AI Damage1997 Toyota Previa: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Toyota Previa filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and vehicle speed control. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 44% of all complaints
- 2 Vehicle speed control 44% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 11% of all complaints
- 4 Seat belts 11% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (44% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 4 complaints (44% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (11% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.4 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 9 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,366 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Previa has 21 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 9, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Previa?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, vehicle speed control, fuel system. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (11%), oil leak or consumption (11%), overheating, coolant loss (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Toyota Previa?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Toyota Previa from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.