2008 Scion TC Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Scion TC has a complaint index of 64, ranking 5th worst out of 12 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine complaints (34% of total, median mileage 108,505) and airbag non-deployment reports lead the issues, backed by 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #5 of 12 TC years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 86
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 15
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 20.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 1
Top 2008 Scion TC problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine29 (34%)
- Structure & Body23 (27%)
- Airbags10 (12%)
- Other8 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (9%)
- Brakes6 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (7%)
- Electrical System4 (5%)
- Fuel System3 (3%)
- Steering3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe delayed throttle response of up to a full second when pressing the accelerator, making the car hard to control in hazardous conditions.
- Some drivers report tires separating from the rim after hitting rumble strips or road bumps, causing loss of control.
- Multiple owners state airbags failed to deploy during crashes, including low-speed collisions and rollovers.
- One owner reported brakes becoming hesitant to respond while ABS, VSC, air bag, and brake warning lights illuminated at the same time.
- Some drivers describe the steering wheel locking up or the car feeling unpredictable at highway speeds, especially through curves.
2008 Scion TC recalls
3 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 09V223000Jun 15, 2009Other27,080 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Risk: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
2008 Scion TC fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,750
- 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.
2008 compared with other TC years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Scion TC reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 TC has a complaint index of 64 and ranks 5th worst among 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Scion TC?
- Engine complaints make up 34% of all reports for this year, with a median failure mileage of 108,505 miles, making it the top problem area.
- Does the 2008 Scion TC have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Scion TC, all related to labeling issues such as tire selection/rims compliance and load carrying capacity labels; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Scion TC should I avoid?
- The 2006 model year has the highest complaint index at 100 and carries an Avoid verdict, along with 2005 and 2007, which also rank worse than 2008.
- Did the 2008 Scion TC have airbag problems?
- Owners filed 10 airbag-related complaints, including reports of non-deployment during crashes, with a median mileage of 30,002 miles at failure.