2016 Toyota RAV4: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

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 the federal safety agency.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Lights · FL

Headlights and taillights are fogging/hazing up to where they dimmed out the lights when turned on making is somewhat difficult to see or others behind me to see me.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Body · OK

Headlights are cloudy to the point of dimming the visibility of the light. When I asked the dealer, they could not clean headlight apparatus. I also cannot clean the buildup as it is on the inside of the headlight cover. I feel that this is a defective part that could potentially be the cause of an accident.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NY

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.

Filed Aug 22, 2022 · Lights · TN

After looking through Google reviews I see that so many have the same situation that we are having. The headlights keep blowing randomly about every 3-4 months. We were out West on back roads when ours blew this last time and had to drive with only one headlight, which was dangerous. I feel someone should look into all the numerous complaints showing up online regarding the headlights of the 2016 Toyota Rav4s.

Filed Mar 29, 2021 · Lights · TX

Headlight water condensation....in made in japan model....my headlight got water condensation looks worst over the time... I look on internet n found that's rav4 assembled in japan has specific with headlights.... Https://www.rav4world.com/threads/moisture-in-headlamps.294553/

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Lights · 40,500 miles · TX

When driving at night with the low beams on the visibility distance is limited to about 60 feet. After that all that you can see is a black veil like a curtain hung over the lights. Nothing can be seen or detected in the darkness beyond where the light abruptly ends presenting a very dangerous driving experience. The condition is amplified on dark country roads where there is no street lighting or other ambient light. Driving on high beams is the only safe option, but even then the high beams conflict with each side and there is no peripheral vision making turning a safety issue as well. Searching the internet about this problem brings up a number of similar complaints not only for the 2016 rav 4 le but through 2018 as well. Driving under these circumstances is a very dangerous commute, and some of the complaints include hitting deer, driving off the road while turning, and not being able to detect any movement or obstacles in the curtain of darkness that these headlights create. Statements in the complaints mention that the dealerships say they cannot fix the problem because it is a manufactured problem and they can only adjust to toyota's specs. The headlights are extremely small on this vehicle so I'm not sure what the solution is. As far as I know no one has been seriously injured because of this flaw, but perhaps it is only a matter of time before that occurs, unless this very dangerous problem can be corrected. It is impossible to drive safely in this vehicle with the low beams on. And to drive with only the high beams at all times presents another hazard to oncoming traffic. This problem has to be addressed by toyota manufacturing before the worst happens because of it. I am attaching pictures taken out of the windshield that shows the limited sight distance and the curtain of darkness that falls beyond the light.

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Lights · 40,500 miles · TX

This is an addendum to complaint #11268870, concerning a headlight problem with our 2016 rav 4 le. The curtain of darkness created by the low beam headlights moves up and down with the movement of the car as the vehicle adjusts to the vagaries of the road. It becomes a dangerous distraction because you are trying to see what is in front of you, which is impossible past about 60 feet. So you are dealing not only with limited sight distance and an ominous curtain of darkness, its difficult to drive safely because the darkness continues to move up and down as you drive causing a serious diversion of concentration. Putting all the factors together creates a very stressful, annoying and dangerous situation.

Filed Nov 27, 2018 · Lights · 20,000 miles · WA

The headlights on this vehicle are not adequate. The low beam headlights do not project far enough down the road to see objects on the road, especially at highway speeds. On the night of september 16, 2017, I nearly hit two deer on the interstate highway because I could not see them.

Filed Oct 17, 2018 · Lights, Visibility · 40,000 miles · GA

I have complained about the headlights from day one. The dealership said the headlights are adjusted properly. Since then my wife has hit a deer because she can not see more than one car length in front without the high beams on. Now she always drives with the high beams on. Thisorning she was verbally accosted from another driver for driving with her high beams on. We live in a more rural area with very few street lights. Get a rav 4 put it in a totally dark area and turn on the head lights. Measure the distance between bumper and end of light. Then you will see the issue. The lights might have the square footage requirement meet but the square footage goes left and right and not forward while driving.

Filed Oct 7, 2018 · Lights · 1,000 miles · MA

Dim headlamps are life threatening. Field of vision is short with a line and darkness above limiting vision. Right and left turning vision non existent. After 3 attempts and official complaint toyota repair says there is nothing else they can do, lamps meet federal standards. Evening test drives should be mandatory. I would like someone with authority to try and drive my vehicle in my neighborhood in the dark. Many complaints on internet. No one seems to have a resolution. My life is in danger.

Filed Mar 21, 2018 · Lights · 17,000 miles · NC

Auto high beams - intermittently get stuck in "low" I have noticed this on multiple occasions but can't reproduce it on demand. Last instance was on a straight, flat rural road with no lights, signals or same direction traffic travelling at 55mph. Was approached by oncoming car which failed to dim lights. Mine dimmed but did not return to bright. Had to power cycle the lights to get the high beams back. A minute later was approached by 3 cars close together with overly bright lights. Mine dimmed and stayed dim just like before. Had to power cycle to get the brights back. This is a serious safety defect to not have brights immediately after being blinded by oncoming traffic!