UNDER DASH FIRES
FaultScore report
1991 Toyota Previa problems
Owners have filed 92 complaints about the 1991 Toyota Previa with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010. The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
The numbers
92
Complaints
3
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
200,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
How 1991 compares with every other Toyota Previa
Click any bar to open that year's report.
What breaks on a 1991 Toyota Previa
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 3 fires
Median failure at 177,000 miles
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 326,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 200,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
Median failure at 200,000 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
NHTSA investigations into the 1991 Toyota Previa
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
WINDSHIELD WIPER MTR FAILS
Recalls on the 1991 Toyota Previa
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
FAILURE OF A SPECIFIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN THE RADIOS CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT FIRE.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
CERTAIN WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENTS ARE SUBJECT TO PREMATURE FAILURE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO FUNCTION UNDER HIGH LOAD LEVELS.
Risk: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL AND CEASEOPERATION ENTIRELY, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Electrical
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE RADIO AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: RADIO WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Visual System
CERTAIN WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENTS MAY FAIL DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WINSHIELD WIPER TO STOP RESULTING IN IMPAIRED DRIVER VISION DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. CORRECTION: A NEW WIPER MOTOR AND CERTAIN WIPER ARM COMPONENTS WILL BE INSTALLED AND THE WIPER ARM PIVOT NUT WILL BE RETORQUED.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10336325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10336325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10216117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DISCOLORED HEADLIGHT LENSES CAUSE THE LIGHTS TO BECOME VERY DIM. CAN'T SEE BECAUSE OF SUCH DIM LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #10028342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
NHTSA complaint #744539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVERS FRONTAL AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ACCIDENT RESULTED IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #558358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10336325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10336325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 TOYOTA PREVA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HIT EACH OTHER, FLIPPED, SCRAP THE GLASS AND STOP FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLIP THE WIPERS SO THAT THEY COULD WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF SHE DROVE SLOWER THAN 55 MPH, THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR AS OFTEN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 93V113000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) AS ONE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED BUT ANOTHER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10330292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY
IN HEAVY RAIN AT 55MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HIT EACH OTHER, FLIP, SCRATCH THE GLASS AND STOP WORKING. TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE RECALL BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR THE PARTS OR THE SERVICE. THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ALONE ARE OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE WIPER ASSEMBLY AND OR MOTOR ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. VISIBILITY IS REDUCED TO ZERO WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS DEADLY AND I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT TO DO TO GET TOYOTA TO HONOR THE RECALL. I HAD 3 KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THE WIPERS TRIPPED AND FLIPPED ON THE FREEWAY. MY VISIBILITY WENT TO ZERO INSTANTLY. I SWERVED TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO PULL OVER, FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME AT THAT MOMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10330228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10294995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10294995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10216117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10162384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10107247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10094266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
RUBBER COUPLING ON THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10089897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DISCOLORED HEADLIGHT LENSES CAUSE THE LIGHTS TO BECOME VERY DIM. CAN'T SEE BECAUSE OF SUCH DIM LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #10028342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
REDUCTION IN LIGHT FROM HIGH AND LOW BEAM FRONT LIGHT BULB DUE TO DETERIORATION OF PLASTIC COVER (PITTING, DISCOLORATION, ETC)
NHTSA complaint #10010639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
AFTER HAVING TREAD SEPARATION DIAGNOSED BY THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND MY AUTO MECHANIC TOOK THE VEHICLE WITH BRIDGSTONE BT 70 TIRES TO THE FIRESTONE STORE ON BOTH OCCASIONS TO BE CHECKED FOR TREAD SEPARATION. THE FIRST TIME FIRESTONE TOLD ME THERE NO TREAD SEPARATION IN ANY OF THE TIRES, BECAUSE OF MY CONCERN I REQUESTED AND RECEIVED CONFIRMATION IN WRITING. THE SECOND TIME AT THE FIRESTONE STORE ONE TIRE WAS REPLACED , AFTER DETECTING TREAD SEPARATION, THE OTHER THREE TIRES BEING TOLD WERE OKAY. EIGHT MONTHS LATER I EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION OF ONE OF THE BRIDGESTONE BT70 TIRES WHILE TREVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, LUCKILY I HAD SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 45 MPH BECAUSE I DETECTED SOME UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS. I HAVE THE THREE TIRES AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SEPARATED TIRES. I HAVE RECENTLY CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #766881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #758276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #9005121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
COMPLETE TIRE TREAD SEPARATION AT 65 MPH ACCIDENT BARELY AVOIDED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: R3B109 TIRESIZE: P205/70R14)
NHTSA complaint #751876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
TIRE BELT AND TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE CARCASS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VDVFDVA157 TIRESIZE: 215/65R15)
NHTSA complaint #750867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS ARE NOT SYNCHRONIZED WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE OPERATING. ARMS HIT EACH OTHER AND BECOME STUCK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #888949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH P205/75R14 TIRES. THE DOOR PLACARD STATES THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE P215/65R15 TIRES ON IT. HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF THE CORRECT SIZE TIRES WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED ON MY PREVIA AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IF THE DOOR PLACARD NEVER MATCHED THE TIRE SIZE THAT CAME ON THE VEHICLE TO BEGIN WITH? I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT I NEVER GOT A REPLY. ONCE WHEN I WAS BUYING REPLACEMENT TIRES I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME CONVINCING THE TIRE DEALER THAT MY VAN ACTUALLY CAME WITH THE SMALLER TIRES ALREADY INSTALLED ON IT. HE DID NOT WANT TO SELL ME TIRES THAT WERE DIFFERENT THAN THE SIZR SHOWN ON THE DOOR PLACARD.THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #744713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
NHTSA complaint #744539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
FAILURE OF REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO OPERATE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #882864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
BACK RADIO SPEAKERS WENT OUT. THEN, FRONT SPEAKER WENT OUT.CONSUMER FE IT WAS SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 93 V 147 000 FOR RADIO EQUIPMENT.
NHTSA complaint #880612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVERS FRONTAL AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ACCIDENT RESULTED IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #558358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING ON I-4 IN ORLANDO 12/7/00 AT 70 MPH TREAD SEPARATED FROM OUR RIGHT REAR TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND PULL INTO THE MEDIAN, BUT BY THEN THE SEPARATED TREAD HAD BEAT THE CAR UP. I AM FILING A DAMAGE CLAIM NEXT WEEK WITH FIRESTONE, AND YESTERDAY REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES WITH GOODRICHES. THE FOUR YEAR OLD TIRE THAT FAILED HAD 52,00 MILES ON IT AND WAS WARRANTED FOR 60,000. THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL TREAD WEAR PATTERN. THE MANAGER OF THE FIRESTONE DEALERSHIP IN WINTER PARK, FL INSPECTED THE TIRE AND AGREED THE TREAD WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, AND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO HAVE FORSEEN THAT THE TIRE WOULD FAIL BEFORE THE WARRANTED MILEAGE OCCURRED. HE DECLINED TO REPLACE ANY OF MY TIRES FOR FREE, ONLY OFFERING A 13% PRO-RATA CREDIT TOWARDS A NEW PURCHASE. MY OFFICE # IS 407-237-4851. I WILL PROBABLY MAIL THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE ON 12/18/00 AFTER PHOTOGRAPHING IT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: EJREDJD154 TIRESIZE: 20575R14)
NHTSA complaint #737713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.