2016 Toyota RAV4: won't start

5 of the 240 complaints about the 2016 Toyota RAV4 describe won't start.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2025
2
2024
4
2023
6
2022
5
2021
4
2020
21
2019
6
2018
5
2017
3
2016
5
2015
6
2014
6
2013
3
2012
2
2011
1
2010
1
2008
8
2007
5
2006
1
2004
1
2003
4
2002
2
1997
1

What owners say

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · WI

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!

Filed May 6, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 102,000 miles · TX · fire

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2021 · Electrical, Visibility · 30,000 miles · LA

I have had and continue to have battery trouble with my toyota rav4. I first bought a new 2014 and at my regular maintenance at the dealership, the battery was replaced several times. I was uncomfortable enough to trade it in and get a new 2016. I still have this one, but it continues to have battery trouble. I have been left stranded at work when my car would not start. That is when I found massive amounts of corrosion, and to this day, the terminals corrode over even with new battery. The passenger door does not always lock with the key button bc of this issue. I would estimate I've replaced the battery 3-5 times between the two cars, with no real solution. Batteries have always been replaced/installed by the local toyota dealership. (I'm sure invoices could be pulled if necessary) my cars have not stalled while running, they won't start or just start to have electrical issues w lights, and it gets checked by the dealership. They usually recommend replacement while the battery is covered. A separate but equally unsettling issue is with the windshield. It recently cracked due to a passenger flicking a bug on it. You would think a rock landed on it.

Filed Sep 24, 2018 · Electrical · GA

2016 toyota rav4 xle. Consumer states that after purchase vehicle would not start. *ld the consumer was informed, by the dealer, the failure was due to the vehicle being struck by lightening. The insurance company did not agree.