Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Scion tC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Scion TC. The contact stated that after performing a vehicle inspection of the engine compartment, he became aware that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low; eventually finding a leak near the rear of the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the cylinder head bolts resulting in a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: S-SB-0004-11. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 287,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Scion tC. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed flames underneath the vehicle as it spread to the engine compartment of the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,594.
Oil consumption!!! I've owned my 2006 Scion tC for about 5 years and have recently been experiencing a huge oil consumption issue. It didn't phase me at first, although now I need to set my odometer to zero and refill my oil every 800 miles. I believe it is certain internal parts that are causing this problem, such as the pistons and the piston rings . I've noticed that this has been an ongoing problem for a lot of Scion tC's lately, which has been taken care of through an extended warranty program for the model years of 2007-2009. I'm trying to prove that issue is also affecting the 2006 model year too, and would greatly appreciate it if I could receive some help concerning this issue. I will upload a photo of an old piston that shows this exact problem.
The head gasket failed on my 2006 Scion tC. While fixing the gasket and removing the head bolts, pieces of the aluminum threads from the engine block came out attached to the bolts. The aluminum threads wrapped around then blots 2, 3 and sometimes 4 times. It was clear that this was the problem and why the head gasket had failed. -- this is a problem in the 2000-2010 Toyota camry and Scion tC engines. -- this search of the internet show the extent and the numerous omplaint related to this problem. Https://www.google.com/#q=Scion+tC+head+bolts+stripped -- this video showing how to fix the problem. Https://youtu.be/gxeoaw3qp6m -- a recall and/or reimbursment program need to be setup for these automobiles.
Engine has sever oil consumption to where we are adding a quart or more every 1000 miles or so in between oil changes. Worries me to were I check every week just to make sure there is enough oil. I should not have to worry about that sort of thing. While driving om streets or highways, happens every where, as you shift at a certain RPM (about 1500-2500-3000 ect) the car will hesitate for a few seconds. We originally thought it was from the A/C since I bought the car in the summer time but once the A/C is off the car still hesitates. We have noticed we are not the only ones with this issues but we are the only year that is reporting them. What is going on with my engine and fuel system?! Please help!!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Scion tC. While driving at any speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and there was a fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch leaked. As a result, the charcoal canister was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,841.
My car consumes about two quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Mechanics have told me that it doesn't appear to be leaking, it could be being burned though. I keep my car running with frequent oil changes and go through a good amount of oil every month in between. Many other tC drivers have told me they have this same issue also.
I change my oil every 3000 or less miles with full synthetic amsoil 5w-20. I have to put in 1/2 a quart of oil for every gas fill up. I'm a highway driver that sets cruise control at 75. I don't dive crazy. 2007 has an extended warranty, where is the one for 2006?
2006 Scion tC -battery light on -engine temperature indicator no working -whining noise coming from engine try to jumpstart makes this burning smell and wont start started seeing smokes from jumper cables so turn everything off now it's totally dead.
Head gasket leaking found 6 head bolts loose. Installed new head gasket set, new intake manifold. Paid 2000 dollars for repairs, now having problem with the engine. Makes loud noise and overheats. Mechanic and bar agent advised it was a manufacturing problem. Headbolts came loose again and now I need new engine. Previous to this my insurance had paid a total of 5000 dollars for some mechanical and body work. I have been without a vehicle for almost seven months now. Called Toyota manufacture company they told me the only way they would inspect the vehicle would be if they charged me. I do not have the money to afford the repair again and to buy a new engine. I just need it to be inspected especially since I had a government official from the bureau of auto repair confirm that there was a manufacturing defect.
Engine complaints in other tC years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Scion tC?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Scion tC, 14% of the model year's 161 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Scion tC engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Scion tC, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Scion tC engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.