1991 Toyota Previa: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (23% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have a 1991 toyota previa le. The distributor o-ring and valve cover gaskets were leaking oil, and they leak right onto the hot exhaust manifold. I repaired these problems, and all is well, however, I have since seen many instances in various forums online where this has happened to others, and has resulted in a major vehicle fire. I believe the word needs to be spread to other owners of this vehicle to check for this problem before it is too late. It is a serious problem, caused by the drying out and cracking of rubber seals. I did, in fact, have flames when I noticed it, but I was able to extinguish the fire before any damage was done. Please spread the word. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2010
“Tl* the contact owns aftermarket raybestos, manufactured by brake parts inc., model #mkd500(na) front brake pads. After examining the brake pads he noticed that the squeal shims where cutting through the rotors. Updated 1/4/10 *cn updated 01/06/10.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2009
“1991 toyota previa and driver noticed a burning smell. Driver pulled over where his vehicle caught fire and was totaled. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-90-0947. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“While backing out of the driveway consumer's child opened the door to let the pet in and the door fell completely off. Manufacturer offered no assistance. The door is now tied on.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2004
“The brakes go completely to the floor. There is grinding and crunching noise. The brake calipers failed, and there was damage to the wheels. Took vehicle too dealer. However, the problem had not been resolved. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2004
“Subject on special policy adjustment for head gaskets. Service bulletin # 97121797017/ NHTSA item # 54015, stated that faulty head gasket was investigated and found bad on 17 dec. 1997. As the result of the defective head gasket I had to replace the engine due to the failure of this specific part. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
“Reduction in light from high and low beam front light bulb due to deterioration of plastic cover (pitting, discoloration, etc) *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2003
“This is very scary and has happened a number of times. Steering fails when brakes applied making a right turn. Panic steering presure, results in snapping noise and steering returns. Dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2002
“While stopped with my foot on the brake and the car in gear, the engine began revving up on its own and the car accelerated, brakes failed to stop the vehicle.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2001
“It's fortune that the fire happened when car was parked in the garage. If fire were happen during driving, explosion could happen and causes fatal incident. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
FAILURE OF A SPECIFIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN THE RADIOS CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: REPAIR THE RADIO.
CERTAIN WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENTS ARE SUBJECT TO PREMATURE FAILURE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO FUNCTION UNDER HIGH LOAD LEVELS.
Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIPER MOTORS, CERTAIN WIPER ARM COMPONENTS, AND RETORQUE THE WIPER ARM PIVOT.
How other years compare
Check your exact Previa by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Toyota Previa reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Toyota Previa. The most complained-about area is visibility (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Toyota Previa problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 200,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Toyota Previa have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.