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EnginePart report

2016 Scion IA Engine Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
35%of 23 total for the year
Median mileage
40,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Scion IA, 35% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When at a stop the engine starts to shake like it's about to turn off we bought it with 29000 miles noticed it a week after we bought it and it has done it a few times the toyota dealership couldn't find any codes to remedy it. The check engine does not come on but it does shake violently.it has 35000 miles now.I had the throttle body cleaned and it still putters at the light. Mostly with the A/C off”

NHTSA complaint #11190968, filed 2019-03, 29,000 miles

“I was about to park at a burger king store at delano california 93215 and slowing down when my Scion IA speed up more and kept on running while my foot is already on the brake. So I accidentally hit the store. It only stop because the tire where already up. I tried to reverse my car but cannot move anymore.”

NHTSA complaint #11139656, filed 2018-10, 66,000 miles

“The vehicle will intermittently shut itself off in the road for no apparent reason. The check engine light and battery light will display on the dash. However, when I put the car back in park and restart the engine there are no indicator lights on and no check engine light whatsoever. This car has been looked at by 3 certified toyota dealers and none of the mechanics can accurately pinpoint the issue. I am concerned this car will shut itself down in the middle of the highway and cause a collision. Worst experience with a car I've ever had. …”

NHTSA complaint #11315714, filed 2020-03, 126,000 miles

“Four times now( on different occasions) after shifting the car into reverse the engine made horrible grinding sounds and the car began to lurch violently as I attepmpted to back up. It eventually stalled out completely. On one occasion I was able to have somebody shift the car into reverse so I could look under the hood while the car was grinding and lurching. I saw the engine start to vibrate and then dump forward and then repeat that cycle. I do have video of the event on my phone but I am not able to download it to this lap top.”

NHTSA complaint #11082332, filed 2018-04, 12,000 miles

“Second time this happened...first they said battery...while driving, indicating warning lights on dash start blinking (ABS, check engine, traction, and others), then the engine goes into low hear and stays until the vehicle is turned off and back on. During these episodes the speed odometer is erratic. Also when in this state, the reverse gear does not engage. When this started it was a once a month problem, then weekly, now it happens daily/hourly. It started at approximately 40,000 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #11186554, filed 2019-03, 76,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2016835%

Other parts of the 2016 Scion IA

Electrical system
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Scion IA

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology