Model year guide

2016 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Toyota RAV4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 39 on record.

2016 Toyota RAV4 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 Toyota RAV4 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints233
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$19,259

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2016 Toyota RAV4 recalls 3

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #16V198000 · 07/04/2016

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 resu…

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.

Tires NHTSA Campaign #16V236000 · 22/04/2016

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…

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.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery NHTSA Campaign #23V734000 · 01/11/2023

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.

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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2016 Toyota RAV4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2016 Toyota RAV4 MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2016 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Low
$15,778
Typical price
$19,259
High
$21,884

From 31 comparable 2016 Toyota RAV4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Toyota RAV4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,650
Total$16,900
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($19,259) with the same model 5 model-years older ($14,616), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2016 Toyota RAV4 trims & engines on record

Trims
LE (X Grade) · XLE (M Grade) · Limited (G Grade) · SE (S Grade)
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 176 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 150 hp

2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on record

Other Toyota RAV4 model years

2016 Toyota RAV4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, structure, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2016 Toyota RAV4 at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2016 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Comparable 2016 Toyota RAV4 listings run roughly $15,778–$21,884, typically around $19,259 (from 31 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.