The Lemon Index2016 Toyota RAV4.
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 131 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 32 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 257 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 44K miles on the car (166 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 11K–92K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 3K–40K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 2K–39K miles
Recalls 3
- electrical 2023
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.
- tires 2016
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
- brakes 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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 259 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Squeak noise which is heard coming from the front
- Squeak noise which is heard
- Front Brake Vibration Key Points: * Issue can occur at any time if improper torque is applied…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBattery hold down bracket thermal events2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My car has only 22,700 miles. Fronts end brakes and rotor are totally worn out. The car was driven normally.
2016 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 11208842
More owner 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.
NHTSA complaint 10876251
Brakes are squeaky at a low rate of speed (20 mph and less) at approximately 20k miles.
NHTSA complaint 11255670
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (27%), lights (14%) and wipers & visibility (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 get?
24 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Toyota RAV4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,500 and 44,400 miles. The middle report was at 14,800 miles, from 166 complaints.
Does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works