Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | −67% | 3 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2015 | 14 | 2.1× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2014 | 5 | −53% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2013 | 179 | 23.3× | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median FR-S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Scion FR-S problems
Latest Scion FR-S recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Electrical system › Ignition
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016.
Equipment
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Scion FR-S should you avoid?
2013 and 2015 — these years have the most complaints relative to other FR-S years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Scion FR-S?
2016 has the fewest complaints compared with other FR-S years at the same age, followed by 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Scion FR-S problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (156), transmission & drivetrain (24) and fuel & propulsion system (10). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Scion FR-S had?
7 recalls across 2013–2016. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Scion FR-S recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.