What year Scion FR-S should I avoid?

The 2013 Scion FR-S is the year to avoid, based on NHTSA data. It has 179 complaints, a complaint index of 100 (the highest of the four model years), and 82% of complaints tied to engine problems, including a valve spring recall.

Is the 2013 Scion FR-S engine problem serious?

NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers weak valve springs in 2013 FR-S engines that can fail. Owners reported engine complaints at a median of 75,445 miles, and this recall accounts for the largest share (82%) of complaints for the year.

Is the 2015 Scion FR-S reliable?

The 2015 FR-S is rated Caution, with 14 complaints and a complaint index of 67. Engine issues were reported at a median of 32,000 miles, earlier than other model years.

Which Scion FR-S year has the fewest complaints?

The 2014 model year has only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 33, earning a Good verdict relative to other FR-S years.

Does the Scion FR-S have engine recalls?

Yes. NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers valve spring failures affecting 2013 FR-S engines, and engine problems account for 78% of complaints across all model years.

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

The 2013 Scion FR-S is the year to avoid, with 179 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 82% of those tied to engine problems including valve spring failures. 2014 rates Good with only 5 complaints, while 2015 is a Caution year due to engine issues appearing at a median 32,000 miles.

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

The 2013 FR-S has the highest complaint volume of any year, with 179 total complaints and a complaint index of 100, ranking it worst in the lineup. Engine problems make up 82% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,445 miles. NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers weak valve springs that can fail and damage the engine, matching what owners described. Transmission and powertrain issues followed at 12% of complaints, with a median mileage of 62,000. Owners also reported fuel system and steering problems. Four separate recall campaigns apply to this model year, the most of any FR-S year.

2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Scion FR-S problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Scion FR-S should I avoid?: The 2013 Scion FR-S is the year to avoid, based on NHTSA data. It has 179 complaints, a complaint index of 100 (the highest of the four model years), and 82% of complaints tied to engine problems, including a valve spring recall.
Is the 2013 Scion FR-S engine problem serious?: NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers weak valve springs in 2013 FR-S engines that can fail. Owners reported engine complaints at a median of 75,445 miles, and this recall accounts for the largest share (82%) of complaints for the year.
Is the 2015 Scion FR-S reliable?: The 2015 FR-S is rated Caution, with 14 complaints and a complaint index of 67. Engine issues were reported at a median of 32,000 miles, earlier than other model years.
Which Scion FR-S year has the fewest complaints?: The 2014 model year has only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 33, earning a Good verdict relative to other FR-S years.
Does the Scion FR-S have engine recalls?: Yes. NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers valve spring failures affecting 2013 FR-S engines, and engine problems account for 78% of complaints across all model years.