Most common 2012 Scion tC problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Scion tC complaints by model year
Best tC years: 2016, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →
2012 Scion tC recalls (1)
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.
What 2012 Scion tC owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
On my way home on I-10 there was no traffic near me, windows up sunroof closed ac on, my roommate with me we hear what sounded like a gun shot than a shower of glass. We pulled over to find the glass panel in the roof had shattered there was no impact mark(s) I drove straight to the place I got the car(new) (philpot motors in nederland tx) where I was told that they had two cars on the lot that did the same thing, but completely refused to do anything about this issue. I called my insur, co. About it and that told me that should be warranty deal. No one had any information to help me, and I had searched and found many other people that have had this issue, and Toyota refused to offer any help. Toyota needs to make this right to all the people with this car...
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Scion tC. While the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the sun roof exploded without warning or impact. Priority Toyota chesapeake (1800 greenbrier pkwy, chesapeake, va 23320, [phone]) was contacted and advised the contact to call the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The insurance company was called and informed the contact to submit a claim. The failure mileage was 63,200.
2012 Scion tC engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Scion tC a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 tC rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the tC at the same age. It is one of the best tC years by this measure. 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 2012 Scion tC?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 5 complaints, 63% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sun/moon roof assembly. Next are the air bags (1) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Scion tC have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Scion tC, the most recent from April 9, 2013 (labels). 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 tC?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. See the full Scion tC years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Scion tC problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 50% 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.