2016 Toyota Rav4 problems

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The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.

It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.

For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.

In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.

2016 Toyota Rav4

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Common 2016 Toyota Rav4 problems

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it has some common problems reported by owners. This article will discuss the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota RAV4, including engine issues, brake failure, electrical problems, and faulty EVAP vapor canister.

Engine Loses Power While Turning

One of the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is the engine losing power while turning. This issue has been reported by several owners, and it seems to occur randomly while turning at full lock. The problem can be concerning, as it may force the owner to put the vehicle through its ignition cycle. The cause of this problem is not definitively known, but it is suspected to be related to destroyed wires or a faulty idle sensor. The cost to fix this issue can range from $450 to $600.

To avoid this problem, it is recommended to test drive the RAV4 and include a few u-turns in your driving route. This will help ensure that the Rav 4 you’re interested in does not have the issue. Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that the vehicle is in Standard, Eco, and Sport mode during the test drive, as some owners have reported that the problem is not present when the vehicle is in Sport mode but shows up in Eco mode.

Brake Failure

Another common problem with the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is brake failure. This issue has been reported by several owners, and it can occur when the brakes are fully applied in panic or slow-speed situations. If the car hits another vehicle or stationary object due to this failure, the cost to repair will be substantially higher than $450. However, correcting the issue before an unfortunate accident is not too expensive to fix.

To avoid this problem, it is recommended to engage the RAV4 in a panic stop to ensure that there are no issues with the braking system. If you’re not willing to do this, have your trusted mechanic test out the vehicle to ensure that there are no issues. Additionally, it is recommended to be aware of the warning signs of brake failure, such as a spongy or soft brake pedal, grinding or squeaking noises, and the vehicle pulling to one side when braking.

Electrical Issues

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has also been known to have electrical issues. These issues can range from minor problems, such as sudden issues with electrical accessories, to more significant problems, such as rodents eating the wiring. The cost to repair electrical issues can range from $200 to $6300, depending on the severity of the problem.

To avoid electrical issues, it is recommended to have a mechanic check out the vehicle’s wiring system in detail before purchasing. Additionally, it is recommended to be aware of the warning signs of electrical issues, such as the check engine light illuminating, electrical accessories not working properly, and the vehicle not starting.

Faulty EVAP Vapor Canister

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has also been known to have issues with the EVAP vapor canister. This component is part of the emission control system and is responsible for trapping and preventing vapors from escaping. When the EVAP vapor canister fails, it can cause the check engine light to illuminate, and it can result in a decrease in fuel efficiency. The cost to fix this issue can range from $390 to $400.

To avoid this problem, it is recommended to have the EVAP vapor canister checked regularly as part of the vehicle’s routine maintenance. Additionally, it is recommended to be aware of the warning signs of a faulty EVAP vapor canister, such as the check engine light illuminating, a decrease in fuel efficiency, and a sulfur or rotten egg smell coming from the vehicle.

In conclusion, while the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is known for its reliability, it has some common problems reported by owners. These problems include engine issues, brake failure, electrical issues, and faulty EVAP vapor canister. By being aware of these problems and taking the recommended precautions, potential buyers can make an informed decision and avoid these issues in the future.

2016 Toyota Rav4 engine

How reliable is a 2016 RAV4?

How Reliable Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4? The 2016 RAV4 has an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

How long should a 2016 Toyota RAV4 last?

Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.

Is there any recalls on a 2016 RAV4?

Vehicles recalled: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Toyota RAV4. The problem: Some 12-volt batteries have different top dimensions than the original battery and may not be properly secured.

How many miles is a 2016 Toyota RAV4 good for?

How Long Does a Toyota Rav4 Last? The Toyota Rav4 is a leading SUV when it comes to longevity, clocking in at between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles on average, with higher numbers for owners who take good care of their Rav4.

Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 a reliable car?

Super Reliable

The RAV4 is a reliable vehicle that will last longer than most cars as long as you keep it serviced.

How long should a 2016 Toyota RAV4 last?

Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.

What is the common problem of Toyota RAV4?

The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles. Here, you'll see which RAV4 model years frequently experience what issues and what might cause them.

Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

Summary: 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.

2016 Toyota Rav4 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Toyota Rav4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2016 Toyota Rav4

The NHTSA has received 207 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Toyota Rav4. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.

2024-09-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
  • VIN: 2T3WFREV7GW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 unavailable. 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 stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH, the instrument cluster and the infotainment display were turning off and on and resetting. The contact stated that his wife parked the vehicle and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was not starting. The contact was able jumpstart the vehicle. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to a battery store where the battery was checked and was confirmed that it was within normal operating procedure. The failure reoccurred and the contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact questioned the dealer about NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) and was informed by the dealer that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
  • VIN: JTMYFREV1GJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. 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.
2024-08-26

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV1GW
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Headlights are cloudy to the point of dimming the visibility of the light. When I asked the dealer, they could not clean headlight apparatus. I also cannot clean the buildup as it is on the inside of the headlight cover. I feel that this is a defective part that could potentially be the cause of an accident.
2024-08-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-10
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV3GW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I needed a battery change so I changed it.
2024-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
  • VIN: JTMDFREVXGJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2024-07-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
  • VIN: 2T3DFREVXGW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. 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.
2024-07-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
  • VIN: 2T3BFREVXGW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-07-14

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
  • VIN: JTMBFREV1GJ
  • Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: On July 13th I was driving at a slow speed and I was making a right turn and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in not being able to turn into my lane and so a car coming into my direction, so quickly I had to stop across the opposite lane to let the car go by me, Then I looked at the dashboard it had the steering wheel and brake symbol illuminated, so I tried to restart the motor but it made the clinching noise telling me that still running so I stopped and restarted the motor and the symbols went off and continued driving with caution, made it home safe
2024-07-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
  • VIN: JTMJFREV6GJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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.
2024-06-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
  • VIN: 2T3BFREV3GW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Battery recall and Toyota on 6/7/2024 stated that the battery issues is unrelated to the recall and they cannot do anything. I was refused service a few months back for this recall.
2024-06-06

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2T3ZFREV6GW
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The contact owned a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle in front of the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The Police and ambulance arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, however, the contact was later informed that a passenger who was riding in the vehicle that was rear-ended later received medical attention. The contact's vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact's vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact stated that no damage to the other vehicle had been reported. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for full maintenance six weeks before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
2024-06-02

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-25
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2T3WFREV0GW
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: involved in a multi car accident at the intersection of [XXX] , and [XXX] bound on ramp at [XXX] and the other two parties involed air bags deployed . I t boned the car traveling on [XXX] that had ran the intersection red light after the incrdent i was facing acroos all lanes of traffic and a car traveling the same direction hit me in the passenger front door and no air bags deployed in my 2016 toyota rav 4 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-05-30

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
  • VIN: JTMRFREV3GD
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2024-05-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-29
  • VIN: JTMDFREVXGJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2024-05-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
  • VIN: 2T3DFREV6GW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2024-04-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-05
  • VIN: 2T3ZFREV9GW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: While driving around 60 mph the engine suddenly started jumping revs and would not catch back into gear. Turned engine off and on and vehicle would shift normally from 1-3 but would not go into 4-6 gear. Had to place transmission in manual mode and select gear 3 to drive home. Brought to a local transmission shop and was told it was the torque converter. This issue also cause the check engine light, TSC light to come on. It was also throwing codes for faulty shift solonoids.
2024-04-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
  • VIN: 2T3DFREV3GW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2024-04-04

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-04
  • VIN: 2T3DFREV3GW
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: A fogging/white residue has developed over time on the inside of the tail lights. As this continues to progress it would make the lights much dimmer and harder to see. ( I see several references to the same issue doing an online search for 2016 rav4 taillight fogging)
2024-03-04

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
  • VIN: JTMWFREV5GD
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: All 6 of mine lights (front/fog and inside/outside rear) are collecting haze / contamination on the inside of the lens. Lights are a primary safety/warning device. Anything (like interior fogging) that interferes with this function is a SERIOUS safety defect that the manufacturer should fix under a safety recall. I have already spent money replacing one of the side rear light assemblies, due to these being a safety hazard. I would like to avoid an accident or possible legal tickets.
2024-02-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-22
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV7GW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.
2024-01-28

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-28
  • VIN: JTMWFREV5GJ
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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.
2024-01-19

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
  • VIN: 2T3BFREV7GW
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2024-01-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
  • VIN: JTMJFREV3GJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2023-12-26

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV7GW
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2023-12-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
  • VIN: 2T3RFREVXGW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.

2016 Toyota Rav4 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Toyota Rav4.

2023-11-01
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risks were mailed December 8, 2023. Remedy parts are anticipated by December 2024. Remedy is planned to launch to dealers by November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
2016-04-22
  • Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 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."
  • Consequence: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
2016-04-07
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
  • Summary: 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."
  • Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.

Negative 2016 Toyota Rav4 car reviews

  1. Mohamed Turner 2024-11-03

    1. I noticed that the seat belt adjusters tend to make a rattle noise while driving. 2. There seems to be a popping sound in the back of the car after braking. 3. The engine vibration is quite strong and can shake both front seats, similar to the 2015 CRV. Sometimes, I even have to turn off the engine when parked because the vibration causes dizziness. 4. When backing up and turning the steering wheel, the car makes a metal type sound, similar to an old car. 5. It's disappointing that Toyota makes auto headlights an option for the RAV XLE, especially considering the price point of around $27k. Overall, the car has a luxurious appearance but feels cheap due to the abundance of road, cabin, and wind noise caused by the use of cheap materials. If you're looking for reliability, this car is a good choice, but if you want more features and comfort for the same amount of money, it's best to look elsewhere.

  2. Richmond King 2024-10-06

    This car has a lot of great features, including a smooth power delivery and high-quality interior. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those with back problems. I recommend taking a long-term test drive or renting one before making a purchase. It's important to prioritize your comfort and well-being when choosing a vehicle. Thank you for considering this advice.

  3. Simeon Roberts 2024-08-11

    This Toyota vehicle has had some issues with the brakes and tailgate, requiring two repairs within the first three months and 3000 miles of use. Despite these setbacks, I am confident in the quality of Toyota vehicles and their commitment to customer satisfaction. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, but I believe that Toyota produces reliable and high-quality vehicles.

  4. Elwyn Yost 2024-08-05

    It seems like I may have just had some bad luck, but my Brand New Rav 4 had a faulty transmission. The dealer was very helpful and acknowledged the issue, replacing it to their credit. Although it still has some whistling noise on acceleration, it's much better than before. If I had known more about CVT Transmissions, I might have chosen a different vehicle with a conventional trans. I did a lot of research before the purchase and the Rav 4 had great reviews across the board, which heavily influenced my decision to purchase it. I guess you live and learn!

  5. Wilton Cummerata 2024-07-20

    This is our second 4th-gen RAV4. Although we had a 2013 model which we sold after a year, we purchased a 2016 Limited for my wife because she liked the looks and safety features. While the RAV4 looks great on paper, our real-life experience has been disappointing. We have encountered a few issues that have made our driving experience less than ideal. The ride is very harsh and stiff, and even small road imperfections translate into sharp, jarring bumps. The seats are uncomfortable, especially the front seats which are tiny and badly shaped. Even though I'm 5'7 and 155 lb, I feel like I'm sitting on a chair designed for a child or a midget. The rear seats aren't any better - flat and hard, like a wooden bench. The road noise is still very bad, and I can hear every car around me - it's like riding with open windows. The interior materials feel cheap. Overall, the RAV feels like riding in a cheap $15k sub-compact, not a $30k SUV. While we have had some issues with our RAV4, we still appreciate some of its features. However, we would not recommend it. After 5 years of ownership, we have encountered additional issues with the RAV4. The interior rattles and squeaks like a cheap 1980 subcompact. We have also experienced some reliability issues, with the car starting to drip oil from the front differential area 2 years after purchase. Although it was fixed by the dealer under warranty, it started leaking again 1 month before the warranty expired. It took 4 repair trips and over 20 days in the shop, a new transfer case and a new transmission to finally correct a small oil leak. Toyota covered it under powertrain warranty, but it took them days to decide what to do, and the Hey there! Just wanted to share my thoughts on the 4th generation (2013-2019) RAV4. In my experience, I've found them to be a bit overpriced and not as reliable as I would have hoped. I would suggest considering other options. Thanks for listening!

Positive 2016 Toyota Rav4 car reviews

  1. Bill Hickle 2025-01-06

    I'm writing this review of my 2016 RAV4 SE nearly three years after purchasing the car. I did my online research just like we all do, but I went a step beyond and test drove a good number of SUVs in the class. After careful consideration, I found that Toyota was the clear winner for energy, acceleration and handling as well as the classy interior and magnificent safety package (an add-on that I would highly recommend). The 7

  2. Ayden Reynolds 2025-01-05

    I absolutely love this SUV! It has a higher view for driving than sedans, which is a great feature. However, as someone who is a little short, I did find the large space a bit of a challenge. When I sat in the driver's seat, I had to sit quite close to reach the accelerator, brake and steering wheel, which meant my space wasn't as big as I would have liked. Additionally, I had to be careful not to hit my head on the top of the car when getting out. Despite these minor issues, I would still highly recommend calmly test driving this vehicle and making your own decision. Overall, the driving experience is fantastic, the price is great, and the safety features are top-notch. I absolutely love this car!

  3. Franz Nicolas 2024-11-25

    I did a lot of research before deciding to buy the 2016 Rav4 Limited AWD with advanced tech package and TSS. I needed Blind Spot Monitoring and Topview camera features in an SUV with a reasonable price. The closest competitors were the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX5. Based on Edmunds' review of the Rogue with the clunky CVT engine and lesser resale value and reliability when compared to the Rav4, I opted for the Rav4. The CX5 had BSM but didn't have a topview camera. The Rav4 has all the electronics I need for the next 10 years. The BSM is incredibly helpful, and the topview camera allows me to park in the tightest of spaces. The Lane Departure Alert and Radar Cruise control are awesome, as are the Auto High Beams. I've never had a Garmin, but I do like the Toyota Navigation as it does its job for both giving directions and showing traffic. Some improvements are for the car to have a heated steering wheel option in the USA and to have an audio alert for the BSM. This is a great car for the value.

  4. Arvid Jerde 2024-11-15

    I've been a 3x RAV4 owner and I wouldn't trade it for any other SUV. The RAV4 has the power, speed, and comfort, making it the best mid-size SUV in my opinion. It can take you anywhere!

  5. Jovany Stiedemann 2024-11-05

    I have been driving large crossovers for many years, but now that my kids and grandkids have grown or moved away, my wife and I decided to look for something more suitable for our current needs. We researched both Toyota and Honda, and while both have great reliability ratings, we found that Toyota beat Honda in most categories, except possibly gas mileage. We ultimately settled on the Toyota Rav4 over the Honda CRV, as the latter had very uncomfortable seats, lots of wind noise, and a very rough ride. Although we were initially a little worried about the new softex seating material in the Toyota, we did some research and found that everything was positive. We even discovered that Mercedes uses almost the same material (under a different name) in their cars. So far, everything is going great, and my wife has more high-tech equipment in this car than in her much higher-priced crossover. While we haven't had the car long enough to comment on mileage, etc., we will update after 6 months. However, we seriously doubt if there will be anything negative to report.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Toyota Rav4 problems:

The Most Common Problems with Used 2016 Toyota RAV4s - CoPilot
The Most Common Problems with Used 2016 Toyota RAV4s - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/2016-toyota-rav-4-problems/

Jun 14, 2022 ... Major Problems With 2016 Toyota RAV4 · Engine Loses Power While Turning. Cost To Fix: $450 · Brake Failure. Cost To Fix: $ 450 to $1200 ...

Issues or common problems with 4th gen rav 4? | Toyota Nation Forum
Issues or common problems with 4th gen rav 4? | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/issues-or-common-problems-with-4th-gen-rav-4.1694232/

Feb 23, 2021 ... The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has 276 problems & defects reported by RAV4 owners. The worst complaints are transmission, accessories - interior, and ...

Considering buying used RAV4 - Common problems 2016-2018? : r ...
Considering buying used RAV4 - Common problems 2016-2018? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/comments/kre5dh/considering_buying_used_rav4_common_problems/

Jan 6, 2021 ... 64K subscribers in the rav4club community. The Toyota RAV4 is a terrific car that doesn't seem to fit into any one category.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
2016 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2016/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Brakes · Exhaust · Steering And Suspension · Electrical Accessories · Body Hardware · Drive System · Climate System · Noises And ...

2016 Toyota RAV4 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2016 Toyota RAV4 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/rav4/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Toyota RAV4? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Toyota Rav4

toyota rav4 2017 photo
Rav4 2017
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254

3

25

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toyota rav4 2018 photo
Rav4 2018
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248

3

25

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toyota rav4 2019 photo
Rav4 2019
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724

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24

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toyota rav4 2020 photo
Rav4 2020
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509

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27

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toyota rav4 2021 photo
Rav4 2021
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196

1

21

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toyota rav4 2022 photo
Rav4 2022
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71

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