YearToAvoid

2010 Scion TC Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

27/100

#9 most-complained of 12 TC years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2010 Scion TC has 20 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 27 out of 100 — #9 highest of 12 TC model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is engine (7 complaints, 35% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes and 1 injury.

Complaints
20
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23.5
20.5 city / 28 hwy

Top 2010 Scion TC problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine7 (35%)
  2. Visibility & Wipers4 (20%)
  3. Brakes3 (15%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (15%)
  5. Other2 (10%)
  6. Airbags1 (5%)
  7. Fuel System1 (5%)
  8. Steering1 (5%)
  9. Structure & Body1 (5%)
2010 Scion TC complaints: complaints filed per month2Feb 2010Jan 2013May 2014Apr 2015Feb 2017Aug 2021
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Mar 2022; peak Aug 2010 (2).

2010 Scion TC recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

2010 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.

2010 compared with other TC years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Caution6486323.5
2009Caution7360323.5
2010Good2720223.5
2011Good3629025
2012Best08125

All Scion TC years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Scion TC a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Scion TC ranks #9 of 12 among TC model years (Complaint Index 27/100, verdict: Good). It has 20 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Scion TC?
The most reported problem areas are engine (7 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints), and brakes (3 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 32,743 miles.
Does the 2010 Scion TC have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2010 Scion TC, most recently reported 2010, covering other.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Scion TC?
EPA rates the 2010 Scion TC at 23.5 MPG combined (20.5 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,750. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.