With modest maintenance costs, few major issues, and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable used SUVs on the road today.
Key Points
- The 2016 Toyota RAV4 currently has two recalls, nearly 200 complaints, and one investigation on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Battery fires are the most concerning problem for 2016 RAV4 drivers, with soybean-based wire coating attracting rodents who may chew through the wires.
- A damaged o-ring may lead to braking and traction control issues, leading to a recall in 2016.
- Condensation and rainwater collecting in the casing may be a sign of a cracked headlight seal.
- Annual maintenance costs for the vehicle come in at around $429, which, combined with a solid 26/30 (city/highway) mpg fuel economy, makes the 2016 RAV4 a fine choice for budget-conscious drivers.
2016 Toyota RAV4’s 12V Battery Fires May Be a Result of Rodents Chewing Through Soybean-based Wire Coating
While the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is, for the most part, a safe, hassle-free used SUV that should still have tens of thousands of miles ahead of it, the vehicle’s most concerning problem, potential battery fires, is especially concerning. The issue has led to an investigation and handful of complaints.
For the most part, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a safe, hassle-free used SUV. This vehicle should still have tens of thousands of miles ahead of it, but the RAV4’s potential for battery fires is a concerning problem.
Most recently, a driver reported to the NHTSA in early-2022 that his car caught fire after some rodents had chewed through the soybean-based wire coating. Before that, a driver reported that her vehicle simply caught fire without explanation and the fire department had to be called out.
An investigation into the fires was launched in Feb. 2021 and is still open. At present, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is hoping to ascertain root causes and “contributing factors.” So, don’t expect a recall anytime soon.
Thankfully, the incidence rate is low. There are fewer than a dozen complaints of engine fires. Several drivers have reported chewed wires, so it’s not unreasonable to suppose that the soybean wiring may be the culprit. But there won’t be anything definitive until the investigation concludes.
Damaged O-ring Results in Recall for Braking and Traction Control Issues
A recall was issued in 2016 over a potentially damaged o-ring. If the o-ring is damaged, then the ABS system is going to have trouble controlling brake fluid pressure. This throws off traction control and stability control. The problem is linked to a troublesome brake actuator.
The number of affected VINs is, thankfully, pretty low, covering just under 17,000 units, including a number of RAV4s as well as some Lexus models. Chances are you’re not included in the recall, but check anyway just to be sure.
While the recall was issued in 2016, drivers have reported as recently as Nov. 2021 that the ABS system is failing to function properly. Most recently, a driver reports that the ABS failed to disengage while coming to a stop sign, forcing them into an intersection and having to apply the emergency brake.
In this latest instance, the driver reports that they were informed that there was no known problem that would explain the error. Thankfully, incidence rate is low, with just 42 service brakes complaints total.
Broken Headlight Seals on Some 2016 Toyota RAV4s Have Rainwater Collecting in Casing, Potentially Leading to Shorts
The 2016 RAV4 currently has 22 exterior lighting complaints on file with the NHTSA, with many lamenting a broken seal on the headlights and rear lights. Drivers report that their light casings are filled with condensation or even rainwater.
There has been no recall for this issue yet, but allowing moisture to collect inside your headlight casing might lead to a short and leave you stranded if you need to get home at night.
This is the sort of problem that you expect to find in a vehicle of this age. The 2016 RAV4 is hardly past its prime, but you’re going to see a few broken switches, cracked seats, and loose seals in a car nearing its first decade on the road.
Despite Some Recalls and Rare Battery Fires, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Remains One of the Better Used SUVs Available Today
If you’re thinking of buying a used 2016 Toyota RAV4, go for it. Look for one with low miles, and find one in great condition, but rest assured that this is one of the more reliable used SUVs on the road today. There are only two recalls on file, and one of them is for a misprinted label.
Maintenance costs are estimated at around $429 a year, putting it roughly on par with similar vehicles in its class, and combined with the 23/30 (city/highway) mpg fuel economy, which is still decent even by today’s standards, this is one of the most economically viable used SUVs on the market right now.
The vehicle has a few issues you’ll want to be on the lookout for. You may want to inspect your wiring for bite marks now and then. But overall, there’s not much that you need to worry about when driving a 2016 Toyota RAV4.
Photos: Toyota
