2012 Scion IQ Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 24%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Scion IQ, 24% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles.
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 cold the cv transmission in the IQ will not allow the vehicle to pull away up a steep hill. This has happened several times and represents a serious safety concern. The issue only happens when the car is cold, it will pull the same hill with no problem when warm. The IQ has a cv transmission and it fails to adjust to a high enough RPM to pull away up a steep (10%) grade. The problem manifests as either no or very slow forward progress (less than walking speed) even with the accelerator hard down. The dealership service rep seemed unconcerned about the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10546045, filed 2013-09, 6,000 miles“Starting back in october took car in for oil change, I was told car had no oil. I bring my car in for regular oil changes, so was not sure what was going on, so I dismissed it... Brought car back today 01/10/18 had them check the oil levels and the car needed 2 1/2 litter of oil... I was told it might be the pistons... Please recall”
NHTSA complaint #11061619, filed 2018-01Related service bulletins
- 10132574May 26, 2015SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 10132743Jul 8, 2014Tech Tip: Starting with the 2010 Model Year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil…
- 10061344Jul 8, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10132138Oct 3, 2013Due to the improved performance and durability of 0w-20 synthetic oil, Scion has extended the oil change intervals to 10,000 miles for vehicles that require this oil (except for…
- 10060940Oct 3, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10060921Aug 20, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10060912May 16, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10132321Apr 10, 2013Starting with the 2010 model year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil.
- 10133919Jan 10, 2013Starting with the 2010 model year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil.
- 10060928Jan 10, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | 100% |
| 2012 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2012 Scion IQ
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Scion IQ
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