Own a Scion TC in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Scion TC for model years 2005, 2007 to 2009, 2011 to 2016. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help TC owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 512 owner complaints on file for the TC and 11 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are visibility (90), structure (86), engine (81).
Most-Reported Scion TC Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the TC (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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 90 | 17% | |
| Structure | 86 | 16% | |
| Engine | 81 | 15% | |
| Air Bags | 60 | 11% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 34 | 6% | |
| Power Train | 29 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes | 25 | 4% | |
| Electrical System | 20 | 3% |
Visibility
90 of the 512 complaints (17%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Structure
86 of the 512 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.
Engine
81 of the 512 complaints (15%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Scion TC Complaints by Model Year
The TC model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2007, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 155 | |
| 2007 | 117 | |
| 2008 | 86 | |
| 2009 | 60 | |
| 2011 | 29 | |
| 2012 | 8 | |
| 2013 | 9 | |
| 2014 | 20 | |
| 2015 | 22 | |
| 2016 | 6 |
Scion TC Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the TC, 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 TC? 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 TC Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the TC in these model years, most often involving equipment, air bags, visibility. 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.
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18E091000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and...
- 2016 recall, Equipment (campaign 16V420000): Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles.
- 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.
- 2015 recall, Suspension (campaign 15V228000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Scion tC vehicles manufactured December 3, 2014, to January 30, 2015 and equipped with accessory coil springs as part of an optional Release...
- 2013 recall, Equipment (campaign 13V123000): Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid,...
- 2010 recall, Equipment (campaign 10V035000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the TC, 91 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, 96 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 TC 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 TC 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 TC 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 TC, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Scion TC Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Scion TC repair service, or choose a service below.
Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Scion TC FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Scion TC?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Scion TC are visibility (90), structure (86), engine (81). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which TC model years have the most complaints?
The TC model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2007, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Scion TC?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Scion TC. 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 TC have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Scion TC across model years 2005, 2007 to 2009, 2011 to 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 TC in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Scion vehicles including the TC, 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 TC?
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 TC 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.