2007 Scion TC Problems
- Complaints
- 117filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 63,915miles, 91 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Scion TC (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about excessive engine oil consumption: oil levels dropping between services, no low-oil warning until the engine is nearly dry, and in some cases engine knock or seizure. A second recurring theme is the glass sunroof and wind deflector shattering without an apparent impact, often on the highway. Trunk and hatch release hardware, idle and transmission behavior, and brake pedal feel also appear repeatedly in the sample.
- Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption (2AZ-FE)
- 29 complaints (25%)
- median 99,250 mi at 9.7 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Owners describe adding a quart or more of oil between changes, sometimes weekly, with no low-oil warning light before the dipstick reads dry. Several complaints say the engine began knocking or seized shortly after, and that the dealer either measured consumption as within a stated range, attributed it to worn parts, or declined coverage as out of warranty. Some describe the problem starting at relatively low mileage and continuing after gasket or valve cover work. Reported from under 100 miles up to roughly 160,000 miles, with most complaints between about 70,000 and 150,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level on the dipstick and ask for service records showing how often oil was added between changes. Service bulletins for this engine describe an oil consumption diagnosis and piston replacement procedure, so ask whether any related repair or warranty enhancement work was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We purchased a 2007 Scion TC for our son. We have had no problem with the car and we were unaware of the toyota reports on it. We have had the car serviced and have records. He was driving home from work and without warning his engine blew. I learned about the oil consumption problem on the car so we had it towed to our local dealership and checked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10733079, filed 2015-07, 125,000 miles“Hi all, iam the owner of Scion TC 2007 since 2015 and using this vehicle to commute to work and home. I have been experiencing massive amount of oil consumption right after I bought the car. I have to put 1 or 2 quart of synthetic oil after every 1500 miles or so, it cost me alot more than average. Please help me regarding this issue. Thanks and regards . Ali”
NHTSA complaint #11132867, filed 2018-10, 135,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Sunroof or wind deflector glass shatters
- 22 complaints (19%)
- median 48,672 mi at 4.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2014
Complaints describe a loud bang followed by glass falling into the cabin while driving at highway speeds, with the sunroof open, vented, or closed, and no visible impact mark. Owners also report the glass wind deflector breaking at the edges, sometimes while the car was parked. Dealers in these accounts often attributed the breakage to road debris or a shorted motor and declined warranty coverage. Reported from roughly 500 miles to about 92,000 miles; many complaints involve highway-speed driving in cool or mild weather.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass, its mounting frame, and the wind deflector for cracks, chips, or uneven seating, and open and close the roof to listen for strain or grinding. Ask whether the sunroof assembly has been repaired or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2007 Scion TC and I was driving at approximately 35 MPH on a business district street in the city when I heard a loud gunshot-type sound and the sound of broken glass on the roof of my car. I pulled over at the next intersection and saw that the front section of the glass panoramic roof had shattered and some of the metal parts of the assembly were knocked out of place. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384062, filed 2011-02, 22,500 miles“I was driving on the highway at approximately 65mph with my sunroof in the slightly lifted position only and all other windows closed. Out of nowhere there was a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot and we saw shattered glass from my sunroof flying out first and then shattering down onto myself, my adult passenger, her 1 year old daughter that was in her car seat in the back as well as on our two small dogs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577825, filed 2014-04, 90,000 miles - Body and structure
Trunk and hatch release handle breaks
- 15 complaints (13%)
- median 62,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2006–2019
Owners report the plastic trunk or liftgate release handle cover cracking or detaching under normal use, sometimes leaving the handle attached only by tape or thin molding. Complaints describe difficulty opening the hatch afterwards and dealer quotes for replacement parts, with some owners saying an extended coverage period for the part had already expired. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 75,000 miles, often after some years of use in colder months.
What to check: Open and close the trunk or hatch several times and look for cracks in the plastic handle cover or missing fasteners. Ask whether the release assembly has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Trunk latch broke off. I have seen many cars with tape holding it back on. I used gorilla. It doesn't look the best but toyota wanted to charge 150.00 just for the part.”
NHTSA complaint #10400952, filed 2011-05, 60,000 miles“I purchased a used 2007 Scion TC on labor day 2010. I noticed that the trunk latch cover was a little flimsy for such an important, commonly used part of the car. During the colder months, opening the trunk was a delicate procedure because often I felt the cover would break from just trying to open the trunk. On 2/27/11 my 13yr old son opened the trunk after I had just shut it to put in his luggage and the cover ripped on the left side running diagonally all the way to the top, leaving only the thin molding strip to secure it in place. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386185, filed 2011-03, 63,000 miles
Buying note. For this model year, the oil consumption history is the item most worth verifying — check the dipstick, look for service records, and ask about any engine repair under the oil consumption program. Also confirm the sunroof glass and trunk release are intact and working, since both are frequently mentioned in owner complaints.
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 117 consumer complaints for the 2007 Scion TC. 91 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 63,915 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 27 an injury, 9 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 119 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.
- Engine32 27%
- Body and structure16 14%
- Vehicle speed control11 9.4%
- Air bags8 6.8%
- Brakes8 6.8%
- Other or unknown5 4.3%
- Seat belts4 3.4%
Also reported: Wheels (4), Electrical system (3), Engine cooling (3), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Tires (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My Scion TC engine ceased because the engine was burning oil excessively. I was driving from college to home when my car start making loud noise and I pulled over on the side of the road. I had car towed to the mechanic shop and he told me that my engine is ceased and it cost me about $3000 to replace the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10985592, filed 2017-05, 95,718 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The temperature was about 50 degrees and sunny I had just left church services so the car had been sitting out in the parking lot for about 4 hours. I was in the car doing about 40 MPH and I heard a pop-like that of a champagne bottle- and what sounded like sand on the floor. I looked around to make sure a bug or reptile hadn't gotten into my car. I didn't think anything about it. This morning 12/3/2014 temperature around 43 degrees and noticed that my glass wind deflector what shattered around the edges. …”
NHTSA complaint #10661880, filed 2014-12, 120,000 milesBody and structure: “Vehicle burning oil at increasingly fast rate, large oil consumption. No oil light or dashboard warning. As I was driving down the highway my car shut down... I pulled over to the shoulder got out...my car was smoking... Within minutes my car was in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11110452, filed 2018-07, 128,000 milesVehicle speed control: “2007 Scion TC set on cruise at 70 MPH crashed into guardrail on highway. My son was driving and he does not remember the cause of the accident but state police accident reconstruction claim car hit the guardrail at a speed in excess of 100 MPH upon crash. Crash severely injured my son and killed his childhood friend. Two things are known for certain, driver claims car was on cruise and accident report states speed over 100 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306747, filed 2010-02Mileage when problems were reported
40% of the 91 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,400 and 95,718 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tC FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| tC FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
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
- 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Scion TC 2005–2010, Toyota Camry 2005–2010, Highlander 2005–2010 +18 more
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
- 10V036000Feb 3, 2010Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Scion TC 2006–2010, Toyota Sienna 2004–2011, Camry 2005–2011 +17 more
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load…
Recall details for the 2007 Scion TC → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 119 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10152211Jan 12, 2017Engine cooling. Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement…
- 10111584Aug 4, 2016Engine. Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL14-12): Added the Short Block Release Authorization Flow Chart. Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is…
- 10084308Aug 4, 2016Equipment. Warranty policy bulletin (pol14-12): added the short block release authorization flow chart. Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is…
- 10091611Jun 24, 2016Engine, Equipment. Warranty policy bulletin (pol14-12): toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of warranty…
- 10111476Nov 18, 2015Engine cooling. WPB: The engine is covered under the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years from the date of first use or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, Toyota is announcing a Warranty…
- 10091975Nov 18, 2015Engine, Equipment. "wpb: the engine is covered under the toyota new vehicle limited warranty for 5 years from the date of first use or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, toyota is announcing a warranty…
- 10111475Nov 17, 2015Engine cooling. WPB: The engine is covered under the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years from the date of first use or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, Toyota is announcing a Warranty…
- 10091971Nov 17, 2015Engine, Equipment. "wpb: the engine is covered under the toyota new vehicle limited warranty for 5 years from the date of first use or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first). However, toyota is announcing a warranty…
Other model years of the Scion TC
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 | 38,500 | 2 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 22 | 33,999 | 2 | — | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 20 | 53,000 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 9 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 8 | 44,943 | 1 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 29 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 20 | 32,743 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 60 | 45,740 | 3 | — | 24 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 86 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2007 | 117 | 63,915 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 161 | 62,750 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 155 | 41,465 | 4 | — | 23 | Not 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 2007 Scion TC?
Owners of this model year most often write about excessive engine oil consumption: oil levels dropping between services, no low-oil warning until the engine is nearly dry, and in some cases engine knock or seizure. The issues reported most often: Excessive engine oil consumption (2AZ-FE); Sunroof or wind deflector glass shatters; Trunk and hatch release handle breaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Scion TC have?
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2007 Scion TC as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Scion TC is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 32 complaints (27% of the total), followed by visibility with 22.
Has the 2007 Scion TC been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Scion TC get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Scion TC (tC, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Scion TC reported?
Among the 91 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 63,915 miles and the middle half falls between 28,400 and 95,718 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.