Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota RAV4, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system59
- Service brakes44
- Unknown or other33
- Exterior lighting28
- Engine25
- Air bags19
- Structure15
- Visibility/wiper12
- Vehicle speed control12
- Power train11
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 27 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 98 2016 RAV4 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 40 people died inside them, and 11 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Toyota RAV4 failed the safety check 2.73% of the time — 38% more often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 80,382 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
63,490 new Toyota RAV4 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were France (9,181), Germany (9,107), the United Kingdom (8,532).
- Average mass
- 1,663 kg
- Average power
- 110 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 63% · Diesel 34% · LPG 2.2%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2016 Toyota RAV4 cars on Dutch roads are the 2.5 hybrid (114 kW, 153 hp) and 2.0 petrol (112 kW, 150 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 hybrid | 114 kW 153 hp | 2,378 |
| 2.0 petrol | 112 kW 150 hp | 223 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
2,643 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 75% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €44,559.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,266
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht473
- Band onvoldoende profiel415
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt402
- Band beschadigd316
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld285
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm253
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft123
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
7,730 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 96 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 7,721 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 86% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3.9% | 4.9% |
| Tyres | 3.6% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 3.5% | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 2.6% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.2% | 6.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.4% | 1.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
1,656 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 163,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
3,487 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 1% arrived as used imports, 98% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 16.9 % |
| 2016 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 8.9–9.5 L/100 km (about 25–26 mpg US), CO₂ 208–220 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 LE/XLE · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.0 | 7.6 | 8.9 |
| RAV4 · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.1 | 7.7 | 9.0 |
| RAV4 Limited/SE AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.6 | 8.1 | 9.4 |
| RAV4 AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.5 | 8.2 | 9.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
| 2023589 1 Nov 2023 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the battery hold-down assembly may not properly secure certain 12 V aftermarket batteries. As a result, the battery could shift po… |
| 2021723 24 Nov 2021 | Electrical Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicl… |
| 2019428 23 Aug 2019 | Accessories Issue: On certain vehicles, the hook and loop material used to attach the carpet to its underpadding may not be flame resistant. As a result, when it is teste… |
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2017363 20 Jul 2017 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the electrical power cords of some dealer installed block heaters may have been improperly manufactured, causing the wires to contact each … |
| 2016147 6 Apr 2016 | Brakes Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 126 - Electronic Stability Control Systems. Some brake act… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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."
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2016 Toyota RAV4: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11007455 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11007443 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11007433 | During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the RAV4 that does not include this small size. The smaller battery may not fit securely with the RAV4s battery mounting parts, and, in some cases, can move around when the vehicle is driven, causing a short circuit. Using the wrong size battery, or n |
| 11006161 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11006151 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11006150 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11006149 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11006139 | During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the RAV4 that does not include this small size. The smaller battery may not fit securely with the RAV4s battery mounting parts, and, in some cases, can move around when the vehicle is driven, causing a short circuit. Using the wrong size battery, or n |
| 11005153 | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. |
| 11005149 | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. |
| 11005132 | TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY 24TE03 Rav4 Battery Class Action Settlement CERTAIN 2013 2018 Model Year RAV4 |
| 11005131 | On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024 to determine if the settlement should be finally approved. The settlement includes Toyotas agreement to provide a Customer Support Program for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles which were inspected/repaired under Consumer Advisory 21TG01. |
| 11005130 | On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024 to determine if the settlement should be finally approved. The settlement includes Toyotas agreement to provide a Customer Support Program for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles which were inspected/repaired under consumer advisory 21TG01. The purpose of this Customer Support Program letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a rec |
| 11005129 | During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the RAV4 that does not include this small size. The smaller battery may not fit securely with the RAV4s battery mounting parts, and, in some cases, can move around when the vehicle is driven, causing a short circuit. Using the wrong size battery, or n |
| 11005122 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005119 | This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 2025 model year Toyota vehicles. |
| 11005115 | Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed |
| 11005114 | Safety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products. Toyota will be conducting follow-up notifications to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed in the campaigns listed |
| 11005074 | TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY 24TE03 Rav4 Battery Class Action Settlement CERTAIN 2013 2018 Model Year RAV4 |
| 11005073 | On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024 to determine if the settlement should be finally approved. The settlement includes Toyotas agreement to provide a Customer Support Program for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles which were inspected/repaired under Consumer Advisory 21TG01. |
| 11005072 | On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024 to determine if the settlement should be finally approved. The settlement includes Toyotas agreement to provide a Customer Support Program for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles which were inspected/repaired under consumer advisory 21TG01. The purpose of this Customer Support Program letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a rec |
| 11005071 | During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the RAV4 that does not include this small size. The smaller battery may not fit securely with the RAV4s battery mounting parts, and, in some cases, can move around when the vehicle is driven, causing a short circuit. Using the wrong size battery, or n |
| 11005064 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation