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-09
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: POOR AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR PERFORMANCE/NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-09
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-06
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE MISALIGNED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-06
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-09
- VIN: JT3GK12M1T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES, HAS ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES . *AK CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF HIS CAR, CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AT ALL, THEN CONSUMER HAD TO MANEUVER TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO APPLY BRAKE BUT NO RESPONSE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER HIT A SAMLL CANAL AND NOW ENGINE WILL NOT RUN WATER WAS IN FUEL C ANISTER DEALER REPLACED FUEL CANISTER AND PURGED FUEL TANK..*JB
Negative 1996 Toyota Previa car reviews
Positive 1996 Toyota Previa car reviews
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This 1996 Previa van still looks good in 2002. It has plenty of space and gets good mileage. The ALLTRAC system works great in the snow and rain. It's a van with great handling and a short turning radius.
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Our Previa is an excellent van. We've had it for over six years and it's still going strong. While the gas mileage is low, the AWD is excellent in the winter. Overall, it's a terrific van!
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This is by far the easiest vehicle we have ever maintained! We have owned 8 different vehicles over the past 25 years, and this one has required no major repairs. We have kept up with regular oil changes and tire changes.
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Excellent car! It may be a little underpowered, but it has a 4-speed automatic overdrive which can be manually turned off on the shift column. So when going uphill, I take it out of overdrive and the car is fine. I do regular oil changes and tire rotations, but nothing else. I will finally put in new plugs (at 145,000!) and new brake pads. This car is very reliable.
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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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Toyota Previa problems:
1996 Toyota Previa Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
Top 1996 Toyota Previa Problems · Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Vehicle ...
Q&A: Toyota Previa 1996 Overheating Problem - Solutions & Fixes
Mar 18, 2012 ... As a test remove the thermostat and install just the gasket. This will give you maximum flow through the system. If it still continues to ...
'91 Previa Common Issues? | Toyota Nation Forum
Oct 18, 2015 ... '91 Previa Common Issues? · 1. Head gasket. If your headgasket survives, a previa could last you hundreds of thousands of miles more. · 2.
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 ...
Common Toyota Previa Problems: Head Gasket Issues Explained
Sep 27, 2015 ... Why does Toyota previas have so many head gasket problems? - Answered by a verified Toyota Mechanic.
Other years of Toyota Previa
Are you having problems with your 1996 Toyota Previa?
Tommie McKenzie 2024-09-03
I purchased this van from Royal, the local Toyota dealer in Oneonta NY. He mentioned that it was his wife's car and had 42,000 miles on it. Although I asked to see the service records, he only allowed me to view them and didn't provide copies. In hindsight, I should have been more cautious. After bringing the car home, I noticed some paint overspray and realized that it had been in an accident that he didn't disclose. It was probably nothing serious, but when I brought it up to him, he seemed surprised that I was questioning his honesty. If you're considering buying the van, I would suggest skipping the dealer.
Dejuan Bradtke 2024-04-15
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share our experience with this vehicle we purchased used a couple of years ago with 33K miles on it. We've put 87K miles on it since then and it's still going strong! While we've had a few minor issues that come with age, such as shocks, rattles, and sensors, we haven't had any major problems. Of course, it seems like it always needs something these days that requires a trip to the shop, but overall we're happy with it.