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Scion Problems & Complaints

Scion was Toyota's youth-oriented brand designed to appeal to younger buyers with stylish, affordable vehicles. The brand accumulated 5,624 complaints over its 15-year history with 48 fatalities linked to reported defects and 104 recalls issued. Despite being backed by Toyota's engineering expertise, Scion models experienced quality issues that limited the brand's success. Scion ceased operations in 2016, making these vehicles available primarily through the used car market.

5,624
Total Complaints
104
Total Recalls
10
Models
48
Reported Deaths

Complaints Over Time

All Scion Models

Model Complaints ↓ Recalls Worst Year Best Year
XB 2,568 47 2008 2003
TC 1,732 22 2005 2016
FR-S 470 12 2013 2016
XA 332 5 2006 2004
XD 332 15 2008 2006
IA 78 0 2016 2016
IQ 70 2 2012 2015
IM 34 1 2016 2016
SCION 6 0 2012 2012
IC 2 0 2015 2015

Scion Models to Avoid

The XB is the most problematic Scion model with 2,568 complaints, followed by the TC with 1,732 complaints. The FR-S sports car has 470 complaints, the XA has 332 complaints, and the XD accounts for 332 complaints. Common issues include faulty door locks, NHTSA-related defects, and engine problems that required multiple safety recalls.

Most Reliable Scion Models

The XD and XA models, while not perfect, have lower complaint volumes than the popular XB and TC models. Scion's quality control improved in later production years, particularly 2010 onwards. Well-maintained examples with complete service records from the final years of production may offer better reliability than earlier generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Scion shut down?

Scion ceased operations in 2016 due to declining sales and failure to gain significant market traction. The brand struggled to differentiate itself from parent company Toyota and couldn't justify the additional overhead of maintaining a separate division with poor sales numbers.

What are common Scion problems?

The XB has experienced door lock failures, defective components, and electrical issues. The TC sports car faced engine problems and transmission concerns. These vehicles also had higher-than-expected defect rates for a Toyota subsidiary, damaging the brand's credibility.

Are Scion vehicles reliable?

Despite Toyota heritage, Scions underperformed in reliability. With 5,624 complaints and 104 recalls across only 10 models, the per-model complaint ratio is high. Later production years (2010-2016) showed improvement, but issues persisted throughout the brand's history.

Should I buy a used Scion?

Used Scions can offer affordable entry into Toyota reliability, though the complaint history suggests caution. The TC and XB models should be researched thoroughly for specific problem years. Pre-purchase inspections and comprehensive vehicle history reports are essential before purchasing a used Scion.