Scion TC Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 693 consumer complaints across the 12 model years of the Scion TC (2005–2016) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 161. Across all years, the part named most often is visibility (149 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All TC model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 | 38,500 | 2 | 37 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 22 | 33,999 | 2 | 48 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 20 | 53,000 | 0 | 87 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 9 | 60,000 | 0 | 99 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 8 | 44,943 | 1 | 87 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 29 | 29,000 | 0 | 87 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 20 | 32,743 | 2 | 116 | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 60 | 45,740 | 3 | 118 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 86 | 65,000 | 3 | 125 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2007 | 117 | 63,915 | 2 | 119 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 161 | 62,750 | 5 | 64 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 155 | 41,465 | 4 | 59 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)149 23%
- Body and structure114 18%
- Engine105 16%
- Air bags85 13%
- Other or unknown61 9.5%
- Brakes57 8.8%
- Vehicle speed control43 6.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain31 4.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2011: “It's 2020 and I just bought a 2011 Scion TC. I took it to an inspection station in the state of maryland so I can have I registered in maryland. My vehicle failed the inspection because it does not have 2 rear reverse lights, it only has one on the driver's side. The passenger side does not have a port or wires for a reverse lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11327451, filed 2020-06, 61,100 miles2005: “The frame and every metal component on the underneath of the car including the frame rusts terribly. The rest is completely corroding away and breaking off. Even th metal strap holding my gas tank on is completely rusted and if I put n pressure it chips away. I didn't notice this until I went to have my exhaust done and was able to look under the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11090499, filed 2018-04, 90,000 miles2008: “Excessive oil consumption and this is the second engine that has blown in my car. The first problem was when the pistons blew up my engine and now here we go again with the pistons in the second motor. I called Scion customer service and spoke with camille and she basically told me I am stuck with this bad motor that I just had put in on april 7, 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11119925, filed 2018-08, 190,000 milesOther Scion models
1,044 complaintsScion FR-S
198 complaintsScion XA
125 complaintsScion XD
107 complaintsScion IA
23 complaintsScion IQ
22 complaintsScion IM
12 complaints
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. Methodology