YearToAvoid

2013 Scion FR-S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2013 Scion FR-S ranks worst of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 179 complaints, mostly engine-related. It carries 4 recalls, including a valve spring campaign, and is rated Avoid compared to other FR-S years.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 4 FR-S years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
179
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
4
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
3
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2014
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26.5
23 city / 31.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2013 Scion FR-S problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine147 (82%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain21 (12%)
  3. Fuel System9 (5%)
  4. Other8 (4%)
  5. Steering7 (4%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)
  7. Airbags3 (2%)
  8. Brakes3 (2%)
  9. Electrical System3 (2%)
  10. Structure & Body2 (1%)

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

What owners report

  • Engine valve springs reportedly fail, sometimes causing a loud bang or knock and stalling that leaves the car unable to restart.
  • Some owners report the engine stalling and losing power entirely, unable to crank or run.
  • A direct injector collar was reported missing or damaged, producing a popping sound under moderate acceleration and fuel misfire.
  • One owner described a complete loss of steering control while turning, with no warning lights beforehand.
  • Cruise control reportedly failed to disengage when the brake was applied, forcing use of the emergency brake.
  • A brake-related incident involved a shimmy at highway speed followed by a burning smell and a fire.
2013 Scion FR-S complaints: complaints filed per quarter462012 Q32015 Q12017 Q32019 Q12020 Q22021 Q32023 Q12025 Q1
179 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q2 (46).

2013 Scion FR-S recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine165,534 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

  2. NHTSA 16V075000Feb 10, 2016Electrical System25,706 vehicles

    Electrical system:ignition

    Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

    Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.

  3. NHTSA 13V123000Apr 9, 2013Other7,525 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

    Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

See all 4 recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S →

2013 Scion FR-S fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23 MPG
Highway
31.5 MPG
Combined
26.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,025
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other FR-S years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Avoid100179426.5
2014Good335226.5
2015Caution6714326

All Scion FR-S years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Scion FR-S reliable?
Among the four FR-S model years with data, 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst, with 179 complaints, most tied to the engine. NHTSA data places it in the Avoid category relative to other FR-S years.
What problems does the 2013 Scion FR-S have?
Engine problems make up 82% of complaints (147 of 179), with a median failure mileage of 75,445 miles. Transmission and powertrain issues account for another 12%, and fuel system complaints make up 5%.
Does the 2013 Scion FR-S have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2013 Scion FR-S, including one for engine valve springs, one for electrical ignition key/transmission interlock wiring, and two others covering labeling and owner's manual errors.
What year Scion FR-S should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint and recall data, 2013 is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100 versus 33 for 2014 and 67 for 2015.
How many complaints does NHTSA have on file for the 2013 Scion FR-S?
NHTSA lists 179 complaints for the 2013 Scion FR-S, including 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.