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Scion TCModel year report

2006 Scion TC Problems

Complaints
161filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
62,750miles, 131 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Scion TC (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe the glass wind deflector or sunroof shattering at highway speed, often with the air conditioning on, and rear hatch trim and handles coming loose or breaking off. Many also report airbags that did not deploy in a collision and, at higher mileage, oil consumption and coolant leaks traced to cylinder head bolts.

  1. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Sunroof or wind deflector glass shatters

    • 49 complaints (30%)
    • median 55,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (44 state mileage)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2005–2019

    Owners describe a loud pop or bang, likened to a gunshot, followed by glass scattering through the cabin while driving at highway speeds, often with the air conditioning running and windows closed. Some say the sunroof glass itself broke, others the wind deflector, and several report it happened with no debris impact. Complaints state that dealers or the manufacturer declined to cover the repair, and some owners were told their vehicle was not included in the related recall campaign. Reported from very low mileage up to about 160,000 miles, at highway speeds and often in warm weather with the A/C on.

    Recall 05V4830001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Inspect the wind deflector and sunroof glass for chips, cracks or earlier replacement, and ask whether the deflector recall work was performed. Note that some owners report repeat breakage after replacement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving to work one day and my 06 Scion TC wind deflector glass shattered into pieces all over the inside of the vehicle. I immediately pulled over. I later called toyota and they said they had a recall on the wind deflector for 06 Scion TC's but it didn't apply to my vehicle. They will not pay to fix the problem. I have even contacted corporate. Researching this, this same exact issue has happened to hundreds of other people.”

    NHTSA complaint #10288619, filed 2009-10, 35,000 miles

    “Driving 70 MPH on the highway, no vehicles within sight in front of me, and no one to the side. My Scion TC sunroof exploded. It was louder than a shotgun. I almost swerved off the road it scared me that bad. This was not the wind deflector it was the sunroof itself. I was doing some investigating and I know this has happened to others just by looking on a forum. I don't have a repair cost yet or even know if toyota is going to cover it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10266070, filed 2009-04, 70,200 miles
  2. Air bags

    Airbags did not deploy in a crash

    • 20 complaints (12%)
    • median 49,500 mi at 4.3 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2006–2019

    Owners describe frontal and rollover collisions in which the airbags did not deploy, including impacts that damaged the front end severely or totaled the vehicle. Some occupants report injuries such as fractures, sprains and bruising. Complaints also mention rear curtain airbags swelling and separating interior trim, with owners told their vehicle was not covered by the related airbag campaign. Described across a wide mileage range, from about 9,000 to 160,000 miles, during collisions at various speeds.

    Recall 06V096000Recall 06V4080003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether any airbag-related service campaigns or recalls were completed for the VIN, and have a shop confirm the airbag warning light behaves normally on startup.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On march 3rd year 2007 at 3:00 am I was in a car accident where my car was hit in the front end by at least 25 metal poles that hold up three guide wires at 65 miles an hour due to a tire blowout totaling my car. The complaint is that the air bags did not deploy on impact seeing as my front end and undercarriage was demolished right near the airbag sensor.”

    NHTSA complaint #10184530, filed 2007-03, 15,478 miles

    “While driving down the main highway a lady pulled directly in front of me while I was doing 35mph I could not stop and t-boned her. My car hit her directly in the side and my airbags did not deploy in which they should have. It caused me to sling forward in the car spraining my neck, spine, lower lumbar, bruising ribs and pinched nerves.”

    NHTSA complaint #10359937, filed 2010-10, 49,000 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Rear hatch handle and trim breaking loose

    • 21 complaints (13%)
    • median 50,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (17 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2005–2020

    Owners describe the rear hatch handle or the whole garnish panel breaking off or hanging by its wires during normal use, and the hatch latch rattling or opening on rough roads. Some report rattles from the hatch area that repeated dealer visits did not resolve. Complaints mention a warranty enhancement program for the rear garnish that had expired for some owners. Mostly reported between roughly 26,000 and 150,000 miles, often noticed during routine opening of the hatch.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Open and close the hatch several times and check the handle and garnish for looseness, cracks or prior repairs; ask whether the warranty enhancement for the garnish was ever applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2006 Scion TC rear trunk handle broke off. It is a common problem. I had tape holding it on for a year or so, and glued it myself. I did not receive any recall notice otherwise I would have fixed it. It is not just the handle to get in to the trunk. This is a 18 inch by 6 inch piece of my car hanging by a wire. I just called Scion and they said that is was not a recall but a warranty extension that expired 7 years from the date of car being sold or march 2014. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10692607, filed 2015-03, 150,000 miles

    “The rear door latch broke off in my hand. The whole mechanism needs to be recalled. Scion claims that the owner's manual advises not to let the mechanism bear any weight. This is erroneous, as the owner's manual tells you to lift after pushing the button. This lifting over time causes wear of the tiny plastic pieces that are bearing the weight of the entire rear/hatch back door. After having this problem I have been looking at other vehicles on the road, and not many have this kind of faulty design. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10241003, filed 2008-09, 42,546 miles
  4. Engine

    Oil consumption and coolant leaks from head bolts

    • 18 complaints (11%)
    • median 105,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2025

    Owners describe having to add oil frequently between changes, with some reporting the oil pressure light coming on within a couple thousand miles of a change. Others report overheating, coolant loss or a failed head gasket, with mechanics finding stripped or pulled cylinder head bolt threads in the aluminum block. Complaints note the repair is costly and that some owners sought coverage under an extended warranty program. Typically reported above about 80,000 miles, with several complaints past 100,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, watch the temperature gauge on the test drive, and ask whether head gasket or head bolt work has been done. Look for coolant residue near the rear of the engine.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My car consumes about two quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Mechanics have told me that it doesn't appear to be leaking, it could be being burned though. I keep my car running with frequent oil changes and go through a good amount of oil every month in between. Many other TC drivers have told me they have this same issue also.”

    NHTSA complaint #10691005, filed 2015-02, 80,000 miles

    “This car is constantly burning oil. My oil pressure light never fails to turn on somewhere between 1000-2000 miles after each oil change, and I have to refill to stop the light from coming back on.”

    NHTSA complaint #10936209, filed 2016-12, 100,000 miles
  5. Steering

    Steering loss or warning lights after cold soak

    • 8 complaints (5%)
    • median 90,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2015

    Owners describe the steering becoming unresponsive or feeling locked while driving, sometimes with several warning lights on and the vehicle failing to shift out of park. Some complaints state the condition appeared after the car sat in sub-freezing temperatures, and others describe the problem returning to normal after a restart. Dealers reportedly could not duplicate the concern in some cases. Reported from about 29,000 to 139,000 miles, sometimes in cold weather after the car had been sitting.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether any reprogramming or harness work was done for warning-light or shifting concerns, and test that the steering and shifter feel normal from a cold start.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving a 2006 Scion TC on the highway I suddenly lost control of the steering. The car would not respond to the steering and I ended up leaving the road before coming to a stop. After I restarted the vehicle the steering returned to normal.”

    NHTSA complaint #10290757, filed 2009-11, 29,000 miles

    “Traveling home from work when I felt something pop under the front of the car. The steering boomeranged to the left, I was not able to recover as it was like it was locked.unable to turn the steering wheel back to the right, I applied the brakes which would not stop the car as it accelerated . The car crossed the center line into a residential yard hitting a tree head on. I ended up with facial, clavicle, rib, pelvis and hip fractures. The physicians say it will be a year before I will be able to work and I may end up with a permanent limp. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10462470, filed 2012-06, 90,000 miles

Buying note. Check the sunroof and wind deflector glass, the rear hatch handle and garnish, and the service history for airbag campaigns and any head gasket or head bolt repairs. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a cold start and a look at oil and coolant levels is worthwhile on this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2006 Scion TC. 131 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,750 miles. Of all complaints, 33 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 32 an injury, 5 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 64 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Engine cooling (5), Tires (5), Equipment (4), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Suspension (4), Seat belts (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I was driving 65 MPH down rt 55 in new jersey. Suddenly I hear glass shattering and glass rains down on my head. The moon roof in my toyota Scion TC exploded for no apparent reason. Toyota says its not a defect and they wont fix it. I have to pay 2000 dollars to get it fixed. I don't have this money and glass should not explode for no reason. Not to mention I could have crashed my car and sustained bodily injury.”

NHTSA complaint #10270180, filed 2009-05, 55,000 miles

Body and structure: “I own a 2006 Scion TC. When I grabbed the handle to raise the trunk the entire rear handle ripped completely off the car. Upon research I see that this a completely common issue. When I called the dealer they claimed this was entirely my responsibility to replace. However clearly this is malfunction in the design of the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10459781, filed 2012-05, 50,000 miles

Air bags: “I was in a car accident I was the passenger .we were on car accident we rolled several times in the airbags never come off. I'm a quadriplegic I broked c6. I flew out off the sun roof.the car was on motion on a stree. I was found 62 feet from the car”

NHTSA complaint #11191500, filed 2019-03, 160,000 miles

Engine: “I change my oil every 3000 or less miles with full synthetic amsoil 5w-20. I have to put in 1/2 a quart of oil for every gas fill up. I'm a highway driver that sets cruise control at 75. I don't dive crazy. 2007 has an extended warranty, where is the one for 2006?”

NHTSA complaint #11092673, filed 2018-05, 180,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

40% of the 131 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,587 and 100,000 miles.

18%0–108%10–2515%25–5019%50–7515%75–10019%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (131 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 62,750 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’06’0922’12’15’18’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Scion TC version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
tC FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic202723$2,900
tC FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual192722$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2006 Scion TC → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 64 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 64 bulletins →

Other model years of the Scion TC

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2016638,5002—26—Not enough data
20152233,9992—26—Falling
20142053,0000—26—Falling
2013960,0000—25—Not enough data
2012844,9431—25—Not enough data
20112929,0000—250 · FewerFalling
20102032,7432—24—Falling
20096045,7403—2458 · TypicalFalling
20088665,0003—2450 · TypicalRising
200711763,9152—24Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200616162,7505—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200515541,4654—23Not compared (before 2008)Rising

All Scion TC model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Scion TC?

Owners of this model year most often describe the glass wind deflector or sunroof shattering at highway speed, often with the air conditioning on, and rear hatch trim and handles coming loose or breaking off. The issues reported most often: Sunroof or wind deflector glass shatters; Airbags did not deploy in a crash; Rear hatch handle and trim breaking loose.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Scion TC have?

NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2006 Scion TC as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Scion TC is reported most often?

Visibility is named most often, in 42 complaints (26% of the total), followed by body and structure with 28.

Has the 2006 Scion TC been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Scion TC get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Scion TC (tC, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Scion TC reported?

Among the 131 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,750 miles and the middle half falls between 24,587 and 100,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.