Most common 2013 Scion FR-S problems
Share of the 179 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Scion FR-S complaints by model year
Best FR-S years: 2016, 2014. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
2013 Scion FR-S recalls (4)
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.
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 › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Scion fr-s vehicles manufactured from March 22, 2012, through May 14, 2012. The owner's manual contains an inaccurate description of the actual operation of the front passenger occupant classification system.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and will mail corrected inserts for the owner's manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 3, 2012. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-866-707-2466.
What 2013 Scion FR-S owners say
Engine & cooling all 146 →
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check oil warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was decelerating. The contact drove into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve spring had fractured. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that 115 miles after the repair there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle began to run rough. While driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to feel as if it was decelerating with the accelerator pedal being depressed. …
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of an unknown recall. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer and the engine was replaced. The contact then stated while driving the vehicle two months later, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the oil valve needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred two years later. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the warranty coverage being expired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,900.
Transmission & drivetrain all 21 →
The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
2013 SCION FR-S Valve spring recall notice was received in the mail. Recalled valve spring replacement caused engine to seize twice. The first time the engine seized Tustin Toyota admitted fault, noting issue was from recall fix and repaired the engine at no cost. The second time the engine seized Toyota denied responsibility and wanted to charge $5000
Fuel & propulsion system
The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.
I was notified by mail that they're was a safety recall for my 2013 aciom frs which was to replace my engine spring valve at no cost. I took in my car January 18 to have the work done it took around 2 weeks to get a respond back that my car was ready for pick up. I took it out and drove it for about 5 mile to get gas and when I turned on my car it was struggling to turn on and once it turned on it was it was shaking violently , 3 engine codes came up p0017 p0300p219a. I took it immediately to Toyota and all they did was clear my engine codes drove my car for about 30 miles and handed it back to me saying it was safe to drive. I had my car for about 2,000 miles I was driving back home at night and I heard a loud pop inside my engine so I parked the car. …
2013 Scion FR-S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Scion FR-S a good car?
Based on 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 FR-S rates avoid: 23.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the FR-S at the same age. It is one of the FR-S years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Scion FR-S?
The engine & cooling — 146 complaints, 82% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (21) and fuel & propulsion system (9).
How many recalls does the 2013 Scion FR-S have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S, the most recent from November 1, 2018 (engine). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Scion FR-S?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013 and 2015. See the full Scion FR-S years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Scion FR-S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.