Recall 16V096 affects 1,123,752 2006-2014 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles for cut rear seat belts. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 1,123,752 2006-2014 RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles because, in a frontal crash, the rear outboard seat belts can be cut by the seat cushion frame. A cut belt can fail to properly restrain a passenger, increasing injury risk, and Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear outboard seat belts in the affected Toyota RAV4 EV and RAV4 vehicles are the belts for passengers sitting by the rear doors. In a crash, each belt is supposed to hold the passenger against the seat and spread crash forces across stronger parts of the body.
In NHTSA campaign 16V096, the concern is the seat cushion frame under the rear seat. During a frontal collision, that frame can contact the belt and cut it. Once the belt is cut, it no longer holds the passenger the way it was designed to during the crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem occurs during a frontal collision, so an owner will not feel a change in normal driving before the belt is put under crash load.
Who's affected?
Spans RAV4 model years 2006-2012 and RAV4 EV model years 2012-2014, with the same rear seat belt component listed for each vehicle.
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV | seat belt |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV | seat belt |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2007 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | seat belt |
| Units affected | 1,123,752 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cut seat belt can fail to properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer repair soon and ask whether rear-seat use should be limited until the protector is installed. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV or RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free rear-seat-cushion-frame protector installation that keeps the frame from cutting the rear outboard seat belts in a frontal crash.
- Reference recall number 16V096 and Toyota recall G0F when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one.
- Avoid carrying passengers in the rear outboard seats until the protector repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician installs resin protectors on both second row seat cushion frames so the rear outboard seat belts are shielded from the frame edge in a frontal crash. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid to fix this seat belt and seat cushion frame condition before the campaign, keep your repair paperwork and ask Toyota customer service or the dealer how to submit it under Toyota's General Reimbursement Plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| February 17, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 31, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 24, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V096?
Recall 16V096 covers 1,123,752 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 and 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV vehicles with rear outboard seat belts that can be cut by the seat cushion frame in a frontal crash. Toyota dealers install protectors over both rear seat cushion frames for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 or 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V096. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the rear seat cushion frame protector installation. Reference recall number 16V096 and Toyota recall number G0F when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Toyota dealers will install protectors over both rear seat cushion frames free of charge, with parts and labor covered under recall 16V096.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V096?
The risk is reduced rear-seat protection in a frontal crash. If the rear outboard seat belt is cut by the seat cushion frame, the belt can fail to properly restrain the passenger, increasing the risk of injury. The free dealer repair adds protectors to both rear seat cushion frames.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RAV4 or RAV4 EV is included, then call a Toyota dealer with recall number 16V096.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V096000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V096 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V096000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →