1998 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 1998 Toyota Previa problems
The Toyota Previa, produced from 1990 to 2003, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. This article will focus on the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa, which had its fair share of issues.
- Engine sludge: One of the most common problems with the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa is engine sludge. This issue is caused by a buildup of dirt, debris, and other contaminants in the engine oil, leading to less efficient engine performance over time. Regular oil changes and engine maintenance can help prevent engine sludge.
- Transmission problems: Transmission issues are also common with this model of the Previa. These problems include slipping gears, rough shifting, and difficulty shifting from one gear to another. These issues can be caused by worn out transmission components, low transmission fluid, or a damaged transmission seal.
- Suspension and steering issues: Suspension and steering issues are another common problem with the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa. These issues can include uneven tire wear, drifting, and steering wheel vibration. These problems can be caused by worn out suspension components, misaligned wheels, or a faulty power steering pump.
- Electrical issues: Electrical problems are also common with the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa. These issues can include a malfunctioning alternator, faulty battery, or problems with the starter or ignition system.
- Braking issues: Braking issues are another common problem with the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa. These issues can include squeaking or grinding brakes, a soft brake pedal, or a loss of braking power. These problems can be caused by worn out brake pads or rotors, low brake fluid, or a malfunctioning brake caliper.
It is important to note that regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent many of these problems from occurring in the first place. Owners of the 1998-2003 Toyota Previa should be aware of these common issues and take their vehicles to a qualified mechanic for regular inspections and maintenance.
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 many miles will a Toyota Previa last?
247,000mi
What is Toyota Previa lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Previa is 247,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
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.
What engine is in a 1998 Toyota Previa?
TOYOTA Previa 2.4i 5MT RWD (132 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 2.4i 5MT RWD (132 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Displacement: | 2438 cm3 |
| Power: | 97 KW @ 5000 RPM 132 HP @ 5000 RPM 130 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque: | 151 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 204 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
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.
1998 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:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Previa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Toyota Previa complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Previa.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD POST BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF PEDESTRIANS WHEN TURNING LEFT DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. YH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Previa problems:
95 Previa S/c Keeps Blowing Efi Fuse.... - Toyota Alphard/ Vellfire ...
Jun 4, 2005 ... I have yet to begin diagnosing the problem, but I'm guessing the Fuel pump is probably shorting out.... Is this is a common problem among ...
1992 Previa heater fan not working. | Toyota Nation Forum
Dec 21, 2008 ... 1998 Ford Ranger RWD 2.5 5 Speed Sold: 1994 ... The most common problem is the blower switch ... toyota-previa.html?dmsp=manual. Got the ...
It was difficult but I found a mint condition Previa that has become my ...
Oct 21, 2020 ... The only problem with the Previa is that it didn't ... The 98 Sienna performed much better safety-wise. ... My mid-engine, rwd, s/c '97 Toyota ...
If your Previa smells like burning oil after you drive it, please read ...
Apr 6, 2010 ... After reading pnyboy27 's post Fml I want to bring a spotlight on a very common, very dangerous problem that is easily fixed..... ... from Toyota.
96 Previa vs 09 Sienna: What would you do? | Toyota Sienna Forum ...
Jan 27, 2015 ... previas common problems are SADD...secondary accessroy driveshaf...get a aftermarket cheap rubber coupler disc. sliding doors on sienna are ...
Other years of Toyota Previa
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