2016 TOYOTA RAV 4

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    lighting exterior

    20 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 13,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THIS VEHICLE ARE HORRIBLE! IT IS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING IN A POORLY LIT TUNNEL WITH VERY LITTLE PERIPHERAL VISION. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING ONCOMING DRIVERS FLASH THEIR HIGH BEAMS AT ME WHILE DRIVING WITH MY LIGHTS ON LO…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1445443
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BEAMS FOCUSED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROA…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1376373
    • "AUTO HIGH BEAMS - INTERMITTENTLY GET STUCK IN "LOW" I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT CAN'T REPRODUCE IT ON DEMAND. LAST INSTANCE WAS ON A STRAIGHT, FLAT RURAL ROAD WITH NO LIGHTS, SIGNALS OR SAME DIRECTION TRAFFIC TRAVELLING AT 55MPH. WAS APPR…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1456109
    • "I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS FROM DAY ONE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ADJUSTED PROPERLY. SINCE THEN MY WIFE HAS HIT A DEER BECAUSE SHE CAN NOT SEE MORE THAN ONE CAR LENGTH IN FRONT WITHOUT THE HIGH BEAMS ON. NOW SHE ALWAYS DRIVES WITH…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1507374
    • "PURCHASED 2016 RAV4 FROM LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IN JUNE 2019. HAD BADLY FOGGED TAIL LIGHTS ON PURCHASE (AS DID FOUR OTHER 2016 RAV4S I LOOKED AT ON DEALER LOTS). PAID LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP $650 ON 6/24/19 TO REPLACE TAIL LIGHTS WITH OEM. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LA…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1596644
  2. #2

    brake hydraulics

    18 unsafe

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 9,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I NEVER TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE."~760 mi, complaint #1292318
    • "2016 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 6500 MILES. IN THE LAST 5 WEEKS, THERE HAVE BEEN 3 INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH ZERO RESISTANCE AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. LUCKILY, RELEASING THE PEDAL A…"~6,500 mi, complaint #1385452
    • "WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IN A ROUTINELY DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AT LOW SPEED WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE GEAR AND CLEAR WEATHER, SOMETIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIPS PART WAY OR ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ALLOWING THE CAR TO ROLL INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE ST…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1387953
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A BRICK PILLAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. POLICE WERE CAL…"~49,623 mi, complaint #1635505
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to depress the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1800527
  3. #3

    airbag system

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HIT A DEER HEAD ON GOING ROUGHLY 70 MPH, AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF AND RADIATOR AND SENSOR GOT PUSHED INTO THE CAR. WAS ON THE HIGHWAY JUST OUTSIDE OF GILLETE, WY WHEN IT OCCURED."~4,905 mi, complaint #1660436
    • "TAKATA RECALL, I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR ENDED COLLISION ON A HIGHWAY WHILE STOPPED CAUSING MY CAR TO REAREND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SAID MALFUNCTION ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS $19000 IN DAMAGE, I ASKED FOR THE SEATBELTS AND…"~8,500 mi, complaint #1485789
    • "TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS SPOUSE WHO OWNED A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME UNCONSCIOUS AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1503631
    • "THE AIR BAG LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF FROM THE DASH ALL THE TIME, I WENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAM DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE LIGHT WASN'T ON WHEN I WENT THERE BUT I THINK THEY COULD AT LEAST TAKE A LOOK AT IT BUT THEY DIDN'T C…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1621267
    • "The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the contact looked through the sideview mirrors and then looked forward. The contact noticed that the vehicle in front of the vehicle had stopped.…"~170,000 mi, complaint #2131542
  4. #4

    other

    1 stranded, 7 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 17,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER STICK WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY MOVED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE RE…"~900 mi, complaint #1301995
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, TWO DEER SUDDENLY EMERGED FROM THE WOODS. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND STRUCK ONE OF THE DEER. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS D…"~10,900 mi, complaint #1472459
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. UNSURE OF THE CAUSE."~14,000 mi, complaint #1412158
    • "MY BRAND NEW CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE FRONT WHILE IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A RESTAURANT. I CAME OUTSIDE TO LEAVE AND IT WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM THE FIRE. I SAW THE RAV4 INVESTIGATION IS HAPPENING AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAD MY REPORT INCLUDED.…"~14,600 mi, complaint #1730731
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Toyota Rav4. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 98,000. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech…"~170,000 mi, complaint #2159731
  5. #5

    sunroof

    13 unsafe, 1 broken

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 13,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. NO ROCK WAS SEEN BEFORE IT HAPPENED AND THE GLASS WAS CURVED OUTWARD WHEN WE STOPPED TO LOOK AT IT. FORTUNATELY, THE VISOR/COVER WAS BELOW IT SO THE GLASS SHARDS DID NOT SPRAY INTO OUR FACES. IT SOUNDED L…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1276411
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE SUN ROOF FRACTURED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS STARTED TO FALL INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CLEARWATER TOYOTA ([REDACTED ADDRES…"~10,250 mi, complaint #1439733
    • "SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. HEARD EXPLOSION, LOOKED UP, AND GLASS FROM SUNROOF STARTING FALLING INTO CAR. SUNROOF VISOR WAS OPEN AT THE TIME. SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. WAS NOT A WARM DAY (AS I HAVE SEEN THIS BE A PROBLEM IN OTHER CASES). LOOKED BEHIND TH…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1372082
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the moon roof was leaking. The failure had gotten progressively worse over time causing damage to the interior of the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer wa…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1748288
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD BANG. I PULL OVER MY CAR AND NOTICE A LARGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. I DIDN'T PASS UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE A ROCK OR OTHER OBJECT WAS DROPPED ON THE ROOF. AD…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1742232
  6. #6

    unintended acceleration

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE IN PARK ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MA…"~1,025 mi, complaint #1341224
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT'S FATHER WAS GENTLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT'S FATHER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND STRUCK A GAT…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1274150
    • "I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF BACK FROM TOYOTA DEAER IN ROCKVILLE, MD. WHEN I APPLIED BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP THE CAR AT THE HIGHWAY INTERSECTIONS, IT ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I HAVE REPOR…"~13,200 mi, complaint #1406676
    • "2016 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT HIGH RPM CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNG FORWARD. HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD DID NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM GOING FORWARD. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AT THE TIME, WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH BRA…"~36,100 mi, complaint #1553230
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN WITHOUT A CRASH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH,…"~43,744 mi, complaint #1505230
  7. #7

    battery and charging

    3 stranded, 6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "IT WAS A COLD DAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. I WARMED UP THE CAR IN THE MORNING FOR [REDACTED ADDRESS] TO WORK. I GOT ONTO THE MASSACHUSETTS PIKE AND AFTER A COUPLE EXITS OF CRUISING AT 60 HIT STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AT ONE OF THE ENTRANCES AND WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO A STO…"~7,400 mi, complaint #1441161
    • "WHILE WAITING FOR RED LIGHT ON A LOCAL STREET (THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT IN A STOPPED FOOT ON THE BRAKE POSITION) THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND DASHBOARD DISPLAY MESSAGE APPEARED STATING "CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE". "~12,000 mi, complaint #1406881
    • "I HAVE HAD AND CONTINUE TO HAVE BATTERY TROUBLE WITH MY TOYOTA RAV4. I FIRST BOUGHT A NEW 2014 AND AT MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS UNCOMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO TRADE IT IN AND GET A NEW 2016. I STILL HAVE T…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1732175
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while inspecting the engine compartment, he observed abnormal corrosion on the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose t…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1990595
  8. #8

    wiring harness

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THE WIRING HARNESS WAS CHEW COMPLETELY UP. THIS AFFECTED MY POWER BRAKES, ENGINE,STEERING SYSTEM, ETC. THESE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR! RATS CHEWED MY WIRING ."~6,145 mi, complaint #1634889
    • "THIS OCCURRED A FEW WEEKS AFTER ISSUE # 11022546 OCCURRED AND SEEMS TO BE A RELATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. WHILE WAITING FOR A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN GREEN, (THIS TIME) THE ENGINE DID NOT STOP BUT THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY AND RADIO SCREEN WENT COMPLETELY BLACK…"~12,200 mi, complaint #1410345
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, HE STARTED SMELLING AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR BEFORE FLAMES STARTED COMING UP FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND OUT OF THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SID…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1744577
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD I STARTED TO LOSE ELECTRICAL POWER. AT FIRST I LOST POWER STEERING AND SHORTLY AFTER THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSED THE FUSE BOX HAD BEEN BURNED AND WIRE…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1732315
  9. #9

    brake pads and rotors

    5 unsafe, 1 broken, 3 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER 1 MONTH I STARTED NOTICING A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I WOULD APPLY MY BRAKES, ONLY IF I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY. 2 MONTHS LATER I STARTED HEARING A GRINDING NOISE AS IF METAL WAS GRINDING ON METAL AND THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY…"~3,550 mi, complaint #1350510
    • "MY BRAKES SEEM TO SCRAPE ABOUT THE FIRST 5 TIMES I USE THEM THEN THE SOUND GOES AWAY"~21,000 mi, complaint #1576120
    • "I HAD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT BRAKES AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES FINALLY THEY REPLACED THE BRAKES AND TURN THE ROTORS THAT WAS ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS AGO THAT NOISE STARTED AND THEY REPLACE THEM ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND NOW THEY'RE MAKING NOI…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1527086
    • "MY CAR HAS ONLY 22,700 MILES. FRONTS END BRAKES AND ROTOR ARE TOTALLY WORN OUT. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY."~22,700 mi, complaint #1567913
    • "HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES ONLY AFTER 20K MILES. BATTERY BECOME DEAD AFTER 25K MILES"~25,000 mi, complaint #1733717
  10. #10

    glass and windshield

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "AFTER LEAVING A RESTAURANT WITH OUR GRANDCHILD GETTING INTO OUR 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLE, GLASS STARTED FALLING OFF THE BACK OF THE ROOF AS WE PULLED OUT ON THE HIGHTWAY. IT APPEARS THAT POSSIBLY A FOUR DOORS CLOSING CLOSE TO THE SAME TIME SHATTERED OUR SUNROO…"~5,300 mi, complaint #1372553
    • "VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OR SIDE. THE SUN ROOF GLASS EXPLODED. NO PERSONAL INJURIES."~10,000 mi, complaint #1440026
    • "MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN I NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE WATER STARTING TO COME DOWN FROM THE TOP OF THE REAR GLASS. I THOUGHT THAT WAS WEIRD BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANY WATER ON THE CAR. WHEN I GOT OUT TO MAKE A CLOSER INSPECTION, THE GLASS EXPLODED. THIS OCCURR…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1416952
    • "I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH GETTING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND STARTED HEARING GLASS FLY OFF MY CAR AND SLIDING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER, PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND SLID BACK THE SU…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1417927
    • "MOONROOF DRAIN CLOGGED AND CAUSED WATER TO RUN DOWN A FRAME AND SEEP UNDER CARPET. VEHICLE IS NOW FULL OF MOLD DUE TO THE LEAK. AT THIS TIME THE LEAK IS FIXED BUT THE MOLD ISSUE PERSISTS. THIS BEEN CONFIRMED BY DEALER AND TOYOTA NATIONAL OFFICE. THERE IS NO ME…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1576650
  11. #11

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "WHEN BACKING UP (LIKE FROM YOUR DRIVEWAY) IF YOU SHIFT FROM "R" TO "D" TOO FAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ACTIONS WILL OCCUR: 1. THE ENGINE WILL STALL LEAVING YOU A SITTING DUCK IN TRAFFIC. RESTARTING IS NOT QUICK OR EASY. YOU MUST PUT YOUR F…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1478262
    • "ENGINE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS ON HILLS"~35,000 mi, complaint #1407529
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING; HOWEVER, HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS THEY CONTINUED TO DR…"~44,156 mi, complaint #1730589
    • "OUR 2016 RAV4 PRODUCED A LOUD CLUNK THEN LOST POWER (AFTER BEING DRIVE 5-10 MINUTES) AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER NOR THE CAR POWER COME BACK ON. WHITE SMOKE BEGAN WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF LOSING POWER AND WITHIN ONE MINUTE FLAMES BE…"~102,000 mi, complaint #1745713
  12. #12

    engine internal

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 8/30/16 AND INVOLVED A SUDDEN TOTAL AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. VEHICLE INVOLVED WAS A SIX MONTH OLD 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 5300 MILES. INCIDENT OCCURRED IN SOUTHBOUND LANES OF I-65 BETWEEN LAFAYET…"~5,300 mi, complaint #1336289
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light and an additional unknown…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1959533
    • "The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph when they noticed smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that when they attempted to move to the passenger side o…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1756443
    • " The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, unattended in the driveway, it caught fire in the engine. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, property damage or police report…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1803680
  13. #13

    trunk or liftgate

    4 unsafe, 2 broken

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the tailgate was heard opening. The contact also stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate ajar message was displayed. The vehicl…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1896116
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO THE CONTACT, WHICH CAUSED INJURY AND DISCOLORATION TO THE CONTACT'S SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1337969
    • "REAR HATCH MOTOR FAILED. HATCH WILL NOT OPEN. TOYOTA ADMITS FAULT/DEFECT, BUT REFUSES TO COVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FIXING IT."~75,000 mi, complaint #1647809
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to properly close while pressing the electrical buttons on both the key fob and the two liftgate buttons located inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the liftgat…"~108,000 mi, complaint #2131653
  14. #14

    abs module

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA RAV4 LE ON MAY 2016 AT SOUTH COAST TOYOTA IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA. I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS THE OTHER TOYOTA CARS I OWNED BEFORE. AFTER 10 MONTHS AND 7, 000 MILES, I'VE NOTICED A CLICKING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH A FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS.…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1384060
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN THE RAIN, AND A WARNING CAME ON THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I KEPT DRIVING, AND ALL THER DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED OFF THEN BACK ON TWICE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND I…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1502131
    • "14 MONTH OLD RAV4 XLE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR SLOW TRAFFIC, THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I AM OVER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY AS MY WORK ENTAILS DRIVING. THE LOCAL DEALER QUOTED ME $2800 FOR REPAIRS, HE CHECKE…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1378447
    • "ABS SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS NO COVERAGE PLUS I DID NOT GET THE RECALL OF 2016. I AM ON LONG-TERM DISABILITY AND THIS IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR."~65,000 mi, complaint #1610336
  15. #15

    torque converter

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, BETWEEN 2,000-3,000 RPM, THE VEHICLE JOLTED BACKWARD AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1675400
  16. #16

    transmission automatic

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY 2016 RAV4 LE AWD WITH 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS VERY ERRATIC. AT HIGHWAY SPEED (60-70 MPH) IT IS FINE ON A FLAT ROAD, BUT AT THE SLIGHTEST INCLINE WILL DOWNSHIFT TO FIFTH, THEN SLAM INTO FOURTH GEAR WITH THE ENGINE RPMS GOING…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1291287
    • "I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION CAN TAKE 2-3 SECONDS TO ACTUALLY "SHIFT" INTO THE DRIVE GEAR AND HAVE THE GAS PEDAL MOVE CAR FORWARD. DURING THE 2-3 SECONDS, PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING BUT REV/INCREASE THE RPM IN T…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1336666
  17. #17

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "RAV4 HYBRID LIMITED WITH NAVIGATION. THE NAVIGATION CONTROL [MAPS / RADIO / VOLUME CONTROL] FREEZES SUDDENLY AND SCREEN IS NOT MANAGEABLE UNTIL THE CAR STOPS, ENGINE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. ONE TIME, RADIO WAS LOUD, AND COULD NOT TURN IT DOWN AS THE SCREEN WAS…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1629387
    • "THE NAVIGATION DISPLAYS, RADIO AND ALL EQUIPMENT THAT USES IT QUITS AND SHUTS DOWN AND WILL GO OFF AND ON 3-8 TIMES AND THEN IT SEEMS TO BE OK. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPEN MANY TIMES."~63,500 mi, complaint #1732758
  18. #18

    phone connectivity

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "NEW APPLE IPHONE 11PROMAX. NO LONGER CAN GET HANDS FREE TEXTING SO SAFETY COMPROMISED. STATIONARY ,IN MOTION ALL ROADS"~53,000 mi, complaint #1676622
  19. #19

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ALL FOUR DOOR LOCKS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. EACH HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NOW THE REPLACEMENTS ARE ALSO FAILING. THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO THE CAR WHEN I START THE CAR, THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK AUTOMATICA…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1684700
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while opening the rear door using the key fob, the door did not open as needed; however, the door was unlocked. The contact was able to open the rear door manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and…"~109,000 mi, complaint #1888631
  20. #20

    steering electric assist

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel seized, and the information system rebooted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local de…"~99,388 mi, complaint #1995469
  21. #21

    throttle and pedal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TAKATA RECALL; WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF A DRIVE WAY, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT A BUSH AND A HOUSE. AFTER RECOVERING AND ATTEMPTING AGAIN, THE CAR ACCELERATOR STUCK A SECOND TIME CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT ANOTHER BUSH."~3,316 mi, complaint #1355441
    • "I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR REED WITH THE TACHOMETER REACHING THREE. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM JUMPING BACKWARD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I HAD THE C…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1736818
  22. #22

    adas collision warning

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED-AT ALL TIMES OF INCIDENCES THIS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. SAFETY ISSUE!!! 1. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MARCH 26, 2016, TO COMMUTE TO NEW JOB. 2. HIGHWAY-WARNING 1 ON APX 4/4 MONDAY (9 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE) "CHECK TOYOTA PARK ASSIS…"~500 mi, complaint #1293733
    • "TOYOTA PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) ON 2016 RAV4. I NEVER GET ANY KIND OF WARNING, EVEN WHEN CARS CUT ME OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I APPROACH A CAR FROM BEHIND AT SPEED (I CANNOT GET TOO RISKY HERE), ETC. OTHER PCS SYSTEMS ON FRIENDS CARS (NON TOYOTA) HAVE SOME WAR…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1312330
  23. #23

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "NOTICED THE BRANDNEW 2016 RAV4 XLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT STRONGLY AFTER 3 DAYS OWNING THE CAR WITH 200 MILES. WENT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND DID 2 ALIGNMENTS AND CROSS TIRE ROTATION. THE SERVICE ADMITS THE PULLS AND CLAIM THEY FIXED IT THE 1ST TIME. HOWEVER ACTUALL…"complaint #1270667
    • "THIS BRAND NEW 2016 RAVE LIMITED CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHILE MOVING.. HAD 2 ALIGNMENTS DONE, TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AND STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR"complaint #1328177
  24. #24

    control module

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "IT SAYS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ECO OR PCM"complaint #1727007
    • "I was driving from Ft Myers to Tallahassee on I-have 75 in Florida on March 8, 2022. All of a sudden, I heard the Lane Departure Assist go off in my car (which I had previously turned off because the alert is annoying) and my phone stopped working (it was plug…"complaint #1802111
  25. #25

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE PROBLEM WITH CV JOINT LESS 30,000 MILES, TOYOTA TELL ME EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH THE SUV, BUT HAVE SOME NOISE, NOW DON'T HAVE GOOD STABILITY WHEN A DRIVE"~30,000 mi, complaint #1535846
    • "THE CV JOINS ON BOTH SIDES WORE OFF TO PREMATURE. I HAD TO FIXED IT BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THEY WERE MAKING. IT BEGAN WITH LESS THAN 60K MILES. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. MANY NEW TOYOTAS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSU."~60,000 mi, complaint #1591136
  26. #26

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION CLOTH MATERIAL STARTING TO FRAY AND DETERIORATE. FABRIC EVENTUALLY IS GOING TO FRAY AND STUFFING WILL BEGIN TO FALL OUT"~2,800 mi, complaint #1326210
  27. #27

    mirror

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE MIRRORS HAVE A SMALL 'BLIND SPOT' MIRROR THAT IS POORLY LOCATED. TO HAVE THE MIRROR POSITIONED TO SEE THE NEIGHBORING LANES THE MAIN MIRROR SHOWS ALMOST 1/2 OF IT'S AREA OF THE VEHICLE. TO POSITION THE MAIN MIRROR TO PROPERLY SHOW THE AREA NEAR AND BEHI…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1295246
  28. #28

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Vehicle: 2016 Toyota RAV4 Color: Factory Super White / Blizzard Pearl (whichever applies) I am filing a complaint regarding a well-known latent manufacturing defect involving peeling factory paint on my 2016 Toyota RAV4. The original factory-applied white pai…"complaint #2209115
    • "I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota sending out letters to RAV4 owners reference factory paint peeling. The letter stated, “Customer Support Program Notification Paint Peeling (Vehicles Painted with factory-applied blizzard pearl or super white paint). In…"complaint #2216331
  29. #29

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the seat belt alert chime would intermittently engage while the seat belt was in use. The seat belt warning light was also illuminated. The dealer and the manufacture…"~74,800 mi, complaint #1805514
  30. #30

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHIN TWO SECONDS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GETTEL TOYOTA…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1545394
  31. #31

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "STARTED MY 2016 RAV4 LIMITED ON 7/27/2019. AFTER STARTING IT NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES ARE WORKING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS FINE WHEN I SHUT IT OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE. NOW ANTI LOCK BRAKING, LANE DEPARTU…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1588872
  32. #32

    backup camera

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE REVIEW CAMERA DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY PICTURE WHEN THE SUN SHINES DIRECTLY INTO THE WINDSHIELD THAT ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WITH PEDESTRIANS WITH CHILDREN. I WAS BACKING UP FROM THE PARKING SPACE. THANKS GOD NOTHING HAPPENED BUT THIS CAMERA SCREEN MUST BE R…"~1,485 mi, complaint #1624301
  33. #33

    catalytic converter

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "UPON ACCELERATING A STRONG ORDOR ENTERS INSIDE OF VEHICLE TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS (NORMAL SULPHER SMEEL FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER UPON ACCELLERATION) AT TIMES THIS SMEEL IS VERY STRONG AND NAUSEATING, THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 5200 MILES ON IT, AN…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1415636
  34. #34

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While going about [REDACTED ADDRESS] curve, the rear passenger door partially opened (unlatched). The driver dashboard immediately started flashing warning triangle and door opened picture. After stopping on a shoulder, I went outside and saw the door partiall…"complaint #1813411
  35. #35

    engine oil consumption

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine consumed half a quart of oil every 300 to 400 miles. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1856106
  36. #36

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle, the warning message “System Failure” illuminated and the vehicle shuddered, shut off, and lost electrical power. The contact’s daughter shifted into Park. The v…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1788364
  37. #37

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WATER LEAK AND DAMAGE DRAIN TUBES IN DPILLAR PLUGGED BY DEBRIS. WATER LEAKED INTO HEADLINER, SOAKED FLOOR AND CAUSED SMELL AND MOLD GROWTH. COST INSURANCE A BUNDLE. DEALER DID NOT SPECIFY CAUSE BUT CHARGED ME FOR "SERVICING" AUTO. THE RUGS WERE REMOVED, C…"complaint #1590371
  38. #38

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I USED TO TAKE FULL TANK GAS EVERYDAY SINCE BOUGHT THE CAR . AFTER DRIVING 1 YEAR MY OIL TANK GIVING ME PROBLEM. MY ENGINE WAS SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY AND 3 SIGN CAME UP. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND IT WAS WORKING GOOD AND AFTER A WHILE IT SHUT DOWN…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1459036
  39. #39

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING SPEEDOMETER IS DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. DEALER REPORT THAT EVERYTHING IS "WORKING AS IT SHOULD", BUT I CANNOT DETERMINE MY SPEED ACCURATELY."~6,500 mi, complaint #1368265
  40. #40

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO START THE VEHCILE. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE FILLED WITH WATER AND WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NYC MOTORCARS OF THE BRONX ([REDACTED ADDRESS], THE BRO…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1734273
  41. #41

    seat mechanism

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WHEN MOVED BACK, LOCKS IN AND WON'T MOVE FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED AT A CAR WASH WHEN CAR WAS NOT MOVING."~2,000 mi, complaint #1628854
  42. #42

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Steering wheel lock Dealer suggest to replace the steering column , car only have 30 K miles ???"complaint #1770201
  43. #43

    tire failure

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE RADIAL TIRES, SIZE: P225/65R/17 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TIRE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TI…"~1,900 mi, complaint #1297939
  44. #44

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL SENSOR HARNESS WAS DAMAGED BY RODENT. VEHICLE HAS 26K MILES AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE BREAK, AND WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE HARNESS AT A COST NOT COVERED OF $6300. THE MATERIAL CHANGE OF THESE PARTS ATTRACT RATS. THIS DAMAGED…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1416604
  45. #45

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERVALS DO NOT CHANGE SPEED AND THE FASTEST SETTING IS INADEQUATE IN HEAVY RAIN. *TR"complaint #1663185

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA RAV 4 directly.