This page covers 3 recalls, 232 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
25–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 RAV4's complaint picture is spread across a few systems, with the electrical system and service brakes drawing the most attention. On the electrical side, owners report a range of issues including battery failures that leave the vehicle unable to start, airbag warning lights appearing on the dashboard, and power liftgate malfunctions where the gate won't close via the key fob or the liftgate buttons and has to be shut manually. Brake complaints center on situations where the vehicle doesn't stop as expected, owners describe pressing the pedal and the vehicle continuing forward longer than anticipated, particularly at moderate city speeds. Exterior lighting is the third most reported area, though the representative complaints provided don't detail specific lighting symptoms beyond volume. Among the electrical reports, unexpected shutoffs while driving also appear, with the vehicle requiring a full restart to resume operation.
232
Total Complaints
33
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
21
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate safety concerns: a potential battery short circuit that raises the risk of fire, and a brake system issue where insufficient fluid pressure can cause loss of vehicle control.
A replacement 12-volt battery that does not sit correctly in its tray can shift and contact the hold-down bracket, creating a short circuit and a fire risk under the hood. On the braking side, certain vehicles built in a narrow window between late October 2015 and early February 2016 may develop insufficient brake fluid pressure, which can reduce stopping ability and increase the chance of a crash. There is also a labeling recall affecting vehicles distributed through Southeast Toyota: the Load Carrying Capacity label on some RAV4s may show incorrect weight limits that do not account for dealer-installed accessories, which could lead an owner to overload the vehicle without realizing it.
At a glance
What can fail
Some replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit securely in the battery tray, allowing the battery to shift and contact the hold-down bracket, which can cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight capacity label on certain vehicles may show incorrect information about how much weight the tires can safely carry due to installed accessories.
What the fix does
Toyota will send owners a corrected label to place over the inaccurate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ABS actuator has a damaged O-ring that may fail to properly control brake fluid pressure during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake actuator as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
