Toyota Previa Problems by Year

We compared every Toyota Previa model year from 1995–1997 using 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1995, which drew far more complaints than other Previa years at the same age. The best years are 1997 and 1996.

3model years
50complaints
1recalls
1995worst years
1997, 1996best years

Complaints by model year

19951996199730119
Owner complaints per model year, Toyota Previa. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19979−59%1EngineGood
199611−24%—BrakeAverage
1995302.5×—AirbagCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Previa year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Toyota Previa problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 1995
    1224%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1997
    1020%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    816%
  • Brakesworst: 1995
    714%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1995
    612%
  • Other / not specified
    48%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1995
    36%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1996
    36%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1995
    36%
  • Body & structureworst: 1995
    24%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1995
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 1995
    12%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1995
    12%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1996
    12%
  • Suspensionworst: 1996
    12%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1996
    12%

Latest Toyota Previa recalls

Power train › Driveline › Differential unit

NHTSA recall 97V-056 · Apr 4, 1997 · 707 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Dealers will install a modified air breather plug to prevent such oil loss.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Toyota Previa should you avoid?

1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Previa years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 1995.

What is the best year for the Toyota Previa?

1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other Previa years at the same age, followed by 1996. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Toyota Previa problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (12), speed control & acceleration (10) and air bags (8). Engine complaints peak in the 1995 model year.

How many recalls has the Toyota Previa had?

1 recall across 1995–1997. The model year with the most is 1997.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.