Most common 1997 Toyota Previa problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Previa complaints by model year
Best Previa years: 1997, 1996. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
1997 Toyota Previa recalls (1)
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
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.
What 1997 Toyota Previa owners say
Engine & cooling
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. …
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.
Speed control & acceleration
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. …
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.
1997 Toyota Previa engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 20 / 17 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota Previa a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Previa rates better than average: 59% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Previa at the same age. It is one of the best Previa years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota Previa?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the speed control & acceleration (4) and seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Previa have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Toyota Previa, the most recent from April 4, 1997 (differential unit). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Previa?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Toyota Previa years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Previa problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 140,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.