2015 Scion FR-S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Scion FR-S ranks 2nd worst out of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 67 and a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 36% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 32,000 miles overall, and NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #2 of 4 FR-S years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 22.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2015 Scion FR-S problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (36%)
- Brakes2 (14%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Steering2 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (14%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine develops loud knocking or pinging noises and stuttering, sometimes with valve spring failure tied to a known recall issue.
- Automatic transmission downshifts become hard and jerky near a stop, with the transmission failing to rev-match properly.
- Reverse lockout on manual-shift models can fail, letting the driver accidentally select reverse while moving forward.
- Rear brake caliper malfunction has caused a brake pad to separate from the caliper.
- Electric power steering motor coupler can fail, causing the steering wheel to clunk or lock up while turning.
- Engine can lose power suddenly at highway speed with white smoke from the exhaust and no warning lights.
2015 Scion FR-S recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V420000Jun 9, 2016Other4,253 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
- 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.
- NHTSA 14V828000Dec 30, 2014Other3,958 vehicles
Equipment
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
2015 Scion FR-S fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,075
- 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.
2015 compared with other FR-S years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Scion FR-S reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 FR-S has a complaint index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst of 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems account for 36% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Scion FR-S?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 36% of reported problems, with a median mileage at failure of 81,500 miles for that category and 32,000 miles overall.
- Does the 2015 Scion FR-S have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Scion FR-S, covering an inaccurate load-capacity label, ignition key/transmission interlock wiring, and loose accessory bolts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2015 FR-S compare to other years?
- The 2015 model (complaint index 67, Caution) is worse than 2014 (index 33, Good) but better than 2013 (index 100, Avoid). The 2016 model has an index of 0 and no complaint-based verdict issue.