EZ Swap LLC services the Scion IM in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2016. If your IM has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help IM owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on file for the IM and 1 safety recall campaign. The most-reported problem areas are power train (5), electrical system (2), structure (2).
Most-Reported Scion IM Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the IM (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 | 41% | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 16% | |
| Structure | 2 | 16% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 8% | |
| Steering | 1 | 8% | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 8% | |
| Engine | 1 | 8% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | 8% |
Power Train
5 of the 12 complaints (41%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
2 of the 12 complaints (16%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Structure
2 of the 12 complaints (16%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Scion IM Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the IM, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Scion.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your IM? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Scion IM Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the IM in these model years, most often involving tires. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2016 recall, Tires (campaign 16V236000): Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the IM, 1 involved a crash, 2 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Scion IM Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Scion will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a IM that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for IM owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Scion IM, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Scion IM Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Scion IM repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Scion IM FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Scion IM?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Scion IM are power train (5), electrical system (2), structure (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which IM model years have the most complaints?
The IM model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Scion IM?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Scion IM. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Scion IM have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Scion IM across model years 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Scion IM in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Scion vehicles including the IM, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Scion IM?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Scion IM in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Scion Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.