2016 Toyota Rav4 problems
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-10
- VIN: 2T3RFREV3GW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I needed a battery change so I changed it.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Positive 2016 Toyota Rav4 car reviews
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I've had this car for a month now and it just reached 1,000 miles. Overall, I'm very happy with it! The acceleration is great, especially since I just traded in a 2005 Toyota Highlander with a V6, figuring that I would have some adjustments to make. The interior is spacious and comfortable, but it does feel a bit cheap. The carpet in the floorboard is very thin and the interior is a bit too plastic-looking. I imagine over time, with a family, it may start to look a bit banged up, but it's just me, so hardly anyone will ever sit in the back seat. The rims are nice and sporty-looking, but they are plastic and I wonder how they will hold up, especially since I keep a car for a long time. A bad safety feature is when you put it in park, all doors seem to unlock instead of just the driver's door. Overall, I do recommend it for its sporty styling and comfortable ride. Update 12/16/16: Still enjoying this vehicle. However, I did discover that the car doors can be programmed so that only the driver's door unlocks when you put the vehicle in park. Update as of 6-17-18: I currently have 18,100 miles on my Toyota and it has been great. My only complaint is the black interior; it shows dirt quite well and the glare off the dashboard in the summertime can be quite hot, to say the least. Apparently, I recently discovered that a lot of RAV4's have black interior and unless you purchase a top-of-the-line model, it's hard to get another color interior. Update as of 6-18-19: I currently have 26,500 miles on my Toyota and I'm still enjoying it. I put WeatherTech mats in the front this past year with all the bad weather we had this past winter. Still, my only complaint is the black interior, which shows dirt well and gets hot in the summertime with glare off of the dashboard. Update 12-18-19: Just replaced the tires at 31,291 miles. Despite regular rotations, the Michelin tires (factory-issued) on the car would not have lasted me through the winter.The tires were supposed to last until 55,000 miles, but they didn't make it that far. Since the new tires were put on, I've been having problems with the tire pressure light coming on constantly, even though the tires have the recommended amount of air. I was told it was due to the cold, and while it does go off once the day warms up, I didn't have this problem before. Next time I go to the dealership for an oil change, I'm going to get it checked out. As of today, 6/18/2020, I have 35,080 miles. The tire pressure warning issue was due to the business that put the new tires on not putting nitrogen in the tires, which caused the pressure sensor to not work correctly. While I'm not too fond of the black interior and the plastic trim panels that run along the side of the car are very difficult to keep clean, and when you attempt to clean them, as soon as it rains, they get dirty again and look faded. The Back to Black product that I have previously used is not only expensive but useless. Turtlewax makes one that works a little better. I'm hoping to have my RAV4 professionally detailed soon. Overall, I'm still very happy with my car and will be keeping it.
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The Rav4 xle had the best interior and smoothest ride. It also had the most cargo area. I loved the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which had a much better feel than all the other cars. Additionally, there was more head and foot room in the back seats, and you can adjust them too. I tested the Honda Crv, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and others.
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I've been driving my 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD (w/ Advanced Technology Package) for over two years now and I must say, I really like this SUV. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and the Softex upholstery (synthetic leather) is very realistic and has held up extremely well compared to real leather. The rear seats are spacious and even recline for added comfort. The cargo area is enormous and I've never had any issues fitting cargo. The power lift gate is handy, although it can be a bit slow in operation. The interior materials are decent, with the steering wheel made of high-quality leather and adequately padded armrests. Although there is a fair bit of hard plastic comprising the cabin, the swath of padded and stitched material across the dash adds an upscale vibe. The faux wood trim is good looking and classes up the cabin compared to pre-refreshed models. I particularly like the small storage area above the glove box on the passenger side. The 7'' touch screen works well and has good feature content, although the resolution could be better. The Bluetooth system works well and is easy to connect to. The 11 speaker JBL audio system sounds excellent. Toyota's navigation system functions well and is easy to follow, although the map quality is nothing to write home about. The climate system works well and heats up/cools down quickly. However, the lack of rear climate vents (other than floor vents) is not appreciated on a vehicle of this price. The heated front seats work quickly and the power driver's seat is nice, with the 2 person memory function being a great feature. A power passenger seat would be nice, but the manual adjustment works just fine. The gauges are very legible and the color multi-information display is very handy, especially with navigation directions. I do wish Toyota would have made at least the passenger window fully automatic to match the driver's side window.While I have some minor criticisms, overall I find the RAV4 to be an impressive vehicle. The Toyota Safety Sense P system includes a wide range of advanced safety features that are often only found on high-end luxury cars. I particularly appreciate the effectiveness of the Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, as well as the convenience of Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The RAV4 is also very easy to park, thanks to the front and rear parking sensors and 360 degree camera. The Smart Key System and chrome door handles add a premium touch, and I think the Limited trim looks especially good with its 18'' alloy wheels and LED lighting. The ride comfort is excellent, with a suspension that handles bumps well and makes highway cruising a breeze. While the handling is not particularly sporty, it is still an improvement over my previous vehicle, a 2014 4Runner Limited. Overall, I am very satisfied with the RAV4's performance and features.While the RAV4 may not necessarily wow anyone with its acceleration, it is peppy enough for any situation. Merging and passing is no problem at all. The engine also likes to rev (especially in sport mode) and is extremely refined. The 6-speed automatic transmission is quick-shifting and unobtrusive. The AWD system works well to improve handling and makes the RAV4 easy to drive in bad weather. Climbing snowy hills is no problem, as the RAV4 controls the AWD for you. The center-locking differential is handy to get out of deep snow in the driveway, for example. Road and wind noise levels are relatively quiet, but not completely hushed. In all, the RAV4 is very easy to drive and live with. Although there are a couple of very small gripes, this vehicle is excellent overall. It is comfortable, the drivetrain works well, and the Limited trim has premium features. It has a lot of cargo and passenger space and bounds of high-tech safety gear. I would highly recommend the 2016 RAV4 to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, practical, and well-featured compact SUV.
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I've only had my car for about 6 weeks, but I'm already in love with it! The extra cargo space is fantastic, and we recently took it camping - it was awesome! We were able to lay the back seats down flat and put a couple of self-inflating camping pads down, which made for the best night's sleep while camping that I've ever had (although it might not work if you're over 5'9). Even though the weather was a little cold, we were able to crack the moon roof for ventilation, which was perfect. I'm planning on getting an SUV tent for the summer months, and I'm excited for more adventures with my new Rav! The only thing that's been a bit of an irritation so far is the technology. My iPhone keeps deleting my phone contacts, which is a pain when I just want to make a call. Navigating through playlists and music is easy enough, but the whole system could be a little more intuitive.
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Let me start by saying that I had a great experience driving this car, but I do have one complaint. When driving on snow and ice, the car can be slow to respond when you press the gas pedal, which can be frustrating when you're trying to get going at an intersection. However, once the car gets going, it performs well. We put 2220 miles on the car in a week and got about 24 mpg running at 75 mph. The car was easy to drive, even in crosswinds, and I was impressed by how quiet the cabin remained at high speeds. The interior is roomy and comfortable, and the telescopic adjustment steering was a nice touch. The dashboard controls were good, although I did miss having a compass. The spare tire was full size and easy to access, and five adults fit comfortably in the car. Overall, I would give this car a solid B+.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Toyota Rav4 problems:
The Most Common Problems with Used 2016 Toyota RAV4s - CoPilot
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
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 ...
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
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
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
Are you having problems with your 2016 Toyota Rav4?
Foster Gerhold 2025-06-03
When considering purchasing a car, it's important to research the company's policies regarding product support. While some companies offer strong support, others may not. In my personal experience with Toyota, I encountered issues with paint chipping shortly after purchase due to a factory defect. A quick search for 'Toyota paint peeling' will yield numerous results. When I contacted Toyota's corporate customer service, the representative I spoke with (Angelina, case number 1606203521) initially seemed hesitant to honor the warranty, even before learning the specific model and year of my car. It's important to carefully consider a company's reputation for standing behind their products before making a purchase.
Lukas Thompson 2025-05-17
I have owned four RAV4s and have always been a fan of Toyota Motor Corporation. However, my experience with the 2016 model was disappointing. After driving it for about a week and 500 miles, I noticed a high-pitched whine coming from the transmission. I immediately took it back to the dealer and they confirmed the issue. Although Toyota Motor Corp. has not yet resolved the issue, I appreciate the dealership's efforts to investigate the problem. I am confident that Toyota will eventually address the issue and I remain a loyal customer. I would advise potential buyers to test drive the 2016 and 2017 RAV4 models thoroughly before making a purchase, as there have been reports of similar issues. Overall, I trust Toyota's quality control and believe that they will continue to produce reliable vehicles.
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.
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.
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.