48 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2016 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2016 RAV4.
The contact leased a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because the contact no longer had the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.
While shopping at the grocery store, I experienced an incident upon leaving the parking lot. After reaching my first red light, I noticed smoke rapidly billowing from under the hood of my vehicle. My husband, who was driving behind me, immediately saw the smoke and instructed me to pull over. Once I stopped, he asked me to pop the hood. Upon opening it, he urgently removed his shirt to try and extinguish the fire. The damage was extensive — a hole burned through the hood, significantly compromising the vehicle’s crash safety rating. Additionally, melted plastic covered the battery area, and the radiator hose was damaged, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the manufacturer was contacted.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I called for a jumpstart for my truck after it cut off while I was turning onto a parking lot I hit a bump and it just cut off. I had to turn the truck completely off then start it again, after it started I made it completely onto the lot and parked it. When I went to start it again it wouldn’t turn over or startup. I used my state farm app to request for a jumpstart or possible tow 2/23/25. On 3/9/25 the truck wouldn’t start again and I requested for another jumpstart. The engine light came on shortly thereafter saying that the awd wasn’t available and that the fwd train was only available. I took it in for a battery replacement and that seemed to help for a couple of months, then my headlights started going out one at a time. The passenger side bulb went out first. I replaced it with a new one at valvoline and then the driver side bulb went out two weeks or so later and I replaced it then the check engine light came back on and I eventually had to take into the dealership for repairs and maintenance. They said they fixed it. It worked for about a 12 days and then the headlights started dimming over time as the week went on the engine light came back on and the driver side bulb was out again. So from 12/23/25 to 1/5/2026 was the length of time the truck worked but still poorly performance wise. The gas goes very quickly still and I have to fill it way too often now in its condition. I’ve spent about $5400. 00 in total with trying to repair and keep gasoline in it to work. I’m taking it back to the dealership today after reporting this to NHTSA.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Driving down the freeway approximately 70mph, dashboard lit up and car completed turned off without warning for approximately 30 seconds before power came back on it's own. I was able to drive an additional 15 minutes to work. After parking, I tried to lock the car with the key fob and nothing happened. Upon further review, I determined that the car was completely dead, no power, no clicking when cranking, no lights, nothing came on. Had to tow to a Toyota dealer, where they replaced a positive battery terminal but the car still wouldn't start.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact opened the hood and saw smoke. The contact stated that the battery had melted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was inspected at the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to the electrical system. There was also fluid leaking from the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 mph, the instrument cluster and the infotainment display were turning off and on and resetting. The contact stated that his wife parked the vehicle and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was not starting. The contact was able jumpstart the vehicle. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to a battery store where the battery was checked and was confirmed that it was within normal operating procedure. The failure reoccurred and the contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact questioned the dealer about NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) and was informed by the dealer that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,388.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the dealer would contact him. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle displayed a message reading "system malfunction," after which the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the VIN, but the VIN was not included. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
While exiting slowly from the parking lot, the Toyota started to make a beeping alarm noise, then suddenly lurched forward. Applying the brake had no effect, and the car accelerated across the lrt tracks, climbed onto the passenger platform, and only stopped when it collided with an electrical box there.
Notified of a battery movement problem that can cause a fire with Toyota Rav4 2016. Need to have it fixed. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
On two occasions as of this date, the engine just shut off while driving my 2016 Toyota rav 4 xlw awd. My daughter was able to get to the side of the road when it happened while she was driving thankfully (in a 25 or 30mph zone). Additionally, at times the vehicle won't start when sitting parked and operating the push to start. It takes several tries, the vehicle just makes a clicking noise. After a short time, it starts up like nothing happened. I took the vehicle into a Toyota dealer and explained the issue. They said they found nothing wrong. There is seriously something wrong with this vehicle and no one seems to be able to figure it out. . . Until someone dies. I've read several similar issues on this site that included incidents with fire and smoke. There needs to be a recall. Now! or, a class action suit. Now!.
I needed a battery change so I changed it.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the battery charge was reduced, and the vehicle would not immediately start and the vehicle occasionally stalled. The contact also stated that the battery was replaced on four occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 91,475. Parts distribution disconnect.
I took my car to Toyota for multiple issues with my electrical. My headlights go out every 5-10 minutes when trying to drive at dark. The headlights turn off or do not work if I try to use my blinker or windshield wipers. Three times now my car has stalled when I tried to turn on my headlights while driving. And one time it stalled when I went to make a left turn. Toyota ran a diagnostic and said everything was fine. I took it to autozone, they said the battery was fine. A third opinion and a new battery later and I’m still having the same problems. No one can tell me what’s wrong.
The car rapidly caught on fire while parked and off. Smoke first appeared from the hood and subsequently flames came out of the hood causing the entire car to catch in fire. There were no warning lights/messages. The car was inspected by our insurance, usaa.
While my wife was driving the car it suddenly shutoff. She was in the middle of a turn and was able to get to the side of the road. I few moments later she saw what she assumed was steam coming from under the hood and she immediately got out of the car. Within a minute of getting out of the car she saw flames dripping down from the engine. She called the fire department who put the flames out, but the car is most likely totaled. The fire department told her it looked like the battery exploded. I want to make sure you are aware of this as I see you have had other complaints.
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 plugged into a usb port in the car playing a podcast). A few minutes later, I stopped at a rest area and noticed my trip odometers had reset and a bunch of other settings I had previously set in my car had also reset back to factory settings, such as the cruise control settings, blind spot monitor, and parking assist. There might be more. . . I just haven't noticed those yet. When I got back home, I saw an envelope from Toyota titled, "12-volt battery size and installation inspection consumer advisory. " I did get my battery replaced in winter 2020 by a non-Toyota dealer so now I'm wondering if that has anything to do with this consumer advisory.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the battery warning light was illuminated, and the battery was replaced at the local independent mechanic. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- I believe the ecm has failed, and I believe this after replacing battery, starter, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. While accelerating, and while maintaining a consistent speed over 50 mph, the tachometer (and engine, accordingly) yanks itself back and forth between 3500 and 5500 rpm. The vehicle physically jumps back and forth between massive acceleration and decceleration, without any change in throttle/pedal placement. This occurs while in cruise control, eco mode, normal mode, and sport mode. There is not yet a discernable pattern or trigger identified in why this occurs. - my safety and the safety of others has been put at risk by the vehicle's jerking, halting, and unplanned acceleration in heavy traffic situations. It scares me and others in traffic, to the point that people have asked if I was okay after being able to visibly notice the car's behavior on the highway, and my reaction. - the problem has been reproduced twice by an independent service center. Toyota dealership read the computer for the vehicle to pull codes, told me nothing was wrong, and sent me away. - the vehicle has been inspected by my local Toyota dealership (lackluster inspection, in my opinion). Nothing resulted from this inspection. - there were (and still are) no warnings lamps, messages, reminders, codes, or notifications of any kind to show that something is abnormal in my engine. This is the most vexing part of this issue. As far as the computer in the Rav4 is concerned, everything is nearly perfect. And it is not.
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 began shooting out under the driver's side upper hood.
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.