What year Scion FR-S should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Scion FR-S has the highest Complaint Index among 4 model years and is the year to avoid. The 2013 model year ranks worst with 179 complaints and 4 recalls.

What is the best year for the Scion FR-S?

The 2014 Scion FR-S has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (5 complaints, 2 recalls).

What are the most common problems with the Scion FR-S?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (157, 78%), transmission & powertrain (24, 12%), and fuel system (10, 5%).

How many recalls does the Scion FR-S have?

NHTSA lists 7 distinct recall campaigns covering Scion FR-S model years 2013–2016. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Scion FR-S Best and Worst Years (2013–2016)

Scion FR-S years to avoid: 2013. Based on 201 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns across 4 model years (2013–2016).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2013

Model years: 4; 2013–2016
NHTSA complaints: 201
Recall campaigns: 7
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 4
Top problem area: Engine

FR-S Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Scion FR-S problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	100	179	3	3	4	Engine	26.5	—
2014	Good	33	5	0	0	2	Engine	26.5	—
2015	Caution	67	14	1	1	3	Engine	26	—
2016	No verdict	0	3	0	0	3	Engine	26	—

FR-S years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Scion FR-S Index 100 · 179 complaints · 4 recalls

Owners filed 179 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Scion FR-S, led by engine (147), transmission & powertrain (21), and fuel system (9). NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 3 crashes and 3 fires.

2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Scion FR-S problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine157 (78%)
Transmission & Powertrain24 (12%)
Fuel System10 (5%)
Other10 (5%)
Steering9 (4%)
Brakes5 (2%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (2%)
Airbags4 (2%)
Electrical System4 (2%)
Seat Belts3 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Scion FR-S should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Scion FR-S has the highest Complaint Index among 4 model years and is the year to avoid. The 2013 model year ranks worst with 179 complaints and 4 recalls.
What is the best year for the Scion FR-S?: The 2014 Scion FR-S has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (5 complaints, 2 recalls).
What are the most common problems with the Scion FR-S?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (157, 78%), transmission & powertrain (24, 12%), and fuel system (10, 5%).
How many recalls does the Scion FR-S have?: NHTSA lists 7 distinct recall campaigns covering Scion FR-S model years 2013–2016. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.