I forgot about this one. My neighbor had a Toyota Previa minivan. I do not remember the year but I do remember the problem.
They took it to Disney World one year and when the engine was hot it would not start. By the time they got back, the engine would not start unless it was stone cold.
The local Toyota dealership started down through the decision tree to triage this lemon of a vehicle. First it was fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plugs, then injectors and finally when they wanted $1500 plus for the ECM my neighbor started quizzing me. I said well when was the last time anyone checked compression on this lemon. It only takes 20 minutes max and since it is a minivan, the mechanic can probably operate the key switch and hold the compression gauge at the same time.
Long story short, they found 6 of 8 lifters would not pump up. It was the first year Toyota put hydraulic valve lifters in the engine destined for the minivan. They were afraid the mechanics would get the interior dirty when they were doing valve adjustments. Otherwise this was a bullet proof Tacoma engine.
The warranty had already expired so the repairs were on him.
This vehicle should have been recalled.
So without question, sometimes Toyota makes a lemon.
Toyota is not the only one to make lemons.
Remember the Ford Taurus with a 4 cylinder engine. I think Oldsmobile did the same thing with a Quad Four in the Cutlass Supreme. Uh, what were they thinking.
What is interesting is none of these made the Times The 50 Worst Cars of All Time list.
The 50 Worst Cars of All Time
