The Most Common Problems with Used 2016 Toyota RAV4s
Owners weigh in on the most common problems with their used 2016 RAV4s.
352,139.
That’s the number of RAV4 compact SUVs sold in 2016 alone. That staggering number is due to Toyota’s reputation for quality and commitment to keeping its loyal customers happy. If you’re looking at the 2016 RAV4, you might already own a Toyota or be looking to join the Toyota family.
Even though the RAV4 has earned this reputation for quality over a 24-year model run, you may wonder what common issues are in the 2016 Toyota RAV4. We’ll cover all the common issues with this particular model year and also discuss how to avoid the issues.
The Most Common Problems With 2016 Toyota RAV4s
Here are the most common owner-reported problems with 2016 RAV4s:
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Major Problems With 2016 Toyota RAV4
- Engine Loses Power While Turning. Cost To Fix: $450
- Brake Failure. Cost To Fix: $ 450 to $1200
- Electrical Issues. Cost To Fix: $200 - $6300
- Faulty EVAP Vapor Canister. Cost To Fix: $390 - $400
Most Common Problem with 2016 Toyota RAV4: Engine Loses Power While Turning and Unintended Acceleration
Cost to fix: $450
The NHTSA has received complaints about the 2016 RAV4 that are similar to previous years of this SUV. Owners state that while turning at full lock, the 2016 RAV4 suddenly loses power and forces the owner to put the vehicle through its ignition cycle. There is no definitive answer for what causes this seemingly random problem, but it is concerning. To fix this issue, Toyota dealers have recommended everything from repairing destroyed wires to replacing the idle sensor on the RAV4.
How to avoid:
While test driving the 2016 RAV4, include a few u-turns in your driving route to ensure that the Rav 4 you’re interested in does not have the issue. Ensure that the vehicle is in Standard, Eco, and Sport mode. There are reports that the problem is not present when the vehicle is in sport mode but shows up in eco mode.
Brake Failure
Cost to fix: $450
Much like previous years of the RAV4, owners have also reported issues with the vehicle not stopping when the brakes are fully applied in panic and slow-speed situations like parking the vehicle. If the car hits another vehicle or stationary object due to this failure, your cost to repair will be substantially higher than a mere $450. However, correcting the issue before an unfortunate accident is not too expensive to fix.
How to avoid:
Contrary to all logic, you will need to engage the RAV4 in a panic stop to ensure no issue with the braking system. Make sure you are on an empty street and apply the brakes fully to engage. If you’re not willing to do this, have your trusted mechanic test out the vehicle to ensure that there are no issues.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it pays to be a cautious shopper. Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.
Electrical Issues
Cost to fix: $200-$6300
The wide range of costs to repair the electrical issues on the RAV4 is due to the wide range of potential problems that an owner may experience. Many owners report sudden issues with electrical accessories on the vehicle and, after some investigation, discover that rodents have eaten the wiring. The material Toyota uses to shield the wiring (especially on hybrid models) is surprisingly appealing to rodents. If the problem is minor, a few hundred bucks can fix it, but unfortunately, advanced issues can rocket the price into the thousands. Yikes.
How to avoid:
This will be a clutch moment for your local mechanic because they will be able to see any damage to the wiring that is not visible to the naked eye. You’ll also want to check for issues with the vehicle’s drive systems, electronics, and especially the hybrid propulsion system on RAV4 vehicles that are so equipped. Seriously though, ensure a mechanic checks out the vehicle’s wiring system in detail.
Check Engine Light Due to Faulty EVAP Vapor Canister
Cost to fix: About $390-$400 ($300+ for parts and $90+ for labor)
For the uninitiated, the fuel evaporative canister or charcoal canister is an emission control device that traps and prevents vapors from evaporating. The canister then sends the vapor back to the tank for future use. This is one of the critical systems to improve fuel economy.
According to RepairPal, the RAV4’s EVAP system may have problems with the vapor canister releasing charcoal pellets that may plug or restrict the vent valve. This generally returns the P0441, P0442, and P0446 error codes and points to a vent valve electrical failure. Most drivers who have experienced this issue saw the check engine light coming on.
Fortunately, the fix is a simple replacement of the entire canister, which may cost you $390-$400.
How to avoid:
Anytime there’s a failed EVAP system test, you’ll likely see the check engine light illuminate. Other symptoms you need to look out for are when your RAV4 returns poor mileage ratings and a decrease in engine performance. You can still drive your RAV4 with a bad vapor canister, but your vehicle won’t pass an emission test, and that’s a problem.
How To Avoid Buying A Used 2016 Toyota RAV4 With These Problems
To ensure you don’t get stuck with a lemon, you must put your potential new car through a thorough test drive and evaluation. Utilize your test drive to evaluate any issues that may be present. Take the vehicle through its paces and ensure it’s run through various speeds and road conditions. Utilize this as one of the final opportunities you’ll have to ensure you don’t get a lemon!
Your next step is to get your potential new ride down to your local mechanic for a thorough inspection. The mechanic will do everything from road test the vehicle to run it through a comprehensive diagnostic set on OBDII machines. These inspections typically run a few hundred dollars and will give you final confirmation of any issues present on the car. If the dealer or selling party will not let you take this step, you should move on.
PICK THE RIGHT USED YEAR MODEL
When it comes to buying a used car, you want to find the perfect intersection of savings and reliability. See how much you can save buying nearly new vs. new with CoPilot Compare.
Search All Used 2016 Toyota RAV4s in Your Area
The compact SUV market is full of fantastic options and stiff competition. Wondering how to wade through all the noise? Please take a second to download CoPilot on your phone and let us help you find your way through the sea of options. Rather than guess your way through a complicated process, let CoPilot present you with options for 2016 RAV4s and many other great cars. We rank on reliability, quality of the deal, and several other factors. You can get notified when the price drops on a vehicle you’re interested in and be the first to know when one comes on the market that meets your needs.
Want to compare different used year models of RAV4 back-to-back? Check out CoPilot Compare to see average listing prices, mileage, and the features of the used RAV4s in your area.
