2005 Scion TC Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
82/100
#3 most-complained of 12 TC years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Scion TC has 155 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 82 out of 100 — #3 highest of 12 TC model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is visibility & wipers (50 complaints, 32% of the total). Complaints report 25 crashes, 3 fires, 35 injuries, and 2 deaths.
- Complaints
- 155
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 25 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 35 / 2
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27 hwy
Top 2005 Scion TC problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers50 (32%)
- Structure & Body36 (23%)
- Engine22 (14%)
- Airbags20 (13%)
- Other18 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (10%)
- Brakes10 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (5%)
- Electrical System5 (3%)
- Fuel System5 (3%)
2005 Scion TC recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Other271,417 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
- NHTSA 06V408000Oct 26, 2006Airbags29,542 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
On certain vehicles, the side impact seat-bolster and curtain side airbags may inadvertently deploy. This condition can occur if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed with a high rate of force while the vehicle's ignition is in the "on" position or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the "on" position to the "off" position.
Risk: If the side impact seat-bolster and curtain side airbags inadvertently deploy, they could cause personal injury if an occupant is seated on the same side of the vehicle as the door that is closed with a high rate of force. Until the repair has been performed, it is recommended that a minimal force/speed be used to close the driver and passenger doors or closing the doors after 90 seconds have elapsed from turning the ignition key from the "on" to the "off" position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two side impact airbag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on november 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-866-548-1851.
- NHTSA 06V096000Apr 3, 2006Airbags133 vehicles
Air bags
On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash.
Risk: This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2005 Scion TC fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2005 compared with other TC years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Scion TC a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Scion TC ranks #3 of 12 among TC model years (Complaint Index 82/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 155 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Scion TC?
- The most reported problem areas are visibility & wipers (50 complaints), structure & body (36 complaints), and engine (22 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 41,465 miles.
- Does the 2005 Scion TC have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2005 Scion TC, most recently reported 2010, covering other, airbags, and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Scion TC?
- EPA rates the 2005 Scion TC at 22.5 MPG combined (19.5 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.