Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving 80 mph in the inner lane of a multi lane highway. Out of no where with no warning lights or sounds the car just lost all power, the steering felt like it locked and the car fell on it's face. I was almost hit by two different cars trying to get over to the shoulder and there was white smoke pouring out of the exhaust making cars behind me swerve because they couldn't see. Had it towed to the Toyota dealership and they told me that basically the engine blew and that they have seen this on other Scion model years and those are recalled but mine isn't recalled
Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined the engine bay has coolant inside mixed with oil. The tech mention of engine over heating however the temperature gauge never reached overheating readings. If the engine overheated the temperature gauge failed to alert me while I was driving at any point and expressed this to the service advisor. My vehicle motor failed while I was engaged in driving on the freeway and turn off and on in the middle of flight and travelling at freeway speeds. …
Timing chain cover oil leak Oil pan cover oil leak Has been a persistent leak since I purchased the car in 2014. I've learned it's an extremely common issue which the dealership won't warranty. It's been a documented leak since 2015 and over $2500 to fix. Several members on forums/Facebook claim the exact same leak in same location. It's due to poor quality sealant used by manufacturer instead of a gasket. New sealant sold by dealership because original sealant is faulty.
My Toyota Scion FR-s 2014 suddenly stopped and lost its power while I was driving along a city street in fairfield ca . The car has been serviced by the dealer since purchase . It only had 33,000 miles and I was very surprise what went wrong . My son rolled the vehicle to a side street . We called our insurance for roadside assistance and the car was towed to Toyota dealership in fairfield ca. They went on to diagnose and found the car to be of pearl condition , with perfect oil level and quality . They said it was motor malfunction . The valve springs were out of place and created a strange noise . They recommended motor replacement which would cost me $11K for a used engine with 51K miles . I was told that this is very common incident with Toyota frs 2012 to 2014 models . …
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.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Scion FR-S years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (146) and 2015 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 82% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Scion FR-S engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-772 (engine, Nov 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Scion FR-S engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 25% happened 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.