2016 Toyota RAV4 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 and 239 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (58), service brakes (46), unknown or other (33). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 25 mpg combined.
The 2016 ranks #6 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Toyota RAV4. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Mechanic said he thought rear lower rearward; non-adjustable control arms, lateral arms were a recall. They were falling apart. I've been complaining about a clunky noise for a year or so. Thank you for your help [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving 9/3 and my left blinker light came on solid. I was not using my blinker. Within a few seconds my check engine light came on and another light. Then within 2 minutes the front left engine/tire caught fire.
"The red master warning triangle and an 'SRS Airbag System Malfunction' message illuminated unexpectedly on the dashboard of my 2016 Toyota Rav4 XLE under normal driving conditions. I contacted a certified Toyota dealership, and they confirmed that this dashboard warning indicates the vehicle's airbag system is completely disabled, leaving the occupants without airbag protecti…
Safety ratings
2016 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD
2016 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
RAV4
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
RAV4 AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4, most recently for electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery (11/01/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota RAV4?
Based on 239 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (58), service brakes (46), unknown or other (33).
Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 safe?
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Toyota RAV4?
The 2016 ranks #6 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 get?
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is EPA-rated at about 25 mpg combined.
Own a 2016 Toyota RAV4 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: RAV4.