2016 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 239 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 33 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v batteryNov 1, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Campaign 23V734000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresApr 22, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Campaign 16V236000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipApr 7, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Campaign 16V198000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
58 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the dealer would contact him. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Electrical system, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel seized, and the information system rebooted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,388.
Electrical system, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while inspecting the engine compartment, he observed abnormal corrosion on the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle displayed a message reading "System Malfunction," after which the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the VIN, but the VIN was not included. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 10, 2023, crash
While exiting slowly from the parking lot, the Toyota started to make a beeping alarm noise, then suddenly lurched forward. Applying the brake had no effect, and the car accelerated across the LRT tracks, climbed onto the passenger platform, and only stopped when it collided with an electrical box there.
Electrical system, Nov 2, 2023
Notified of a battery movement problem that can cause a fire with Toyota RAV4 2016. Need to have it fixed. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 1, 2023
On two occasions as of this date, the engine just shut off while driving my 2016 Toyota RAV 4 XLW AWD. My daughter was able to get to the side of the road when it happened while she was driving thankfully (in a 25 or 30MPH zone). Additionally, at times the vehicle won't start when sitting parked and operating the push to start. It takes several tries, the vehicle just makes a clicking noise. After a short time, it starts up like nothing happened. I took the vehicle into a Toyota dealer and explained the issue. They said they found nothing wrong. There is seriously something wrong with this vehicle and no one seems to be able to figure it out...until someone dies. I've read several similar issues on this site that included incidents with fire and smoke. There needs to be a recall. Now! Or, a class action suit. Now!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2023
I took my car to Toyota for multiple issues with my electrical. My headlights go out every 5-10 minutes when trying to drive at dark. The headlights turn off or do not work if I try to use my blinker or windshield wipers. Three times now my car has stalled when I tried to turn on my headlights while driving. And one time it stalled when I went to make a left turn. Toyota ran a diagnostic and said everything was fine. I took it to autozone, they said the battery was fine. A third opinion and a new battery later and I’m still having the same problems. No one can tell me what’s wrong.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2022, fire
The car rapidly caught on fire while parked and off. Smoke first appeared from the hood and subsequently flames came out of the hood causing the entire car to catch in fire. There were no warning lights/messages. The car was inspected by our insurance, USAA
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2022, fire
While my wife was driving the car it suddenly shutoff. She was in the middle of a turn and was able to get to the side of the road. I few moments later she saw what she assumed was steam coming from under the hood and she immediately got out of the car. Within a minute of getting out of the car she saw flames dripping down from the engine. She called the fire department who put the flames out, but the car is most likely totaled. The fire department told her it looked like the battery exploded. I want to make sure you are aware of this as I see you have had other complaints.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2022
I was driving from Ft Myers to Tallahassee on I-have 75 in Florida on March 8, 2022. All of a sudden, I heard the Lane Departure Assist go off in my car (which I had previously turned off because the alert is annoying) and my phone stopped working (it was plugged into a USB port in the car playing a podcast). A few minutes later, I stopped at a rest area and noticed my trip odometers had reset and a bunch of other settings I had previously set in my car had also reset back to factory settings, such as the cruise control settings, blind spot monitor, and parking assist. There might be more...I just haven't noticed those yet. When I got back home, I saw an envelope from Toyota titled, "12-Volt Battery Size and Installation Inspection Consumer Advisory." I did get my battery replaced in Winter 2020 by a non-Toyota dealer so now I'm wondering if that has anything to do with this Consumer Advisory.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 7, 2021
- I believe the ECM has failed, and I believe this after replacing battery, starter, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. While accelerating, and while maintaining a consistent speed over 50 mph, the tachometer (and engine, accordingly) yanks itself back and forth between 3500 and 5500 rpm. The vehicle physically jumps back and forth between massive acceleration and decceleration, without any change in throttle/pedal placement. This occurs while in Cruise Control, Eco Mode, Normal Mode, and Sport Mode. There is not yet a discernable pattern or trigger identified in why this occurs. - My safety and the safety of others has been put at risk by the vehicle's jerking, halting, and unplanned acceleration in heavy traffic situations. It scares me and others in traffic, to the point that people have asked if I was okay after being able to visibly notice the car's behavior on the highway, and my reaction. - The problem has been reproduced twice by an independent service center. Toyota Dealership read the computer for the vehicle to pull codes, told me nothing was wrong, and sent me away. - The vehicle has been inspected by my local Toyota dealership (lackluster inspection, in my opinion). Nothing resulted from this inspection. - There were (and still are) NO warnings lamps, messages, reminders, codes, or notifications of any kind to show that something is abnormal in my engine. This is the most vexing part of this issue. As far as the computer in the Rav4 is concerned, everything is nearly perfect. and it IS NOT.
Electrical system, Engine, May 6, 2021, fire
OUR 2016 RAV4 PRODUCED A LOUD CLUNK THEN LOST POWER (AFTER BEING DRIVE 5-10 MINUTES) AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER NOR THE CAR POWER COME BACK ON. WHITE SMOKE BEGAN WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF LOSING POWER AND WITHIN ONE MINUTE FLAMES BEGAN SHOOTING OUT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER HOOD.
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, HE STARTED SMELLING AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR BEFORE FLAMES STARTED COMING UP FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND OUT OF THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE VENTS. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND STARTED POURING WATER FROM A COOLER ONTO THE FIRE TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES HOWEVER, THE FLAMES REIGNITED. ANOTHER MOTORIST PULLED OVER TO ASSIST AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. A BUSINESS OWNER ALSO STOPPED BY, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED HOWEVER, THE FIRE WAS ALREADY EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER STATED THAT A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS ON BOTH HANDS HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. THE DRIVER CONTACTED FIESTA KIA (7400 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110, (505)999-2700) WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED ONLY 22 DAYS EARLIER. THE DEALER ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED STILL UNREPAIRED. THE INSURANCE PROVIDER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT A FIRE INVESTIGATOR WOULD BE SENT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE INSURANCE PROVIDER HAD NOT YET DECIDED WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO START THE VEHCILE. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE FILLED WITH WATER AND WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NYC MOTORCARS OF THE BRONX (3748 BOSTON RD, THE BRONX, NY 10469, (347) 966-4272) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2021
THE NAVIGATION DISPLAYS, RADIO AND ALL EQUIPMENT THAT USES IT QUITS AND SHUTS DOWN AND WILL GO OFF AND ON 3-8 TIMES AND THEN IT SEEMS TO BE OK. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPEN MANY TIMES.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD I STARTED TO LOSE ELECTRICAL POWER. AT FIRST I LOST POWER STEERING AND SHORTLY AFTER THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSED THE FUSE BOX HAD BEEN BURNED AND WIRES MELTED AND THERE WAS SMOKE INDICATING THERE HAD BEEN A FIRE AROUND THE FUSE/ELECTRICAL AREA
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Mar 9, 2021
I HAVE HAD AND CONTINUE TO HAVE BATTERY TROUBLE WITH MY TOYOTA RAV4. I FIRST BOUGHT A NEW 2014 AND AT MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS UNCOMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO TRADE IT IN AND GET A NEW 2016. I STILL HAVE THIS ONE, BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAVE BATTERY TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED AT WORK WHEN MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THAT IS WHEN I FOUND MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF CORROSION, AND TO THIS DAY, THE TERMINALS CORRODE OVER EVEN WITH NEW BATTERY. THE PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK WITH THE KEY BUTTON BC OF THIS ISSUE. I WOULD ESTIMATE I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY 3-5 TIMES BETWEEN THE TWO CARS, WITH NO REAL SOLUTION. BATTERIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN REPLACED/INSTALLED BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. (I'M SURE INVOICES COULD BE PULLED IF NECESSARY) MY CARS HAVE NOT STALLED WHILE RUNNING, THEY WON'T START OR JUST START TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES W LIGHTS, AND IT GETS CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THEY USUALLY RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT WHILE THE BATTERY IS COVERED. A SEPARATE BUT EQUALLY UNSETTLING ISSUE IS WITH THE WINDSHIELD. IT RECENTLY CRACKED DUE TO A PASSENGER FLICKING A BUG ON IT. YOU WOULD THINK A ROCK LANDED ON IT.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING; HOWEVER, HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS THEY CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO MORE TIMES AND AFTER THE THIRD FAILURE, A BLACKISH SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A WATER BOTTLE. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REMOVED THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED; NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHEEHY TOYOTA OF STAFFORD(95 GARRISONVILLE RD, STAFFORD, VA 22554) WHERE THEY INITIALLY GAVE THE CONTACT AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE PARTS IN ORDER TO CHECK IF THE VEHICLE WAS STILL OPERABLE. DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF THE REPAIR, HER INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS AND WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,156. *BF THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2020
REAR HATCH MOTOR FAILED. HATCH WILL NOT OPEN. TOYOTA ADMITS FAULT/DEFECT, BUT REFUSES TO COVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FIXING IT.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 6, 2020
THE WIRING HARNESS WAS CHEW COMPLETELY UP. THIS AFFECTED MY POWER BRAKES, ENGINE,STEERING SYSTEM, ETC. THESE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR! RATS CHEWED MY WIRING .
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2019
MY CAR PHONE DOES NOT WORK WITH MY IPHONE 11 PRO MAX. I HAVE A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. THE BLUETOOTH ON MY NEW PHONE WELL NOT PAIR WITH MY ETUNE SOFTWARE. TBE PHONE CAN'T EVEN DISCOVER IT. WHEN IT FINALLY FAILS MY SCREEN ON MY CAT PHONE SAYS NO MICROPHONE DETECTED. ROTORS SAYS IT'S AN APPLE SOFTWARE PROBLEM. JUS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DRIVE AND WORK OUT OF MY CAR SIX DAYS A WEEK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2019
STARTED MY 2016 RAV4 LIMITED ON 7/27/2019. AFTER STARTING IT NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES ARE WORKING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS FINE WHEN I SHUT IT OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE. NOW ANTI LOCK BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE ALERT, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM, AND ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ARE ALL FAILING.