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: other or unspecified
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota sending out letters to RAV4 owners reference factory paint peeling. The letter stated, “Customer Support Program Notification Paint Peeling (Vehicles Painted with factory-applied blizzard pearl or super white paint). In this letter it stated that it is a possibility veh’s painted with this paint may experience paint peeling off. In the letter it states that if you are not experiencing this issue, there is nothing you need to do at this time. I did not experience any issues at the time. The letter was sent approximately 6-7 years ago. On May 20th 2026 I noticed on the roof of my vehicle between the windshield and sun roof a large softball size area of metal where the paint peeled/flaked off. In contacting Toyota dealership they said there is nothing they can do. Contact was made today 6/15/26 ( I didn’t notice the paint peeling off until 6/13/26). I then called Toyota Corporate and they said since the extended warranty expired 12/11/2025 I have to pay for the fix and they will not. Online there are thousands of others experiencing the same issue. I received a quote of $1600 and $2300 dollars just to strip and repaint the roof. I have the video showing the paint peeling off by itself. This is ridiculous and Toyota needs to be held accountable. According to Toyota the cause of this issue is due to sunlight over time degrades the adhesion between the factory-applied paint primer coat layer and the base metal electrodeposition layer causing the paint to peel from the metal body panel.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2025
UNKNOWN - UNABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIR IN VEHICLE’S CURRENT LOCATION. This car is currently being stored in England and requires shipment back to the United States per my lienholder and military orders. Because of the recall that is currently open, the government’s provided shipment service (Mildenhall VPC) refuses to ship the vehicle unless I can get this repair performed locally. I’ve contacted numerous Toyota dealerships regarding this recall, and none of them have been able to address the repair due to the car not being made within the country, lack of OEM parts, etc. I’ve been back in the United States for over a month now, and the car is being stored with my friend/power of attorney until I’m able to get some resolution to this situation. I’ve tried to ship it numerous times now and they are refusing to do so unless the repair can be performed (which isn’t possible) or it is cleared from the VIN’s recall notice.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2024
PBD has not worked properly since I purchased the car [XXX]. It was a 2016 used Rav4 with 54,000 miles. I have taken the car to two different dealerships complaining several times in person or on the phone stating my PBD either won't open or won't close. It has gotten to the point where I have to manually shove the door closed. There is a lawsuit currently that was filed against Toyota for knowingly and concealing the issue. "Who: Plaintiff [XXX] filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. Why: [XXX] claims Toyota failed to disclose an alleged defect in power liftgates on its model year 2014-2021 RAV4s. Where: The Toyota power liftgate class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court." I have also called Toyota's Corporate office to make a formal complaint. Case # [XXX] . At the time of purchase, I had also purchased an extended warranty on the vehicle through Toyota that Toyota did not honor. There are several forums online where many people have complained about this well-known problem. Toyota has refused to acknowledge this issue. If the hinges do completely break, the door will detach from the vehicle causing an accident. They need to replace the hinges with a larger or more stable material, so the PBD can function correctly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2024
Sunroof exploded while driving on the freeway, approximately 60 MPH.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2024
The 2016 Toyota Rav4 XLE has a defective Power Door Lock Actuator for the front passenger and the driver side. It does not work manually or using the keyfobs. Previous Drivers have reported that the door locks appear to engage when locking using the remote key fob, but the locks do not engage. As a result, the locks may not be engaged while driving or when the vehicle is parked in a public place. Previous owners have also complained about having to pay to replace door lock actuators and, in some instances, have to pay for multiple replacements.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2023
I am writing to inquire about a issue I have with my 2016 Toyota RAV 4. It only has 120800 miles on it and the transmission has malfunctioned and had to be replaced, costing me $6000 to replace. I believe their transmissions are defective and Toyota should take responsibility for the defects of their transmissions in the RAV 4. I have researched and found that many others have the same issue with this year, make and model and would like to file a report. in case there is a class action lawsuit, I would like to be notified. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2023
My sunroof is leaking for the fourth time. The first time it ruined the curtain airbags on the driver side. It started leaking again today and I am wondering if the airbags will be damaged again.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2023
My car was parked and when I went in, the drivers seat floor was flooded with rain water due to very heavy rain earlier on. This was on 2/16 /2023. It happened the same on 2/17/2023. Doors and windows were closed properly. It seems the rain water came in from under the steering wheel or filtered from somewhere under it.
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
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2021
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD BANG. I PULL OVER MY CAR AND NOTICE A LARGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. I DIDN'T PASS UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE A ROCK OR OTHER OBJECT WAS DROPPED ON THE ROOF. ADDITIONALLY, THE GLASS WAS CURVED UPWARD, LIKE A BOTTLE TOP BURSTING FROM A BOTTLE. THE SUNROOF SEEMED TO SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODE. I BELIEVE THE ONLY POSSIBLE EXPLANATION IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 14, 2021
HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES ONLY AFTER 20K MILES. BATTERY BECOME DEAD AFTER 25K MILES
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2021
IT SAYS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ECO OR PCM
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2020
HAVE BARELY HAD MY 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 A YEAR, WHEN LAST WEEK JUST LEFT WORK AND TURNED ONTO THE HWY ABOUT 10 MIN GOING ABOUT 65 MPH ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A BLAST. FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE SHOT THE CAR, THEN THOUGHT MUST HAVE BLOWN A TIRE, BUT IT WAS STEERING FINE. I HEARD AIR AND LOOKED UP AT THE SUNROOF AND IT HAD SHATTERED AND EXPLODED, BIG CHUNK HAD BLOWN OUT. MORE LITTLE PIECES WERE BLOWING OUT SO I SHUT THE COVER. TOOK A PICTURE OF MY DISPLAY SHOWING TEMP, SPEED ETC. WASN'T SURE WHAT TO DO, I WAS 30 MILES FROM TOWN, SO I DROVE TO GAS STATION FOR GAS, AND TOOK PICTURES. NEXT MORNING CALLED TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. HE MADE ME AN APPT. FOR LATER THAT DAY. I SAID IT SHOULD BE NO COST TO ME AS IT'S OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE SUNROOF. HE SAID WE WILL TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND SEE IF A ROCK HIT IT OR SOMETHING. I SAID "NO ROCK HIT IT, IT JUST EXPLODED FOR NO REASON". WENT TO APPT AND SERVICE GUY HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE JOB FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, THEY SENT OUT MAINTENANCE MANAGER. SHE TRIED TO TELL ME A ROCK MUST HAVE HIT IT, I ARGUED THAT NOTHING HIT IT, IT JUST EXPLODED. THEN SERVICE DIRECTOR CAME OUT, HE SAID THERE'S NO WAY TO PROVE WHAT HAPPENED AND THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY INSURANCE COMPREHENSIVE FOR GLASS REPAIR. I SAID SURE WITH A $500 DEDUCTIBLE THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY. HE SAID WELL THERE'S NOTHING THAT WE CAN DO. THEY WROTE UP A REPAIR QUOTE AND GAVE THAT TO ME. THEN A COUPLE GUYS COVERED THE SUNROOF WITH STICKY PLASTIC TO KEEP THE RAIN AND OTHER STUFF OUT. OTHER THAN THAT THEY WERE NO HELP, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, WHICH I FIND HARD TO BELIEVE, SO WHEN I GOT HOME I RESEARCHED EXPLODING SUNROOFS AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. I FEEL IT IS A DEFECTIVE SUNROOF AND TOYOTA SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2020
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NEWER TOYOTA CAR AND TRUCK MODELS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE FOR THE MOST PART, WITH THE LATEST TO SERIES OF APPLE IPHONES, THE 11 AND THE JUST RELEASED 12 SERIES. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR, YET NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN STATES THAT REQUIRE HANDS FREE USE OF A CELL PHONE WHILE OPERATING A VEHICLE. HOW CAN TWO LARGE COMPANIES NOT WORK TOGETHER TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INTEGRATION BETWEEN THEIR PRODUCTS TO ALLOW SAFE OPERATION OF THEIR VEHICLES AND PHONE. I ASK TO NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AND TAKE PROPER ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THIS RISK ASAP.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2020
ALL FOUR DOOR LOCKS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. EACH HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NOW THE REPLACEMENTS ARE ALSO FAILING. THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO THE CAR WHEN I START THE CAR, THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, WHICH DOES NOT HAPPEN. MAKING IT INCREDIBLY UNSAFE ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS AT NORTH HOLLYWOOD TOYOTA IT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2018.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. MY SUNROOF CRACKED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. I WAS NOT UNDER ANY SORT OF UNDERPASS OR TREE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2020
NEW APPLE IPHONE 11PROMAX. NO LONGER CAN GET HANDS FREE TEXTING SO SAFETY COMPROMISED. STATIONARY ,IN MOTION ALL ROADS
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2019
RAV4 HYBRID LIMITED WITH NAVIGATION. THE NAVIGATION CONTROL [MAPS / RADIO / VOLUME CONTROL] FREEZES SUDDENLY AND SCREEN IS NOT MANAGEABLE UNTIL THE CAR STOPS, ENGINE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. ONE TIME, RADIO WAS LOUD, AND COULD NOT TURN IT DOWN AS THE SCREEN WAS FROZEN. HAS HAPPENED ABOUT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2019
THE REVIEW CAMERA DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY PICTURE WHEN THE SUN SHINES DIRECTLY INTO THE WINDSHIELD THAT ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WITH PEDESTRIANS WITH CHILDREN. I WAS BACKING UP FROM THE PARKING SPACE. THANKS GOD NOTHING HAPPENED BUT THIS CAMERA SCREEN MUST BE RECALLED. I REPORTED IT TO PALM BEACH TOTOTA REP. WHEN I DISCOVERED IT BUT I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SCREEN BECAME DARK AS LCD SCREENS MANUFACTURED YEARS AGO IF YOU REMEMBER. TOYOTA RAV4-2016 THAT I DROVE BEFORE HAD EXCELLENT SCREEN AND CLEAR PICTURE THAT DID NOT AFFECTED BY ANY LIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2019
WATER LEAK AND DAMAGE DRAIN TUBES IN DPILLAR PLUGGED BY DEBRIS. WATER LEAKED INTO HEADLINER, SOAKED FLOOR AND CAUSED SMELL AND MOLD GROWTH. COST INSURANCE A BUNDLE. DEALER DID NOT SPECIFY CAUSE BUT CHARGED ME FOR "SERVICING" AUTO. THE RUGS WERE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND THE INSULATION REMOVED.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2019
MOONROOF DRAIN CLOGGED AND CAUSED WATER TO RUN DOWN A FRAME AND SEEP UNDER CARPET. VEHICLE IS NOW FULL OF MOLD DUE TO THE LEAK. AT THIS TIME THE LEAK IS FIXED BUT THE MOLD ISSUE PERSISTS. THIS BEEN CONFIRMED BY DEALER AND TOYOTA NATIONAL OFFICE. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THE DRAIN OR DRAIN MAINTENANCE IN THE MANUAL. THE MOLD IS A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD. MY CURTAIN AIR BAG IS ALSO PROBABLY DAMAGED DUE TO WATER RUNNING DOWN THE FRAME. THE WATER MUST HAVE BEEN LEAKING FOR A WHILE BUT I DID NOT BECOME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM UNDER THE MOLD STARTED TO SMELL WHEN THE WEATHER GOT WARM. THE WATER ALSO HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DAMAGE CRUCIAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. NATIONAL TOYOTA OFFICE AND THE DEALER ARE DISMISSIVE ABOUT THE ISSUE. TOYOTA'S SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS "CALL YOUR INSURANCE" INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR NOT INFORMING THE CONSUMER ABOUT THE DRAINS. I WOULD NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE IF I WAS INFORMED TO PERIODICALLY CHECK THE DRAINS FOR DEBRIS. MY RAV4 FOR 41K MILES ON IT. USE IS NORMAL.
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2017
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH GETTING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND STARTED HEARING GLASS FLY OFF MY CAR AND SLIDING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER, PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND SLID BACK THE SUNROOF SHADE. THE ENTIRE CENTER OF MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND APPEARED AS IF A GIANT ROCK WAS DROPPED ON IT. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF IMPACT AND I HAVE ALREADY REACHED OUT TO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND THEY OFFERED ABSOLUTELY NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRS.