2016 Scion tC Problems & Complaints

Better than average71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the tC at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2016 Scion tC with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 71% fewer than a typical tC model year at the same age, making the 2016 one of the better tC years. The most reported problem area is the body & structure (1 complaint, typically around 30,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

6complaints
2recalls
1crashes
0fires
4injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Scion tC problems

  • Other / not specified~47,000 miles
    350%
  • Body & structure~30,000 miles
    117%
  • Brakes
    117%
  • Seat belts~143,000 miles
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Scion tC 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).

Best tC years: 2016, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →

2016 Scion tC recalls (2)

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.

2016 Scion tC engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed manualFWD23 / 30 / 26
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD23 / 30 / 26

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Scion tC a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 tC rates better than average: 71% 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 2016 Scion tC?

The body & structure — 1 complaint, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the brakes (1) and seat belts (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 Scion tC have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Scion tC, the most recent from June 9, 2016 (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 2016 Scion tC problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 75% 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.