Toyota Scion tC Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Scion tC model year (2005–2016) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Scion tC Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 94 complaints
28 reported injuries
6 reported deaths
Top issue: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Problem score: 189
3 recalls · 97 complaints
20 reported injuries
Top issue: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Problem score: 146
1 recall · 80 complaints
8 reported injuries
8 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 139
Best Toyota Scion tC Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: SEAT BELTS
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 8
1 recall · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 10
Found the right year? Verify that specific Scion tC with a free VIN report.
Toyota Scion tC — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 15 | 2 | — | 19 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 15 | 9 | — | 33 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 2 | 3 | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 19 | 1 | — | 21 | Good |
| 2010 | 1 | 13 | 2 | — | 20 | Good |
| 2009 | 2 | 41 | 1 | — | 49 | Good |
| 2008 | 2 | 54 | 4 | 1 | 73 | Caution |
| 2007 | 1 | 80 | 8 | 8 | 139 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 3 | 94 | 28 | 6 | 189 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 3 | 97 | 20 | — | 146 | Avoid |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Scion tC Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Scion tC units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Scion tC models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Scion tC should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Toyota Scion tC if possible. It has 3 recalls, 94 owner complaints, and 6 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 189 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Scion tC to buy?+
The 2016 Toyota Scion tC is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Scion tC has the fewest problems?+
The 2016, 2013, 2012 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Scion tC Research
Check a Specific Toyota Scion tC VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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