Recall 16V198 affects 16,656 2016 Lexus RX350, RAV4, and ES350 vehicles for ABS actuator O-ring damage. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
Lexus is recalling 16,656 2016 RX350, RAV4, and ES350 vehicles because a damaged O-ring in the ABS actuator can disrupt brake fluid pressure during ABS, traction control, or stability control activation. Insufficient brake fluid pressure can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk, and Lexus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS actuator in the 2016 RX350, RAV4, and ES350 is the hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control systems. It meters brake fluid pressure at each wheel when the vehicle detects wheel lockup, wheel slip, or a stability-control event. That pressure control helps the vehicle follow the driver's steering and braking inputs.
In affected vehicles, the actuator pump was assembled with a damaged O-ring. An O-ring is a small rubber seal that keeps brake fluid pressure contained inside the pump. When ABS, traction control, or stability control activates, the damaged seal allows the actuator to control pressure incorrectly. The result is a system that does not meet the electronic stability control performance required for this recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect shows up when ABS, traction control, or stability control needs the actuator to manage brake fluid pressure.
Who's affected?
RX350, RAV4, and ES350 are grouped in this campaign because each uses the electronic stability control and hydraulic brake system components covered by the recall.
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Lexus ES350 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2016 Lexus ES350 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 16,656 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Insufficient brake fluid pressure can reduce braking control and lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the brake actuator inspection soon and take any brake problem seriously. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 RX350, RAV4, or ES350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free brake-actuator inspection and replacement if needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V198 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when possible.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician inspects the brake actuator and replaces it if the inspection shows it is needed. The brake actuator controls brake fluid pressure during ABS, traction control, and stability control operation, so the repair focuses on the actuator assembly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Lexus has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Lexus customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| April 5, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 4, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 5, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V198?
Recall 16V198 covers 16,656 2016 Lexus RX350, RAV4, and ES350 vehicles with an ABS actuator O-ring defect. The defect can interfere with brake fluid pressure during ABS, traction control, or stability control activation, increasing crash risk. Lexus dealers will inspect the actuator and replace it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2016 Lexus RX350, RAV4, or ES350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V198. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer and ask for the ABS actuator inspection under recall 16V198. The dealer will replace the brake actuator for free if inspection shows it is needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix this safety defect at no cost. For recall 16V198, Lexus dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace it as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V198?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control during ABS, traction control, or stability control activation. Recall 16V198 says insufficient brake fluid pressure can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your vehicle is included.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on May 4, 2016. That means the dealer remedy is available now for included vehicles. A franchised Lexus dealer can inspect the brake actuator and replace it for free if the inspection shows the affected part is installed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V198000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V198 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V198000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 →