What year Scion TC should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Scion TC have the highest Complaint Index among 12 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 161 complaints and 5 recalls.

What is the best year for the Scion TC?

The 2012, 2013, and 2016 Scion TC have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2012 at 8 complaints and 1 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Scion TC?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (164, 24%), visibility & wipers (149, 22%), and structure & body (131, 19%).

How many recalls does the Scion TC have?

NHTSA lists 10 distinct recall campaigns covering Scion TC model years 2005–2016. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Scion TC Best and Worst Years (2005–2016)

Scion TC years to avoid: 2005, 2006, and 2007. Best years: 2012, 2013, and 2016. Based on 693 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across 12 model years (2005–2016).

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

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2006 Avoid 2007 Best 2012 Best 2013 Best 2016

Model years: 12; 2005–2016
NHTSA complaints: 693
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 126
Fires reported: 17
Top problem area: Engine

TC 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 TC problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	82	155	25	3	4	Visibility & Wipers	22.5	—
2006	Avoid	100	161	33	3	5	Visibility & Wipers	22.5	—
2007	Avoid	91	117	21	6	2	Engine	23.5	—
2008	Caution	64	86	15	2	3	Engine	23.5	—
2009	Caution	73	60	15	1	3	Engine	23.5	—
2010	Good	27	20	2	0	2	Engine	23.5	—
2011	Good	36	29	1	1	0	Electrical System	25	—
2012	Best	0	8	1	0	1	Visibility & Wipers	25	—
2013	Best	9	9	2	0	0	Brakes	25	—
2014	Caution	55	20	6	1	0	Brakes	26	—
2015	Good	45	22	4	0	2	Transmission & Powertrain	26	—
2016	Best	18	6	1	0	2	Brakes	26	—

TC years to avoid: what went wrong

2006 Scion TC Index 100 · 161 complaints · 5 recalls

Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Scion TC, led by visibility & wipers (42), engine (31), and structure & body (31). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 33 crashes and 3 fires.

2006 visibility & wipers problems →2006 engine problems →2006 structure & body problems →

2007 Scion TC Index 91 · 117 complaints · 2 recalls

Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Scion TC, led by engine (46), visibility & wipers (22), and structure & body (21). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 21 crashes and 6 fires.

2007 engine problems →2007 visibility & wipers problems →2007 structure & body problems →

2005 Scion TC Index 82 · 155 complaints · 4 recalls

Owners filed 155 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Scion TC, led by visibility & wipers (50), structure & body (36), and engine (22). NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 25 crashes and 3 fires.

2005 visibility & wipers problems →2005 structure & body problems →2005 engine problems →

Most common Scion TC problems (all years)

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

Engine164 (24%)
Visibility & Wipers149 (22%)
Structure & Body131 (19%)
Airbags85 (12%)
Other73 (11%)
Brakes63 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (8%)
Electrical System39 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain31 (4%)
Steering23 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Scion TC should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Scion TC have the highest Complaint Index among 12 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 161 complaints and 5 recalls.
What is the best year for the Scion TC?: The 2012, 2013, and 2016 Scion TC have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2012 at 8 complaints and 1 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Scion TC?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (164, 24%), visibility & wipers (149, 22%), and structure & body (131, 19%).
How many recalls does the Scion TC have?: NHTSA lists 10 distinct recall campaigns covering Scion TC model years 2005–2016. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.