What Scion tC owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Scion tC safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 37 |
| 2015 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 48 |
| 2014 | 20 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 87 |
| 2013 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 99 |
| 2012 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 87 |
| 2011 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 87 |
| 2010 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 116 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Scion tC complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
The contact owns a 2015 Scion TC. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained continuously illuminated while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that when the air bag warning light was illuminated, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. However, an independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure might be associated with an inoperable clockspring. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Scion TC. The contact stated that the vehicle was advertised on Facebook Market place with 183,000 miles. The contact stated that while purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that the odometer displayed 118,000. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the seller informed the contact that he had discovered there was a mileage discrepancy upon retrieving the Carfax report after purchasing the vehicle from the previous owner. The contact stated that based on the Carfax report, the mileage was 173,822 on February 6, 2024, but the mileage on the odometer was 118,000.
Vehicle is not available for inspection upon request due to the vehicle being in an accident. As a result from the accident, the vehicle was a complete loss and beyond the point of repair. Without pulling the vehicle computer for operation list before accident occurred, it is specifically unknown what component or system failed and or malfunctioned. looking at pictures taken the night of and days after it seems like it was a steering/suspension, or possible wheel malfunction that was unable to keep the car under and in control to be brought to a full stop before the point of impact and accident occurred.
UNKNOWN. I was unaware of my car's recall notice. I had known only when my car's regular smog check was due. The problem that my car may have had not been confirmed by dealer or independent service center nor has it been inspected by manufacturer, police, or others. There are also no warning lamps or messages of the problem. However, there are symptoms like pushing the brakes when driving my car and it squeaks. I had installed new brake pads over 2 years ago. I don't know why it continues to squeak when I am pushing the brakes.
The contact owns a 2016 Scion TC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side seat belt retractor failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed front driver's side seat belt retractor. The contact was informed that the front driver's side seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Whining noise is heard when the clutch petal is released. Noise is coming from the input shaft bearing. Common failure on this model. Mechanic confirmed that is the issue. If the bearing completely fails could leave the car stranded and cause more damage to other transmission components. No warning lights but noise is very loud.
While driving on the interstate, all of a sudden, I hear a loud bang. This sound sounded like a tire blew or a gun shot. Then I see glass rolling down the back windshield. After inspecting, it was the sunroof/moonroof that exploded outwords as if there was some pressure from the heat built up.My brother was in the backseat, luckily the windshield was closed. He could have gotten seriously hurt from the glass debris falling onto him or into his eyes.After researching, this is a common situation for this model car, being the number 1 car reported for similar incidents.
Why did the dealer tell me this recall is not associated with my vin when I keep getting recall UNADDREESSED notices for my vehicle? This is a safety reason and a complete disconnect between dealerships and Toyota manufacture. I need this addressed immediately!
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
DL: Toyota plans to send Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices for the above referenced campaigns to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 20, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
TSB: Some vehicles may display a 22-digit request code when attempting to perform a navigation map update.
TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair. To improve customer satisfaction and repair A/C system leaks in one dealer visit, Toyota has developed a set of guidelines for evaluating A/C system components.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE August 23, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2015 ? 2016 model year tC vehicles, and 2016 model year iM vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Introduction. Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX® Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition
TT: During previous air conditioning service, leakage prevention agent (A/C stop leak) may have been added to the A/C system. Adding stop leak products to the A/C system is not a recommended or approved Scion repair process. During A/C service, moisture enters the A/C system, and can react with the previously added A/C stop leak, forming a gelatinous substance. The gel substance that forms can cause the A/C compressor to bind and or seize.
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 Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 10, 2016 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2016 model year iM vehicles, and 2015 ? 2016 tC vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2008 ? 2016 model year Scion vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
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 now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
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 NOW ANNOUNCING THE PART REPLACEMENT PHASE OF WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZE7 FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION.
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 ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZE7 FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2016, owners most often name: service brakes, unknown or other, air bags. 114 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
