Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle is not available for inspection upon request due to the vehicle being in an accident. As a result from the accident, the vehicle was a complete loss and beyond the point of repair. Without pulling the vehicle computer for operation list before accident occurred, it is specifically unknown what component or system failed and or malfunctioned. looking at pictures taken the night of and days after it seems like it was a steering/suspension, or possible wheel malfunction that was unable to keep the car under and in control to be brought to a full stop before the point of impact and accident occurred.
I was driving on highway 522 going 60mph at 11:30 pm. The highway was smooth and had no bumps then randomly the wheel on the rear passenger side broke off the car and went flying. Police officers and state troopers looked for the wheel and they couldn't find it. Luckily I remembered in drivers ed that when a tire blows out (even though this situation is a little different) you firmly hold onto the steering wheel and hold it straight. The car then straightened out and stopped once I ran into the railing.
UNKNOWN. I was unaware of my car's recall notice. I had known only when my car's regular smog check was due. The problem that my car may have had not been confirmed by dealer or independent service center nor has it been inspected by manufacturer, police, or others. There are also no warning lamps or messages of the problem. However, there are symptoms like pushing the brakes when driving my car and it squeaks. I had installed new brake pads over 2 years ago. I don't know why it continues to squeak when I am pushing the brakes.
Break failure LED to accident in which the airbags did not deploy. Officer on the scene informed the when the vehicles crunch zone is enabled that airbags should deploy to avoid injuries of any passenger or driver. When applying the brakes, the pedal vibrated vigorously thus not slowing the vehicle down to avoid a collision.
Why did the dealer tell me this recall is not associated with my vin when I keep getting recall UNADDREESSED notices for my vehicle? This is a safety reason and a complete disconnect between dealerships and Toyota manufacture. I need this addressed immediately!
I just recently bought 2011 Scion tC about 3 months ago. Everything was going great and running smooth, then I had to start pushing the brake to the floor, as if it wasnt working. Then one day I was driving and I was turning into a parking lot and as doing so I hit the brakes and I burnt some rubber but basically the front locked up on me and I drifted my back end in, that's when I realized that I wasnt getting my brakes at they're full potential. So I looked under my car after it had been sitting for around 2 hours, I came back to find that I had leaking oil or something under both front tires, which had me begin to think if there was a leak. A friend then came up to me and told me he had found a recall for something on my car. I came upon your website and put in my VIN and came to find out I have an unrepaired recall on my brake lines. …
Happened last weekend, was making a right turn in my new 2010 Scion tC. Car is just barely 2 months old and less than 800 miles on the odometer. Middle part of a nice, mild day, dry road, but some broken pavement/roughness at the corner there. Someone coming from my 3 o'clock position was planning to make a u-turn in the intersection so I attempted to stop for them before completing my right turn. Applied brakes and pedal resistance and deceleration rate initially seemed normal, but then when it got a little bumpy the brake pedal effort went to zero and so did my braking. So my car proceeded with the motion, at coasting speed -- not accelerating (my foot was off the gas, on the brake pedal), but also not slowing at all!
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Scion tC. The contact stated that the fuel filler tank cap would dislodge whenever the vehicle was being refueled. Also, the brake pedal would abnormally travel to the floorboard when depressed and would feel spongy. As a result, there was a delay in response from the vehicle when braking. In addition, the check engine light was continuously illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 35,486.
Frequently asked questions
Which Scion tC years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (10), 2006 (8), 2007 (8), 2014 (8) and 2008 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Scion tC brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Scion tC model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Scion tC brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles; 68% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › caliper (1).
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.