2006 Scion TC Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Scion TC has 161 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls, giving it a complaint index of 100, the worst of the 12 model years covered. It ranks 1st worst overall and carries an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 12 TC years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 161
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 33
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 32
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 32 / 5
Top 2006 Scion TC problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers42 (26%)
- Engine31 (19%)
- Structure & Body31 (19%)
- Airbags24 (15%)
- Other14 (9%)
- Steering12 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (6%)
- Brakes9 (6%)
- Electrical System8 (5%)
- Fuel System6 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during frontal or side-impact crashes, sometimes with head, shoulder, or other injuries.
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration or brake failure, including one case where the car struck an embankment while cruise control was engaged.
- One owner reported the vehicle labeled a lemon after repeated rattling from the hatchback and a transmission that would not engage in reverse.
- A fire was reported after the check engine and low tire pressure lights came on, with a burning smell noticed hours later.
- Several airbag-related complaints occurred at low mileage, including one crash reported at around 500 to 9,000 miles.
2006 Scion TC recalls
5 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 10V036000Feb 3, 2010Other153,418 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
- 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.
2006 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.
2006 compared with other TC years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Scion TC reliable?
- Among Scion TC model years, 2006 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks 1st worst out of 12 years tracked, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Scion TC?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints lead with 42 reports (26% share), followed by Engine and Structure & Body issues, each with 31 complaints (19% share).
- Does the 2006 Scion TC have airbag recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two 2006 airbag recalls: one for inadvertent side-impact airbag deployment and one for improperly assembled inflators in side, curtain, and knee airbags.
- How does the 2006 Scion TC compare to other years?
- The 2006 model has a complaint index of 100, higher than every other year listed, including 2005 (82) and 2007 (91), both also rated Avoid.
- At what mileage do 2006 Scion TC problems typically appear?
- Median mileage at failure across complaints is 62,750 miles, though Visibility & Wipers issues showed up at a median of 50,000 miles.