NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 239 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota RAV4. Most complaints involve electrical system (58) and service brakes (44). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each RAV4 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 57 |
| 1998 | 85 |
| 1999 | 63 |
| 2000 | 40 |
| 2001 | 314 |
| 2002 | 555 |
| 2003 | 327 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1,003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 261 |
| 2014 | 207 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 333 |
| 2019 | 884 |
| 2020 | 639 |
| 2021 | 389 |
| 2022 | 149 |
| 2023 | 164 |
| 2024 | 176 |
| 2025 | 94 |
“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 braking system malfunctioned during Winter and snowy road conditions. Several instances happened during the month of December 2023 and 2024. Latest were December 10 and 13, 2024. The brake pad was soft when depressed that the car accelerated instead of stopping.”
“Headlights and taillights are fogging/hazing up to where they dimmed out the lights when turned on making is somewhat difficult to see or others behind me to see me.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 LE/XLE Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 338 |
| RAV4 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 349 |
| RAV4 AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 357 |
| RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 362 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 239 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (58), service brakes (44), exterior lighting (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Toyota RAV4 at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Toyota RAV4 5 out of 5 stars overall.