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
239 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
Delayed/harsh shifting when accelerating or maintaining speeds of 60 - 70 mph. Shuddering sporadically when RPMs are between 2000 - 3000. Marysville Toyota of Washington reproduced and confirmed the issue noted above. They diagnosed the vehicle with a failed Torque Converter. No warning light have come on and the dealership was made aware of this as well. Due to no warning lights, it came as a surprise when the vehicle jolted. I was on the highway maintaining speed when all of a sudden there was a delay and the vehicle began to reduce speed then after 20 - 30 seconds the vehicle forced itself over 3000 RPM and began to regain speed. As the vehicle would suddenly reduce speed without warning I utilized the right lane until I was able to exit from the highway as I was becoming a hazard on the road due to the issuing my vehicle was having.
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.
Engine, Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light and an additional unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil and air filter, and an additional unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2023
When slowing to a stop with foot off gas pedal and on the brake pedal engine suddenly revs to approximately 7K rpms. Mashing brake pedal and turning off engine is only way to control the vehicle. Restarting motor has returned it to normal operation until last occurrence when it took about 5-6 restarts before it returned to normal operation. This has been happening since car was maybe 1 year old. However, it goes for extended periods of 6 months or more without it occurring. It occurs with absolutely no warning.
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!
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)
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 13, 2023
I was parking the car in a gravel parking lot. When I pressed the brakes and shifted into park it instead accelerated and went over the side of an enbankment. I could not stop it even though my foot was pressing hard on the brake. Luckily there was no other person or property affected by the error and my car did not suffer external damage. It damaged a sensor on the bottom side of the car which had to be replaced. There was no indication of any problems beforehand. My mechanic did an extensive review of the car and could not find anything that would have explained the unintended acceleration.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the tailgate was heard opening. The contact also stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate ajar message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred and that the tailgate failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that lubrication needed to be applied to the tailgate. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while opening the rear door using the key fob, the door did not open as needed; however, the door was unlocked. The contact was able to open the rear door manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the back upper door power unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Steering, Apr 16, 2023
At about 40,000 miles on the 2016 Toyota Rav4, the steering wheel response became sticky, in the sense that when the driver moves it from left to right (or right to left), it has resistance at certain spots and the driver has to use extra force to move the steering wheel against the resistance. Once the driver uses that extra force to steer the wheel over that resistance while turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel slightly jerks and shakes. The steering wheel almost remains stuck while turning, and the driver has to immediately correct to prevent turning too much while driving. This can cause the driver to lose control. The car was taken to a Toyota dealer and inspected. The owner of the vehicle has taken the vehicle to a non-manufacturer mechanic dealer for inspection. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms. The problem has been noted by the dealership and the dealership claims that other drivers have experienced the same thing. The non-manufacturer mechanic has also noticed the problem and says the part will arrive in 2 months, as it is currently unavailable. The vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA upon request.
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.
Air bags, Feb 16, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic, a GMC Denali crashed into the rear of her vehicle, which caused her vehicle to crash into the rear of a GMC Arcadia. There were no warning lights that were illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her lower back, arm, upper back, bruises, neck, and head, and medical attention was provided. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, she noticed traffic had slowed down and the driver applied the brake pedal but the brakes failed to respond and crashed into the rear of an unknown vehicle. The TPMS warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her neck, but medical attention was not provided. A police report was filed. There was no fire due to the crash. All the frontal air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V198000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The approximate failure mileage was 89,500.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 25, 2022
While changing the lane towards right, suddenly my vehicle over accelerated and was about to crash the vehicle ahead of me and quickly I decided to maneuver towards the right shoulder lane and within few seconds and speedy semi-truck passed from the left and saved our lives of 4 people in the car in the busy highway approaching the O'hare Chicago Airport. Safety: Had I not taken towards right to avoid crash on anther vehicle, the high speed truck from the back would have hit us within a few seconds of my alertness. Yes, during Feb.2019, due to excess acceleration, this car crashed towards thick ice and snow while driving through a street, and damaged front bumper.(my wife was seated at passenger side) Called the dealer and took the vehicle to them(Wilde Toyota-West allis), they knew the seriousness, serviced it in their workshop for over a week by changing timing belt, re-programming etc..etc. and returned back my car and said now it should work, it is okay as it should be. Yes, my vehicle was inspected twice by Insurance company, Toyota officials for airbag inspection, workshop mechanics, due to major road accidents (for not my fault) in Oct.2019 and Jan.2020 and repaired at another auto body service center in Milwaukee(Andrew Toyota) and in Madison(Ballbody-A division of Smart Motors). There was no warning signs in the Vehicle as the car runs very well on both highway and city roads.
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
Structure, Dec 6, 2022
My car has an electric rear door/hatch. Without electric it is extremely difficult to open. The electric opening does not work so I had to have it repaired. The cost was about $1100. The Toyata repair shop mechanic said there have been many of these repairs. The vehicle is only 6 or 7 years old.
Exterior lighting, Dec 5, 2022
Rear taillight covers are deteriorating. Discoloration and fog
Engine, Nov 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine consumed half a quart of oil every 300 to 400 miles. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
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.