Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2016 Toyota RAV4 HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Most complaints involve structure (4) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 32 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
32mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2016 – Sep 2026
- Structure4
- Service brakes4
- Visibility/wiper3
- Engine2
- Tires1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Electrical system1
- Suspension1
- Vehicle speed control1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
4 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHROME TRIM ON THE DASHBOARD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIEW OF THE FRONT SIDE MIRRORS WERE OBSTRUCTED BY A SHINY GLARE THAT CREATED A BLINDING EFFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LACK OF VISIBILITY BECAME MORE PROMINENT AND PERSISTENT IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WHEN THE SUN WAS PRESENT. STEVINSON TOYOTA WEST (780 DENVER WEST COLORADO MILLS BLVD, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80401, (720) 259-2544) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY REPAIR SHOP. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING A FABRIC MASKING TAPE TO THE CHROME TRIM OF THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36.”
Service brakes
4 reports4 crashes
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING DECK. AS I TURNED INTO THE SPOT I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOW OR STOP. THERE WAS NO BRAKING POWER WHATSOEVER. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE WALL.”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES IN SUNNY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110 (888) 722-4942) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT HAVE THE WINDOWS TINTED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE TINT, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 11/02/17*LJ *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 30 | 32 | $2,000 | 274 |
- 32mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 RAV4 Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (4), service brakes (4), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026