1997 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 1997 Toyota Previa problems
The Toyota Previa, particularly the 1997 model, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from electrical problems to mechanical faults and transmission concerns.
- Hesitant acceleration: When the engine is cold, the acceleration of the Previa can be extremely hesitant. This issue is often caused by a failing ignition coil inside the distributor. Replacing the distributor or installing a new ignition coil can solve this problem.
- Rattling sound when idling: A rattling sound when the engine is running on idle can be caused by a loose crankshaft pulley bolt. In some cases, you can remove the bolt, apply a thread locker, and then install it again. However, if the thread has become too worn, you will need to replace the entire bolt.
- Stalling and rough idling: These issues can be caused by a problem with the mass airflow sensor, which may not need to be replaced entirely. Instead, a new MAF sensor can be installed to resolve the problem.
- Excessive tyre wear: The Previa is known for wearing down the tyres pretty quickly. They are estimated to last anywhere from 15-30,000 miles. It is essential to keep a check on the tyre tread depth and replace the affected tyres as quickly as possible if they are approaching or under the legal limit of 1.6mm on 75% of the tyre.
- Turbo problems: If you are hearing a whistling noise coming from the top of the engine or are having a lack of power, you most likely have turbo problems. If the turbo has failed, you will need to fit a replacement one, which can be quite expensive.
- Rear track control arm failure: The rear track control arm is known for failing on this vehicle. If this part has failed, you will hear a knocking noise coming from the suspension area when you are driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces. Fitting a replacement rear track control arm will fix the problem.
- Faulty fuel safety cut-off system: This is a common fault with the Previa and is being caused by a faulty fuel safety cut-off system. The whole system is going to need replacing.
- Failed emissions test due to blocked EGR system: This issue can cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test. The EGR system may need to be cleaned or replaced to resolve the problem.
- Overheating transmission: This is a common issue with Toyota automatic transmissions, particularly in the 1997 Previa. It can be caused by burnt, dirty, or no fluid. The driver should replace this fluid immediately to avoid further damage to the vehicle.
These are some of the most common problems reported by Toyota Previa owners, particularly for the 1997 model. It is essential to address these issues promptly by having the vehicle inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
1997 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Previa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Toyota Previa complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Previa.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-05
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-26
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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. THEN I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. I SUCCEEDED ONLY IN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE WHICH SENT US CAREENING BACKWARD FROM WHERE I HAD COME. THERE HAD BEEN ONLY ONE OTHER CAR ON THE STREET BECAUSE OF THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR AND IT WAS CLEAR THAT ON MY PRESENT COURSE, I WOULD HIT IT DEAD ON. I MOVED OVER ONTO THE CURB WHERE THERE WAS ABOUT A FOOT OF SNOW. EVEN SO, I RAKED HIS PASSENGER SIDE AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE. I MOVED FURTHER OVER ONTO THE YARDS, TOOK OUT A MAILBOX AND CHOSE TO GO UP A STEEP INCLINE WITH LOTS OF SNOW. THE SNOW SLOWED THE VAN DOWN, AND MY DAUGHTER STOOD UP AND FORCED THE SHIFT STICK INTO PARK. WE STOPPED. BEHIND US WERE DENSE TREES. IF WE HAD NOT STOPPED, WE WOULD SURELY HAVE BEEN KILLED. I HAD EXPERIENCED UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION PREVIOUSLY, BUT WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STOP. SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I HAD ASKED THE TOYOTA SERVICE TO PLEASE FIX THIS DEFECT. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T TELL WHAT WAS WRONG IF ANYTHING AND COULD NOT FIX IT. THE INSURANCE "TOTALED" MY VAN WITHOUT EVEN HAVING THE CAUSES CHECKED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-01
- VIN: JT3GK13M1V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY TOYOTA PREVIA HAD A INCIDENT WITH A STUCK ACCELERATOR. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO CONTROL AND STOP VEHICLE WITH MAXIMUM FOOT BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE POINT OF GRINDING BRAKES AND TURNING IGNITION OFF WHEN AWAY FROM OTHER TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WITH THE STUCK ACCELERATOR AND RED-LINING OF RPM'S LED TO A BLOWN HEAD GASKET THAT WAS NOT PHYSICALLY REPAIRABLE BY RECOMMENDATION OF AUTHORIZED TOYOTA REPAIRMAN. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-18
- VIN: JT3GK12M6V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON OCT 2002, OIL IN THE ENGINE SLUDGED CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANICS WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE ENGINE TO PARTIAL WORKING ORDER. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LEAKED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND THE POWER OF THE ENGINE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. ON 8 JAN 2004, THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT INDICATED A LOW OIL PRESSURE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION BY THE MECHANIC, THE ENGINE OIL APPEARED TO HAVE SLUDGED AGAIN CAUSING DAMAGE TO ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE TOTALED. WE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM WAS COMMON WITH VARIOUS TOYOTA VEHICLES. HOWEVER, TOYOTA REFUSED TO ADMIT ANY WRONG DOING. WE ALSO DISCUSSED THE ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM WITH MECHANICS THAT HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH TOYOTAS. THESE INDIVIDUALS INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM FIRST APPEARED IN THE PREVIA VEHICLE. OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEAL WHO FIRST SERVICED THE CAR, CLAIMED TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY FOR US, THE SLUDGING IN OUR ENGINE DID NOT OCCUR DURING HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY DRIVING. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURIES. ON A RELATED TOPIC, WE NOTICED ON YOUR WEB SITE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF RECALL NOTIFICATIONS CONCERNING A PREVIA. TO DATE, WE HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THESE RECALLS, EITHER VIA LETTER OR BY THE DEALER.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-17
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: IN PROCESS OF CONTACTING TOYOTA. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS AS WELL. WITHIN 3 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING TANK FAILED AT SEAM(S), AND THIS WOULD APPEARED TO BE A COMMON DEFECT. AT 212.00 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE, I WOULD GLADLY APPRECIATTE ANY RESPONSE FROM YOU. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-13
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH UP HILL AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AT SHOULDER OF ROAD. VEHICLE WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY. THEN, VEHICLE OVERHEATED , AND ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULDN'T TURN OFF. COOLANT EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE. MEHCANIC SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE UNTIL ENGINE WAS RELEASED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-23
- VIN: JT3GK13M9V1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. VEHICLE GOING ~50 MPH ON TWO-LANE ROAD. ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. PASSED AT ~65 MPH. TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. WAS ABLE TO BRING TO A STOP. IN 'PARK' ENGINE ALSO RACED. LINKAGES CHECKED, BUT WERE OK. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO TOYOTA DEALER IN FLAGSTAFF AZ. THEY COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. OWNER CONTACTED TOYOTA TWICE. NATIONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONS TOLD US TO CONTACT A DEALER (AGAIN). OWNER BELIEVES ONE CONTACT WAS SUFFICIENT TO SHOW THEY CANNOT ID PROBLEM. WIFE DRIVING AT THE TIME - ACCIDENT BARELY AVERTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE AIR FUEL SENSOR HAS POSSIBLY FAILED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- VIN: 4T1BS12B8ZU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT (BRIGGSTONE P205-65-R15). MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-25
- VIN: JT2GK12M4V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-25
- VIN: JT2GK12M4V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST PIPE FAILED. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3GK12MOV1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT OUT OF ORDER. YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
1997 Toyota Previa recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Toyota Previa.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
- Summary: 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 CONTINUOUSLY ABOVE 75 MILES PER HOUR.
- Consequence: OIL LEAKAGE WILL RESULT IN A SUFFICIENTLY LOW OIL SUPPLY TO CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UNIT LEADING TO EVENTUAL SEIZURE OF THE UNIT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BREATHER PLUG TO PREVENT SUCH OIL LOSS.
Negative 1997 Toyota Previa car reviews
Positive 1997 Toyota Previa car reviews
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Our Previa has been such a reliable vehicle! It has never let us down, whether on long trips or in-town driving. We've never had to do any major repairs on it, just regular oil changes and tire rotations. Even at 7 years old with 87,000 miles, it still performs like a champ!
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I love this van! It's so roomy and comfortable. The captain seats are fantastic, and it runs like a dream. We've taken it on several long-distance trips, and it's never let us down. We've taken great care of it, and it's been very reliable. I would definitely recommend it - it's an A++ in my book!
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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 absolutely love the Previa! It's a mid-engine, supercharged, all-wheel drive, 7-passenger vehicle that has plenty of room, yet is 2 inches shorter than the Camry! This is actually our second Previa. Our first was a 1992 LE AWD that we bought with around 37k miles on it. We sold it with around 150k miles on it, and last I knew, it had over 220k miles on it. I bought my '97 Previa with 50k miles on it, and it now has 164k miles. It has been incredibly reliable, just like the '92, and I would definitely buy another one if they still sold them. While the Sienna is nice, it's longer, lower, and the AWD model has those expensive run-flat tires that I'm not a fan of.
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I've owned a few Toyota Previa vans over the years and they have been fantastic! The first one I had went over 300k before being totaled by a truck running a red light, but amazingly I walked away with no injuries. The second one, a '95 LE with a supercharger, is still going strong at 155k with just routine maintenance. Recently, I bought a '96 DX with only 68k miles and it looks like new on the inside. The middle bench can be removed in just 2 minutes, making it easy to haul things. The '95s had the great swiveling middle captain chairs which were a real bonus. I couldn't resist buying a 1 owner '97 SC Alltrac LE with 80k miles that I spotted on Craigslist - it's awesome in the snow! These vans are incredibly reliable and offer the best value for money when buying used. They can be used as an enclosed pickup or converted into a mini RV, with loads of space inside. Any minor quirks, such as higher mileage valve cover gasket leaks, coolant reservoir outlet tube obstruction by debris, or SADS bushing replacement, are easy to fix.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Previa problems:
Toyota Previa Reviews and Owner Comments
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Toyota Previa: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Toyota Previa Common Problems and Solutions · Hesitant Acceleration · Rattling Sound When Idling · Stalling · Rough Idling · Engine Misfire · Excessive tyre wear ...
Other years of Toyota Previa
Are you having problems with your 1997 Toyota Previa?
Jarrod Toy 2024-08-15
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 our purchase.
Thaddeus Roob 2024-04-20
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.