2016 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (3) · Structure:body (2) · Service Brakes (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Rav4 Hybrid model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (31)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on ni-mh high voltage (hv) batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing a rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be used wherever the repair manual ref
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice february 13, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see t-sb-0009-26.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Electrical System 2025-06-13 · T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign
the air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. the procedures outlined in this service bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Showing the 6 most recent of 31 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-17 · Tires“see attached document for complaint.…”
2018-11-15 · Structure:body · 36 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2016 toyota rav4 hybrid. while the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the chrome trim on the dashboard significantly reduced the driver's visibility on several occasions. the contact stated that the view of the front side mirrors were obstructed by a shiny glare that created a blinding effect. the contac…”
2018-05-05 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 20,192 mi“i filled my car with full tank i am only running my car just gave me 248 miles the fuel tank light was flashed .and the car supposed to go for 339 or 349 miles with full tank i want to downtown miami from tampa i was supposed to stop to full it again.…”
2017-08-16 · Visibility/Wiper · 10,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2016 toyota rav4 hv. the contact stated that he was unable to see the instrument panel gauges in sunny conditions. the vehicle was taken to germain toyota of naples (13315 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34110 (888) 722-4942) where it was diagnosed. the dealer suggested that the contact have the windows tinted. the contact purcha…”
2016-12-12 · Service Brakes · 1,750 mi · 💥 crash“i was pulling into a parking space in a parking deck. as i turned into the spot i applied the brakes. the brake pedal went to the floor and the car wouldn't slow or stop. there was no braking power whatsoever. i took my foot off the brake pedal and the car crashed into the concrete wall.…”
2016-12-01 · Unknown Or Other · 16,000 mi“automatic trunk lift gate piston has not worked since purchasing this car brand new with 32 miles on it in march 2016. the piston was originally replaced 200 miles into driving the car. piston has repeatedly fallen off of joint and has caused extensive body damage multiple times. this happened again over the weekend and caused very extensive dam…”
2016-10-18 · Vehicle Speed Control · 9,000 mi · 💥 crash“my wife was driving this vehicle when she was backing out when my car surged backward into a tree that prevented her from going down a revene on a mountain. there is damage to the rear bumper, rear door, undercarrage, and structural. *tr…”
2016-10-18 · Structure:body · 2,000 mi · 💥 crash“i was parking my vehicle in a parking space (on an incline) when i applied the breaks, the car lurched forward jumped a raised sidewalk and came to a stop after hitting the concrete wall of a building. it caused damage to the building and the front of the vehicle. i had the vehicle checked at the purchasing dealer and they found nothing wrong.…”
2016-10-08 · Unknown Or Other · 10 mi“when i bought this car the last week of june 2016, my 2016 rav4 sle hybrid center console deck lid slam to close there is no spring to hold the lid in the console so you can close it normally, my grankids (6 and 5 years old) can get hurt if they put their finger, took it to the dealer they say this model doesn't have the spring, this is very danger…”
2016-09-29 · Service Brakes · 4,000 mi · 💥 crash“as the vehicle was pulling into its usual parking spot at slow speed with the foot brake being applied, it suddenly and uncontrollably accelerated. despite the foot brake being fully applied, the vehicle could not be stopped until it struck an unmovable object.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.