RoadVitals

2015 Scion Fr-S

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Jun 15, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jun 9, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Scion Fr-S, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 74 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine531.3%
  • Powertrain (other)212.5%
  • Brakes212.5%
  • Steering212.5%
  • Airbags16.3%
  • Suspension16.3%
  • Body & structure16.3%
  • Electrical16.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V420000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jun 9, 2016
4,253 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
The risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLCManufacturer number SET-16CView on NHTSA.gov
16V075000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Feb 10, 2016
25,706 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number G0EView on NHTSA.gov
14V828000

EQUIPMENT

Dec 30, 2014
3,958 units potentially affected
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLCManufacturer number SET-14BView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2025

The valve spring for my 2015 FRS completely broke and this was a known issue and recalls for my car and it is available for inspection

NHTSA ID
11667016
Incident
Jun 14, 2025
Steering
Filed Jan 18, 2023

Steering wheel began clunking and locking up when turning. Had this issue on a previous FRS, Electronic Power Steering Motor Coupler had failed and needed replacement.

NHTSA ID
11502375
Incident
Apr 1, 2020
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 21, 2022

Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined the engine bay has coolant inside mixed with oil. The tech mention of engine over heating however the temperature gauge never reached overheating readings. If the engine overheated the temperature gauge failed to alert me while I was driving at any point and expressed this to the service advisor. My vehicle motor failed while I was engaged in driving on the freeway and turn off and on in the middle of flight and travelling at freeway speeds. I originally purchased vehicle at Long Toyota USA in El Monte, CA with zero to 15 miles brand new in 2015 it is less that 10 years and I never experienced a defective motor/engine. Today is October 21, 2022 and my vehicle is still at the Culver City Toyota dealership. When: September 25, 2022, towed vehicle to Culver City Toyota a dealer of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc Where: Engine/Motor failure occurred in the middle of the 10 freeway at Robertson/Venice exit in Los Angeles, CA. I immediately was able to steer the car to the nearest exit there was a loud pop and then a very loud motor noise was heard. I paid the tow company to take the vehicle to the culver city Toyota to get it fixed. How: While driving. Preferred solution Assistance in replacing engine at no cost due to defects and failures and placing my life at risk while the car was in motion. I am not looking for monetary claims or any gains. I just want my car back fixed I already paid for the spark plugs as i mentioned above but this is a defective motor. All my services have been done through Toyota's trained service technicians I asked all the time for spark plug replacement and they always said it isn't due.

NHTSA ID
11490358
Incident
Sep 25, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 8, 2021

I was driving 80 mph in the inner lane of a multi lane highway. Out of no where with no warning lights or sounds the car just lost all power, the steering felt like it locked and the car fell on it's face. I was almost hit by two different cars trying to get over to the shoulder and there was white smoke pouring out of the exhaust making cars behind me swerve because they couldn't see. Had it towed to the Toyota dealership and they told me that basically the engine blew and that they have seen this on other Scion model years and those are recalled but mine isn't recalled

NHTSA ID
11428249
Incident
Jul 28, 2021
Engine
Filed May 2, 2019

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, IT STARTED MISFIRING, THROWING UP A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND IT WAS ROUGH TO KEEP IT RUNNING. UPON TOWING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVING IT INVESTIGATED FOR THE ROOT CAUSE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VALVE SPRINGS ON A CYLINDER ARE FAILING. THIS ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THE ISSUES THAT ARE OCCURRING IN SAFETY RECALL J02, WHICH AFFECTS 2013 MODELS.

NHTSA ID
11205250
Incident
Apr 25, 2019
Mileage
120,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 23, 2019

THE PASSAGER REAR CALIPER MALFUNCTION CAUSE THE BRAKE PAD FLY AWAY FROM THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE

NHTSA ID
11203064
Incident
Apr 21, 2019
Mileage
34,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 14, 2018

REVERSE LOCKOUT ON THE STICK SHIFT DOES NOT FUNCTION. DURING SHIFTING THE DRIVER CAN ACCIDENTLY PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE WHILE MOVING FORWARD OR PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE WHILE TRYING TO PUT IT INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME DURING THE SHIFTING PROCESS.

NHTSA ID
11151574
Incident
Mar 5, 2018
Mileage
21,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 30, 2018

I OWN A 2015 AUTOMATIC SCION FR-S. THE CAR HAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND DOWNSHIFTS ARE VERY JERKY AND HARD. UPSHIFTS ARE FINE, BUT IN BOTH MANUAL MODE (PADDLE SHIFTS) AND IN AUTOMATIC MODE, COMING TO A STOP AND DOWNSHIFTING THROUGH THE GEARS RESULTS IN HARD, JERKY VIOLENT MOVEMENTS AND THE CAR FAILS TO REV MATCH. I'VE LOOKED THE ISSUE UP AND MANY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS MOST LIKELY A SOFTWARE ISSUE, EITHER WITH THE ECU BUT MOST LIKELY WITH THE TCM, THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. MY DEALERSHIP DENIES THE PROBLEM AND REFLASHES THE ECU ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESURFACE A WEEK LATER. THEY HAVE DONE AN OIL CHANGE AND IVE DONE A COOLANT FLUSH BUT NONE OF THESE THINGS HAVE SOLVED THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS BIGGER THAN JUST MAINTENANCE AND WILL MOST LIKELY REQUIRE A NEW TCM. ITS A SOFTWARE BUG, AND TOYTA DEALERSHIPS, AT LEAST WHERE I AM, REFUSE TO AWKNOWLEDGE IT.

NHTSA ID
11143977
Incident
Oct 18, 2018
Mileage
30,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

S-TT-0117-20

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:ENGINE COOLANT HOSES AND FITTINGS

TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.

S-S-0003-14_Obso

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 20, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

S-TT-0113-18

EQUIPMENT; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a direct injection fuel system, a Special Service Tool Set is required to properly install the seal onto the injector. As new vehicle configurations have been released, several injector seal tool sets have been distributed to accommodate these new vehicles. There are a total of two injector seal tool sets for Scion models, located in the appropriate SST cabinets. Each kit contains multiple pieces as shown in the diagram below. The individual pieces must remain together to ensure these tools are used correctly. Refer to the repair manual for the tool information to ensure the correct tool is used for the desired application.

S-TT-0113-18

EQUIPMENT; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

TSB: In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a direct injection fuel system, a Special Service Tool Set is required to properly install the seal onto the injector. As new vehicle configurations have been released, several injector seal tool sets have been distributed to accommodate these new vehicles. There are a total of two injector seal tool sets for Scion models, located in the appropriate SST cabinets. Each kit contains multiple pieces as shown in the diagram below. The individual pieces must remain together to ensure these tools are used correctly. Refer to the repair manual for the tool information to ensure the correct tool is used for the desired application.

S-TT-0116-19

EQUIPMENT

TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair. To improve customer satisfaction and repair A/C system leaks in one dealer visit, Toyota has developed a set of guidelines for evaluating A/C system components.

S-SB-0012-17

POWER TRAIN

TSB: Some 2013 ? 2016 model year FR-S vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit an abnormal noise, such as a squeak, grind or groan type noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. APPLICABLE WARRANTY: This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date. Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Scion Fr-S by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016330—
2015Viewing143049.9
2014520—
20131794051.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.