1991 Toyota Previa

Introduction

The 1991 Toyota Previa is a versatile and spacious minivan known for its unique egg-shaped design. It is powered by a 2.4L inline-4 engine paired with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Despite its practicality, the Previa has been associated with some common issues.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Stretch:
  • Symptoms: Rattling noise at startup, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioners
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Shuddering:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, hesitation during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid and filter; may require transmission rebuild
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Symptoms: Vibration, overheating, stalling
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Difficulty Shifting Gears:
  • Symptoms: Grating or grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace clutch or transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Strut Wear:
  • Symptoms: Noise and vibration while driving, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Symptoms: Electrical system malfunctions, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain:
  • Symptoms: Battery dies quickly when not in use
  • Solution: Inspect electrical system for parasitic draw; may require replacement of faulty components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on issue
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Hinge Corrosion:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing doors
  • Solution: Lubricate or replace door hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Hinge Failure:
  • Symptoms: Tailgate rattling or falling down
  • Solution: Replace tailgate hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard due to sun exposure
  • Solution: Use a dashboard cover or replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seatbelt Lock Failure:
  • Symptoms: Seatbelt does not engage or release properly
  • Solution: Replace seatbelt lock mechanism
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Overall Summary

The 1991 Toyota Previa is a highly functional vehicle, but it has encountered some common issues. The most severe and costly problems relate to the engine, including head gasket failure and timing chain stretch. Transmission issues can also be expensive to repair, such as torque converter failures in the automatic transmission. The Previa also experiences exterior corrosion and electrical problems, but these are generally less significant and affordable to fix.