Scion tC Problems by Year

We compared every Scion tC model year from 2005–2016 using 693 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 10 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, which drew far more complaints than other tC years at the same age. The best years are 2016, 2012 and 2013.

12model years
693complaints
10recalls
2005, 2006worst years
2016, 2012best years

Complaints by model year

200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016155161117866020298920226
Owner complaints per model year, Scion tC. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20166−71%2BodyGood
201522−18%2TransmissionAverage
201420−25%—BrakeAverage
20139−64%—TransmissionGood
20128−64%1Window & WiperGood
2011291.2×—HeadlightAverage
201020−36%2EngineAverage
2009602.1×3EngineAvoid
2008863.2×3EngineAvoid
20071174.0×2EngineAvoid
20061615.8×5Window & WiperAvoid
20051555.9×4Window & WiperAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median tC year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Scion tC problems

Latest Scion tC recalls

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 16V-420 · Jun 9, 2016 · 4,253 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 16V-236 · Apr 22, 2016 · 94 vehicles

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.

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 15V-228 · Apr 17, 2015 · 114 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Scion tC vehicles manufactured December 3, 2014, to January 30, 2015 and equipped with accessory coil springs as part of an optional Release Series 9 trim package.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bolts, nuts, rear suspension arms, and rear suspension member sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015.

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 13V-123 · Apr 9, 2013 · 7,525 vehicles

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 › Labels

NHTSA recall 10V-035 · Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles

Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.

All 10 Scion tC recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Scion tC should you avoid?

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 — these years have the most complaints relative to other tC years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2005.

What is the best year for the Scion tC?

2016 has the fewest complaints compared with other tC years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2013. 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 tC problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (149), engine & cooling (122) and body & structure (114). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2005 model year.

How many recalls has the Scion tC had?

10 recalls across 2005–2016. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Scion tC 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.