2016 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has 3 safety recalls and 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Toyota RAV4 recalls
Recall 23V-734: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Recall 16V-236: Equipment, Tires
Problem: 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."
Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-198: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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."
Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2016 Toyota RAV4 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 59 | |
| Service Brakes | 44 | |
| Unknown or Other | 33 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 28 | |
| Engine | 25 | |
| Air Bags | 19 | |
| Structure | 15 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Power Train | 11 | |
| Steering | 10 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Toyota RAV4 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4: 23V-734 (electrical system), 16V-236 (equipment, tires), 16V-198 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota RAV4?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (59 reports), followed by service brakes (44). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.