Toyota Van Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Toyota Van (1985–1987) that have at least 5 complaints. 1986 has the most, with 9. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (6 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Van model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 6 | — | 1 | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 1 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | 196,616 | 1 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system6 27%
- Seat belts4 18%
- Engine cooling4 18%
- Brakes4 18%
- Steering2 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control1 4.5%
- Tires1 4.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1985: “1985 Toyota VAN with power steering. Part of linkage called center arm snapped in half while traveling at approximately 55 MPH during turning. There was immediate loss of steering control. No bodily injury occurred, but had this occurred at freeway speed, I would undoubtedly be dead. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761467”
NHTSA complaint #10009187, filed 2002-05, 196,616 miles1987: “Driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood while driving 65 MPH. Vehicle was totalled. Consumer states while driving, he heard a small thud coming from under the hood, he also states that the engine light illuminated, Toyota stated fire was caused due to regular wear and tear.”
NHTSA complaint #899317, filed 2001-111986: “Owner states that their is excessive heat from the engine going inside vehicle. Owner is concerned about vehicle catching fire because of this. She also notes that floor of vehicle is hard because of abnormal tempertures. Consumer states that the heat is so excessive that it burned the underside of the carpet.”
NHTSA complaint #806193, filed 1996-12Other Toyota models
18,207 complaintsToyota Prius
12,519 complaintsToyota Corolla
11,738 complaintsToyota RAV4
9,401 complaintsToyota Sienna
8,831 complaintsToyota Tacoma
8,476 complaintsToyota Tundra
6,944 complaintsToyota 4RUNNER
5,900 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology