Toyota Previa: Powertrain

Affects Toyota Previa · 1997 — about 22 vehicles.

The hazard

On certain Previa 4WD vehicles, clearance between the oil separator plate and the differential housing of the front differential unit could cause oil leakage at the air breather plug when the vehicle is operated continuously at elevated highway speeds. Cumulative oil leakage could result in sufficiently low oil supply to cause bearing damage to the front differential unit, which could lead to eventual seizure of the unit. This could result in loss of driver control and a possible crash. Correction: a modified oil breather plug will be installed to prevent oil loss.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational