EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
2005 Scion Tc
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 155 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Scion Tc, most frequently naming the visibility, body & structure and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 83 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2007 | 1 | 69 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 70 |
| Feb 2008 | 1 | 71 |
| Mar 2008 | 1 | 72 |
| May 2008 | 1 | 73 |
| Jul 2008 | 1 | 74 |
| Aug 2008 | 2 | 76 |
| Sep 2008 | 2 | 78 |
| Dec 2008 | 2 | 80 |
| Jan 2009 | 3 | 83 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 84 |
| Mar 2009 | 1 | 85 |
| Jul 2009 | 1 | 86 |
| Sep 2009 | 2 | 88 |
| Dec 2009 | 1 | 89 |
| Feb 2010 | 3 | 92 |
| Mar 2010 | 4 | 96 |
| Apr 2010 | 1 | 97 |
| Jun 2010 | 2 | 99 |
| Jul 2010 | 1 | 100 |
| Aug 2010 | 2 | 102 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 103 |
| Nov 2010 | 1 | 104 |
| Dec 2010 | 2 | 106 |
| Jan 2011 | 2 | 108 |
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 109 |
| May 2011 | 2 | 111 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 112 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 113 |
| May 2012 | 1 | 114 |
| Jun 2012 | 2 | 116 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 117 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 118 |
| Feb 2013 | 2 | 120 |
| Jun 2013 | 1 | 121 |
| Jul 2013 | 2 | 123 |
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 124 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 125 |
| Dec 2013 | 2 | 127 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 128 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 129 |
| Apr 2014 | 3 | 132 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 133 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 134 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 135 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 136 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 137 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 138 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 140 |
| Aug 2017 | 3 | 143 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 144 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 145 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 147 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 148 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 150 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 151 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 152 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 153 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 154 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 155 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Visibility5026.6%
- Body & structure3116.5%
- Airbags2010.6%
- Engine147.4%
- Brakes105.3%
- Tires & wheels105.3%
- Other / unspecified94.8%
- Driver assistance84.3%
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
4 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.govAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAGS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
GLASS MOONROOF SHATTERS
ODI'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SUSTAIN MOONROOF SHATTERING AND/OR DAMAGE AT RATES COMPARABLE TO THOSE FOR MOST OTHER SIMILARLY EQUIPPED VEHICLES.THIS REVIEW ALSO DISCLOSES THAT SUCH INCIDENTS OCCUR IN MOST VEHICLES WITH MOONROOFS AND THAT WHILE TEMPERED GLASS PANELS COMMONLY USED IN MOONROOF FABRICATION ARE SHATTER-RESISTANT, SOME CATASTROPHIC FAILURES DO IN FACT OCCUR.IMPACT WITH SMALL STONES OR ROAD DEBRIS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE OR DELAYED SHATTER INCIDENTS, DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE GLASS MOONROOF PANEL.THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDES THAT INCIDENTS OF MOONROOF SHATTER ARE RANDOM OCCURRENCES THAT RESULT PRIMARILY FROM IMPACT WITH SMALL STONES OR OTHER OBJECTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
SUN/MOON ROOF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 17, 2005, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NO.05V-483 TO THE RECALL.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING A PLASTIC FILM TO THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR GLASS.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE PERFORMED ON APPROXIMATELY 71,400 MY 2005 AND 2006 SCION TC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED DURING THE PERIOD OF MARCH 12, 2004 THROUGH JULY 21, 2005. BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
SUN/MOON ROOF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE
THE MANUFACTURER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF DEFICIENCIES IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, OR ASSEMBLY OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR THAT MAY ACCOUNT FOR THE INCIDENTS REPORTED.THE MANUFACTURER ALSO BELIEVES THAT IMPACT OF AIRBORNE ROAD DEBRIS WITH THE WIND DEFLECTOR IS THE PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE INCIDENTS REPORTED.ODI'S ANALYSES OF THE WARRANTY DATA INDICATE THAT INCIDENTS OF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE WHILE DRIVING WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR OVER TIME, AS THE POPULATION AND ON-ROAD EXPOSURE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES INCREASE.THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE FOR SUCH BREAKAGE, THE BROKEN GLASS PARTICLES AND FRAGMENTS MAY FALL DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS OF THESE VEHICLES.THESE OCCURRENCES MAY POSE A RISK OF DRIVER DISTRACTION AND PERSONAL INJURY.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-013) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS MATTER.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Never had a problem with car before went on freeway to get up to speed n the speedometer was dropping so I pull to side of freeway shut car off turn car back on here clunk clunk shut car off no check engine light was on or has been on no oil light was on nothing get car towed back to safe place well check fluid n oils bone dry cars engine blows just started reading n I guess 2005 goes. Threw oil way fast why isn't that noteted anywhere so messed up just did oil change week before this so shocked now I have to try to fix my blown engine single mom not able to make ends meet now this idk what to do
- NHTSA ID
- 11686401
- Incident
- Sep 7, 2025
Engine burning oil
- NHTSA ID
- 11525542
- Incident
- Jun 12, 2019
1. I believe my airbags deployed pre-maturely with a soft impact to another vehicle. There was no damage to the other vehicle and no police report needed to be filed. There is a minor damage to my front bumper. 2. The airbags inflated on me, but no medical attention was required. 3. I have not confirmed or reproduced this problem with a professional. 4. My car has not been inspected nor reported to my insurance agency as my coverage only covers liability. 5. No symptoms prior to airbags deploying pre-maturely *Because of the pre-mature deployment of my airbags I am unable to afford the airbags to be reset, as doing so would cost more than the kbb estimated value of my car.
- NHTSA ID
- 11440425
- Incident
- Nov 6, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SCION TC. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, HER VEHICLE WAS T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT. THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SMASHED IN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REMINDED BY THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE SIDE AIR BAGS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR IN 2006. THE MANUFACTURER RESPONDED WITH A LETTER, STATING THAT THEY ASSIGNED AN ENGINEER TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. BASED ON THEIR INSPECTION, THEY DID NOT FIND ENOUGH FRONTAL DAMAGE TO COMMAND THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,400. *BF*JB
- NHTSA ID
- 11288843
- Incident
- Oct 3, 2019
- Mileage
- 91,400 mi
GLASS ROOF SHATTERED UNPROVOKED
- NHTSA ID
- 11253318
- Incident
- Sep 4, 2019
- Mileage
- 160,000 mi
TAKATA RECALL?? AIRBAGS FAILED, DURING ACCIDENT. AFTER BEING CUTOFF AND GOING DOWN ROUTE X. LOST CONTROL HIDING CONCRETE. CAR FLIPPED, WAS DRAGGED A FEW FEET'S - NO AIRBAGS. PASSENGER STILL HAS ANXIETY WHEN GETTING INTO VEHICLES-THE ONE THING YOU'D THINK WOULD RESPOND DIDN'T. HOW DO WE EVER GET THE SENSE OF SECURITY BACK. *DT *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 11234756
- Incident
- May 18, 2018
- Mileage
- 2 mi
I PURCHASED A RED 2005 SCION TC FOR MY DAUGHTER IN FEBRUARY, 2019 FROM TOYOTA AUTO NATION IN DAVIE, FL. THEY HAD IT PRICED IN GOOD CONDITION, SO I EXPECTED TO GET SOME USE OUT OF IT. I PAID ALMOST $6,000. MONTH LATER IT OVERHEATED ON THE HIGHWAY (595) AND MY DAUGHTER HAD TO PULL OVER LATE AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOME. VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE SITUATION FOR A TEEN. HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THEIR SERVICE STATION AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE A PROBLEM, THAT COST ME $600. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS COMPANY WOULD NOT HAVE SEEN ANY DAMAGE UNDER THE HOOD. SHAME ON THEM FOR SELLING ME A CAR THAT BROKE DOWN IN ONE MONTH. I HAVE CALLED THEM AND THEY WILL NOT HELP WITH THE PAYMENT. IT IS 'AS IS' I CALLED AND TEXT THE SALES GIRL AND NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK OR RESPONSE. FINALLY PUT A BAD REVIEW ON THEIR WEBSITE AND RECEIVED AN E-MAIL TO CONTACT MANAGER TO HELP WITH THE SITUATION, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT WAS AN AUTOMATED EMAIL AND AGAIN TOLD 'TOO BAD'. IT IS NOW JULY AND YET AGAIN IT BROKE DOWN ON MY DAUGHTER AS SHE WAS AT THE GAS STATION. IT WOULD NOT START UP AFTER SHE TURNED IT OFF. TRIED TO JUMP IT AND NOTHING. ONCE AGAIN HEADED TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE STATION. AT FIRST WAS TOLD IT WAS ONLY THE BATTERY, SO I SAY GO AHEAD, I WILL PAY THE $140 AND REPLACE IT AND WE WILL GO FROM THERE. ONLY TO GET ANOTHER CALLBACK FROM THE MANAGER STATING THAT THERE IS MORE WRONG WITH THE CAR, THAT AFTER THE $89 FIVE POINT CHECK ON THE VEHICLE AND REPLACING THE BATTERY THAT IT STILL DID NOT START. THEY WOULD HAVE TO KEEP IT OVER THE WEEKEND. IT IS COSTING ME AN ARM AND A LEG AND I NEED HELP WITH THIS. I FEEL LIKE THEY LIED ABOUT THIS VEHICLE AND ALLOWED A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE TO BE BOUGHT AT THEIR BUSINESS. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY CHILD'S SAFETY AND ONLY WANT WHAT IS FAIR.
- NHTSA ID
- 11231764
- Incident
- Jul 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SCION TC. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CLUTCH PEDAL FAILED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS STICKING. THE DRIVER HAD TO PULL THE CLUTCH PEDAL UP WITH HER LEFT FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO HIS RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,367.
- NHTSA ID
- 11210608
- Incident
- May 24, 2019
- Mileage
- 166,367 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EQUIPMENT
SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
ENGINE
SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT
SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
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
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.