2016 Toyota RAV4 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 256 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota RAV4, filed between 2016-02-04 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (59, 23%), service brakes (48, 19%) and exterior lighting (28, 11%). Owners reported 37 crashes, 12 fires and 27 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Toyota RAV4 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 59 | 23% | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 48 | 19% | 18 | 0 | 11 |
| Unknown or other | 38 | 15% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 28 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 26 | 10% | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| Air bags | 19 | 7% | 15 | 0 | 17 |
| Structure | 19 | 7% | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 6% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 3 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 59 complaints
- 59 complaints of 256 (23%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 12 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota RAV4; the recall, campaign 23V734000, says: “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.”
Service brakes: 48 complaints
- 48 complaints of 256 (19%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 18 crashes and 11 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota RAV4; the recall, campaign 16V198000, says: “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…”
Exterior lighting: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 256 (11%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Engine: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 256 (10%) name the engine.
- 12 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes, 8 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Air bags: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 256 (7%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 3 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 15 crashes and 17 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Structure: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 256 (7%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 47 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 10 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names RAV4, RAV4 HYBRID, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Toyota RAV4 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota RAV4?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Toyota RAV4's most common problem areas are the electrical system (59 of 256 complaints), service brakes (48 of 256 complaints) and exterior lighting (28 of 256 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA has 256 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota RAV4, including 37 reported crashes and 12 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Toyota RAV4's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.