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: service brakes
46 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 8, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONT DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, AND FRONT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SPRAINED RIGHT ANKLE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1802082867. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 23, 2017
PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL SENSOR HARNESS WAS DAMAGED BY RODENT. VEHICLE HAS 26K MILES AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE BREAK, AND WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE HARNESS AT A COST NOT COVERED OF $6300. THE MATERIAL CHANGE OF THESE PARTS ATTRACT RATS. THIS DAMAGED CAUSE ABS, LANE DEPARTURE, BLIND SPOT MONITORING AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I LIVE IN A GATE COMMUNITY. I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER LINE AND WAS GIVEN THE SAME EXPLANATION OF THE LACK OF WARRANTY COVERAGE. CASE #1710230814
Service brakes, Sep 8, 2017
I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF BACK FROM TOYOTA DEAER IN ROCKVILLE, MD. WHEN I APPLIED BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP THE CAR AT THE HIGHWAY INTERSECTIONS, IT ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I HAVE REPORTED THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION EVENTS TO TOYOTA COMPANY IN TEXAS. THE ASSIGNED CASE MANAGER, CAREY CARTER IN TOYOTA COMPANY FURNISHED THE CASE # 1708302943 ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2017. COREY'S CONTACT TELEPHONE # : 1-800-333-4331, OPTION 3, EXTENSION 73834. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED IN MY GARAGE, AND I DARE NOT DRIVE IT, AS IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I REQUEST THAT NHTSA INITIATE PROMPTLY INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE DEFECTS IN THE DESIGN AND /OR MANUFACTURE OF THE TOYOTA RAV4 CARS TO AVERT JEOPARDY TO TRAFFIC SAFETY. ALSO, I REQUEST NHTSA 'S ADVICE TO RESOLVE MY CASE FAVORABLY.
Service brakes, Jul 30, 2017
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO REPORT 10995701. AFTER TOYOTA REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIRS TO THE CAR, I REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER MYSELF. I TOOK THE MASTER CYLINDER APART AND FOUND AN UNUSUAL MACHINING PATTERN WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT THE SEALS. THERE ARE THREE "GOUGE" PATTERNS MACHINED 120 DEGREES APART EXTENDING ABOUT 1" DOWN. THESE PATTERNS SLIGHTLY INTRUDE INTO THE GROOVE FOR THE SEAL AND MAY EFFECT THE SEALING INTEGRITY.
Service brakes, Jun 27, 2017
WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IN A ROUTINELY DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AT LOW SPEED WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE GEAR AND CLEAR WEATHER, SOMETIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIPS PART WAY OR ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ALLOWING THE CAR TO ROLL INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE STOPPING. THE PEDAL HAS SLIPPED REPEATEDLY WITHIN 2 HOURS WHEN DRIVING IN URBAN, RUSH HOUR, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT HAS ALSO SLIPPED TO THE FLOOR AT 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DECELERATING ON A DRY SURFACE. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES ENGAGES THE BRAKES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE ISSUE 4 TIMES AND TO ANOTHER DEALER 1 TIME FOR A 2ND OPINION WITH THE SAME RESULT ON EACH VISIT, 'COULD NOT DUPLICATE.' THE 4TH REPAIR VISIT INVOICE SHOWS 'LOSES VACUUM WHEN BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY APPLIED AT IDLE.' ON THE 5TH VISIT I ASKED FOR THE VACUUM TO BE RESTORED TO PROPER FUNCTION. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO VACUUM LEAK OR RECORD OF A CODE THAT WOULD INDICATE LOSS OF VACUUM, AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. I CANNOT DUPLICATE IT EITHER OR PREDICT WHEN THE PEDAL WILL SLIP. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. AS SUGGESTED BY A SERVICE ADVISOR, I CALLED THE TOYOTA 800 NUMBER. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE ON 12-15-16. I TOLD HER MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BRAKE ISSUE AND MY REQUESTS FOR REPAIR WITH UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS. SHE SAID SHE WOULD CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND GET BACK TO ME. ON 12-16-16, SHE REPORTED THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE, SO NOTHING COULD BE DONE. SHE ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED. I REPLIED THAT I WANTED THE BRAKES TO WORK PROPERLY. SAFETY IS AT RISK FOR ME AND PASSENGERS AT ANY SPEED. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AND THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWLY DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (WEST HERR TOYOTA OF WILLIAMSVILLE LOCATED AT 8129 MAIN ST, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221; (716) 803-8010), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-331-4331 AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. CASE NUMBER: 1706191051 WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,478.
Service brakes, Jun 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (AUTONATION TOYOTA LAS VEGAS 6300 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146 (702) 605-5801) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND DISCS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THEY WERE UNSURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2017
2016 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 6500 MILES. IN THE LAST 5 WEEKS, THERE HAVE BEEN 3 INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH ZERO RESISTANCE AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. LUCKILY, RELEASING THE PEDAL AND PRESSING IT AGAIN SLOWED THE CAR. THE CAR IS AT TOYOTA MOTORCARS OF CLEVELAND, WHERE THEY HAVE INSPECTED IT AND SAY NOTHING IS WRONG AND THAT THE CAR IS SAFE. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 11, 2017
THE IDLE SPEED IN THE RAV4 4 IS SET TOO HIGH CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN STOPPED WITH FULL PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REDUCE THE IDLE SPEED AND STATES THAT THIS NORMAL OPERATION. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE SET THE IDLE HIGH SO THE CAR WILL PASS EMISSION STANDARDS AND AS A RESULT NOW HAS THIS DEFECT WHERE THE CAR MOVES FORWARD WITH FULL BRAKE APPLIED DUE TO THE HIGH IDLE SPEED. THIS MAY BAY BE AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM BUT IT MOST CERTAINLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 16, 2017
14 MONTH OLD RAV4 XLE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR SLOW TRAFFIC, THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I AM OVER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY AS MY WORK ENTAILS DRIVING. THE LOCAL DEALER QUOTED ME $2800 FOR REPAIRS, HE CHECKED WITH THE TOYOTA MFG. REP TO SEE IF POSSIBLY THE ABS ACTUATOR IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN PORTION (60000 MILES) OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY. TOYOTA DEALER STATED NO WARRANTY COVERAGE DUE TO MILEAGE. LOCATED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND RECALL FOR "CERTAIN MODEL YEAR" 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 RECALL - #16V198000 RECALL FOR SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC : ANTILOCK. IT APPEARS THEY ARE AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE 2016 MODEL BUT WILL ONLY A FEW OF THE ONES SOLD.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 8, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BEAMS FOCUSED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BULBS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE AFTER MARKET BULBS, BUT THEY PERFORMED WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL BULBS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED ONLY, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.
Service brakes, Mar 2, 2017
I HAVE BEEN THREE TIMES AT LIPTON TOYOTA OF OAKLAND PARK, FORT LAUDERDALE REGARDING A NOISE IN MY BREAKS, SPECIALLY WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. THEY STATE THEY DON'T HEAR ANYTHING BUT IT IS CLEARY HEARD WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. I BELIEVE THEY DON'T WANT TO REPAIR NOR DO ANYTHING REGARDING MY SITUATION. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR, SPECIALLY I AM A REALTOR AND I AM ALWAYS DRIVING.
Service brakes, Feb 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE AND RELEASED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V198000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2017
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER 1 MONTH I STARTED NOTICING A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I WOULD APPLY MY BRAKES, ONLY IF I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY. 2 MONTHS LATER I STARTED HEARING A GRINDING NOISE AS IF METAL WAS GRINDING ON METAL AND THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY REGARDLESS OF HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY I WOULD HEAR IT WHEN I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AS WELL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE ROTORS HAD DEVELOPED "HOT SPOTS" AND THAT THIS WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES OR CRUISING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES. I HAD A 2009 NISSAN CUBE FOR 7 YEARS AND DROVE THE SAME WAY AND NEVER ONCE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES IN THAT TIME PERIOD OR EVEN HAD TO SERVICE/REPLACE THEM. EVEN IF THIS ISSUE IS CAUSED BY THE WAY I AM DRIVING, MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS OLD AND ROTORS SHOULD NOT BE WEARING DOWN THAT QUICKLY. THANKFULLY NO SAFETY ISSUES OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS BUT I IMAGINE IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED IT CAN CERTAINLY AFFECT BRAKE FUNCTION WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Service brakes, Dec 10, 2016
I DROVE THIS CAR FOR 12500 MILES ONLY AND I HAD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM BREAKS I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT AND NO CHARGE FOR IT. SO BREAK HAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY DID NOT ADMIT IT. THE MECHANIC SAID IF IS NOT MANUFACTURE DEFECT NO NEED TO RESURFACE AND REPLACE THE BREAK. IT CAUSES THE SURFACE TO BE THIN AND EITHER I HAVE TO REPLACE IT OR WILL SONN BE BAD AGAIN.
Service brakes, Sep 21, 2016, crash
WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE IN A NORMAL AND FREQUENT MANNER ON THE SIDE OF A WALMART STORE THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND PROCEEDED OVER THE SIDEWALK AND INTO THE FENCED AREA AROUND THE GARDEN DEPT. BRAKES WERE APPLIED SEVERAL TIMES. NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED AND NO OTHER PERSONS INVOLVED EXCEPT DRIVER (MYSELF), HUSBAND AND SON.
Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2016, crash
NA
Service brakes, Jul 15, 2016
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, WHETHER IT IS WARMED UP OR RIGHT AFTER STARTING TO DRIVE THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PETAL WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO SLOWING OR STOPPING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS IN ROUTINE TRAFFIC AND ALSO WITH A SUDDEN STOP.
Service brakes, Jun 23, 2016, crash
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I NEVER TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE.
Service brakes, May 9, 2016
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE JANUARY 2016. RECENTLY, I HEARD A NOISE AS I APPLY A BRAKE. I WENT TO THE DEALER TO EXAMINE THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE DOING FINE. BUT THE NOISE HAS BECOME EVEN LOUDER. I ASKED ONE OF MY FRIENDS WHO BOUGHT THE SAME CAR AS MINE, A COUPLE MONTH BEFORE ME. HE TOLD ME HE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS CAR TOO. ALSO, HE HAD ALSO ENCOUNTERED WITH AN EMPTY BRAKE FLUID TANKER AFTER HE SAW A BRAKE MALFUNCTION SIGNAL ON HIS DASHBOARD. FOLLOWING, MY FRIEND AND I STARTED TO SHOP AROUND OTHER FRIENDS WHO HAVE THE SAME CAR WITH MODEL YEAR 2014-2016. FIVE OUT OF THE SEVEN DRIVERS WE QUESTIONED HAD TOLD US THAT THEY HAD ALREADY REPLACED THEIR BRAKES AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE THEY EVEN DRIVE THEIR CARS[TOYOTA RAV4 2014-2015] FOR A YEAR/<10,000. I THINK CONSUMERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THESE SITUATIONS BEFORE DECIDING TO BUY THESE PRODUCTS ESPECIALLY AS BRAKES NEED TO MEET THE HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 8, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT'S FATHER WAS GENTLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT'S FATHER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND STRUCK A GATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FATHER HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS DETECTED. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.