RoadVitals

2009 Scion Tc Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
60
Latest Mar 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
16

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Scion Tc, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine1520.8%
  • Airbags912.5%
  • Visibility68.3%
  • Brakes45.6%
  • Other / unspecified34.2%
  • Interior & seats34.2%
  • Tires & wheels34.2%
  • Powertrain (other)22.8%
  • Electrical22.8%
  • Seat belts22.8%
  • Steering22.8%
  • Exterior lighting11.4%
  • Transmission11.4%
  • Fuel system11.4%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

sold a AS IS TRADE IN vehicle that had no warning lights on dashboard or window info on safety defective emmisons and ecm and has not been very helpful with my vehicle I have not been able to drive because of safety concerns with recent discovery of codes that showed after getting a new battery for my new way of commuteing to work and live daily activity like most with a car I laid 2,050.15 and was told many times at test drive that it was amazing running sports car and mentioned he only had to replace valve cover gasket before it was able to be sold and at time of payment with test drive only showing signs of low rpm and throttle idle on test drive so trusting that the owner was telling me the truth I purchased and drove car home I needed gas because fuel was empty and when I went to pump into tank I got major clicking of the handle like my new car wouldn't take fuel for some weird reason owner at dealership was called 5 mins after buying on auto lot to express major concern with pumping gas he again said vehicle was inspected with nothing of concern now finding that it is going to cost many thousands to repair emmisons system And fault codes with total programing with abs and to cost more than anyone can honestly afford now I'm drained of my savings and have no hope of finding a solution so my car isn't parked because of failure of hidden defects I would of never invested my whole savings on a car if information was shown for defective vehicle system parts.i want the owner to honor his misleading auto fraud and in anyway help with safety emmisons compromised part replacement so my vehicle I purchased will drive like promised at business or replace it with a vehicle that is safe for the road without hidden errors I am very emotionally distressed over finding a solution for this unexpected misfortune I've been experiencing life gets very difficult without assess to a safe vehicle it has cost me to much I shouldn't have to suffer for his fraudulent actions

NHTSA ID 11727740 · filed Mar 29, 2026

I believe my emmisons had malfunctioning part # 77740-21011 called used auto sales agent 5 mins after purchasing on 3/1 because I was at gas station having unusual fuel pumping problems that made it very difficult to put gas in had a constant clicking happen and the dealer on the phone told me there was no issues with my new vehicle and after checking my warning lights to see if any were signaling and had no active warnings for service engine soon or maintenance so I believed him I drove home and within two days tried to replace my battery because cars battery looked old I disconnected the battery and on accident reset my whole car and with rpm being lo I checked with simple scan tool that I after a accidentall reset to better my battery lifespan noticed I had a entire system code read concerning emmisons I am having a Toyota, Lexus,scion technician visit tommrow to get better understanding because I cant afford to pay the 400 for basic test from Toyota.and it has been 4 weeks since it has been parked at my house because of uncertainty about error codes and if it is safe to drive feel like my purchase had dealer take of warning lights to show major emmisons defect and with the cost to have Toyota replace and have scions system reprogram so it relearns it will cost more than I paid for vehicle I have messaged who sold me vehicle at business in Bradenton since day one of purchase 3/1 and was sold to me as is without any window sticker explaining defects have called Toyota dealership at 3 locations including Sarasota to ask for scion specialist assistance to get my vehicle in driving condition and with my battery reset and it being incomplete until I find exactly why my vapor canister is throwing some unusual codes by experience tech .no insurance representative or manufacturer police with situation with vehicle and it's safety.with 34 calls to places that do low cost diagnostic tests I been told only person that can do what is needed to vehicle is Toyota dealer

NHTSA ID 11727625 · filed Mar 28, 2026
All 15 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL GPS NAVIGATION LOCATOR FOR ONSTAR OR ANYTHING TO LOCATE MY STOLEN CAR

NHTSA ID 10899443 · filed Aug 30, 2016

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA SCION FROM THE FAIRFIELD, CA DEALERSHIP . I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED UP TO A FASTER SPEED THAN I WANTED I TRIED TO CORRECT IT IN THE CONFUSION AND NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS GOING ON I LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS 10,000.00 OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR IT WAS REPAIRED BUT THEN I HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN THE SAME CAR AGAIN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT I BARLEY TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL MY CAR JUMPED INTO A HIGH SPEED SMASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AFTER I HIT I TURNED AROUND TO CHECK ON MY CHILD THINKING A CAR HAD HIT ME FROM BEHIND BUT IT WAS NOT ANOTHER CAR IT WAS JUST MINE BUT THEN IT DID IT AGAIN SMASHING INTO THE CAR AGAIN. IT WAS CRAZY I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON MY FACE WAS SMASHED UP PRETTY BAD 2 BLACK EYES AND FAT LIPS EXTRA. MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO HARD IT SMASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. NOW GATHER I WAS ALREADY STOPPED SITTING AND WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN WHAT CAUSED MY CAR NOT ONCE BUT TWICE TO SMASH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I HAD THE WORST TIME WITH THIS CAR IT SEEMED LIKE I WAS DRIVING WITH A DARK CLOUD OVER ME. NOT ONLY WAS THE ACCELERATION A PROBLEM BUT THE TRUNK LID ALSO BROKE OFF AND MY SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THERE ALSO WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES SOMETIMES IF I WAS ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES WOULD SKIP AND NOT CATCH ALMOST LIKE IT WOULD JUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10492970 · filed Jan 14, 2013
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD A BAD MVA ACCIDENT ON 6/12/2019 @ 0815AM IN THE MORNING, A LADY T BONE ME WITH FAST IMPACTION, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE SIDE AIR BAG CURTAINS DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS DID MALFUNCTION IN MY OPINON AND CAUSED ME TO HIT MY HEAD AND CHEST HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT THE ENTIRE TIME AS WELL. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE DRIVER HIT ME ON THE HIGHWAY. WAS A HARD IMPACT TO THE CAR. THE SENSORS APPEAR NOT TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY SINCE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS HARD IMPACTION.

NHTSA ID 11219831 · filed Jun 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 SCION TC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ID 11055329 · filed Dec 18, 2017
All 9 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE MOONROOF ON MY SCION TC SHATTERED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME AND I DID NOT SEE ANY LARGE OBJECTS HIT MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10949143 · filed Feb 2, 2017

I HAVE HAD MY 2009 SCION TC FOR JUST ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW, BACK IN FEBRUARY I WAS JUST DOING SOME GROCERY SHOPPING, WENT TO OPEN THE TRUNK AND THE WHOLE TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE FELL OFF,AND NOW IS JUST CONNECTED BY WIRES WHICH IS A DISTRACTION TO DRIVERS BEHIND ME AND ALSO COVERS THE LICENSE PLATE WHICH I'M SURE IS JUST CAUSE FOR ME TO GET A TRAFFIC FINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY SAID ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY,EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A FULL WARRANTY LEFT ON MY CAR FOR 100,00 MILES. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE THAT THIS PART ISN'T COVERED FOR MANUFACTURE DEFECTS AND POOR WORKMANSHIP, THIS SHOULD NOT FALL APART AFTER 2 YEARS, AND IT CLEARLY SHOULD BE RECALLED.. IF TOYOTA WANTS TO KEEP SELLING CARS, THEY NEED TO MAKE GOOD ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM.. MY CAR HAS A WARRANTY ON IT SO I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE FALLEN OFF SO EASILY!!!! POOR MANUFACTURING........AND WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'VE READ ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, TOYOTA SHOULD DEFINITELY BE TAKING CARE OF THERE CUSTOMERS IF THEY WANT FUTURE CUSTOMERS!!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10510646 · filed May 4, 2013
All 8 reports naming body & structure

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE MOONROOF ON MY SCION TC SHATTERED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME AND I DID NOT SEE ANY LARGE OBJECTS HIT MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10949143 · filed Feb 2, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SCION TC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO ANY OF THE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SOMEONE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE THROWN A ROCK AT THE WINDOW BECAUSE THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

NHTSA ID 10376693 · filed Jan 14, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA SCION FROM THE FAIRFIELD, CA DEALERSHIP . I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED UP TO A FASTER SPEED THAN I WANTED I TRIED TO CORRECT IT IN THE CONFUSION AND NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS GOING ON I LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS 10,000.00 OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR IT WAS REPAIRED BUT THEN I HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN THE SAME CAR AGAIN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT I BARLEY TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL MY CAR JUMPED INTO A HIGH SPEED SMASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AFTER I HIT I TURNED AROUND TO CHECK ON MY CHILD THINKING A CAR HAD HIT ME FROM BEHIND BUT IT WAS NOT ANOTHER CAR IT WAS JUST MINE BUT THEN IT DID IT AGAIN SMASHING INTO THE CAR AGAIN. IT WAS CRAZY I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON MY FACE WAS SMASHED UP PRETTY BAD 2 BLACK EYES AND FAT LIPS EXTRA. MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO HARD IT SMASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. NOW GATHER I WAS ALREADY STOPPED SITTING AND WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN WHAT CAUSED MY CAR NOT ONCE BUT TWICE TO SMASH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I HAD THE WORST TIME WITH THIS CAR IT SEEMED LIKE I WAS DRIVING WITH A DARK CLOUD OVER ME. NOT ONLY WAS THE ACCELERATION A PROBLEM BUT THE TRUNK LID ALSO BROKE OFF AND MY SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THERE ALSO WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES SOMETIMES IF I WAS ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES WOULD SKIP AND NOT CATCH ALMOST LIKE IT WOULD JUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10492970 · filed Jan 14, 2013

BRAKES FEEL HESITANT TO STOP AND SLOW DOWN, FEEL LIKE ITS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE, MY 17 YEAR OLD SON HAS TO DRIVE THIS CAR, AND I NEED TO FEEL THAT HE HAS A SAFE, STURDY SORT OF TRANSPORTATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10450333 · filed Mar 5, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LIP COVERING THE TRUNK HATCH ON THESE CARS IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT IS A CHEAP PLASTIC PIECE HELD ON WITH PLASTIC CLIPS THAT BREAK! TOYOTA NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS AND FIX IT. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND LET IT GO ON FOR FIVE YEARS UNTIL THEY CHANGED THE PARTS BEING USED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10453697 · filed Apr 1, 2012

I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA SCION TC WHICH I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE BUT IT IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST BUT I AM HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES(ABS TRACKING SYSTEM). I HAVE HAD 3 VERY CLOSE CALLS AS A RESULT OF MY BRAKES LOCKING UP(GOING SLOW) AND UNABLE TO STOP, EVEN AFTER I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THEY REMAIN LOCKED. ONE INCIDENT I ALMOST WENT RIGHT INTO A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED ON DRY ROADS AND WET ROADS ARE A LOT WORSE, I HAVE TO START STOPPING A LOT SOONER THAN ONE SHOULD. I AM VERY STRESSED WHEN HAVING TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE ANYMORE. ANOTHER ISSUE WHICH ONLY HAPPENED ONCE AND WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING SLOW IT FELT LIKE MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT APPLYING ANY ACCELERATION. I HAVE A STICK AND I FIND MYSELF UNSURE WHICH GEAR TO BE IN WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET BECAUSE AT TIMES I FEEL LIKE I AM DRIVING ON GLASS AND HAVE TO SHIFT TO HIGHER GEAR AS IF THERE IS TOO MUCH POWER CAUSING ME TO FEEL LIKE I DO NOT HAVE FULL CONTROL OF MY CAR AND THAT I AM ACTUALLY DRIVING ON GLASS AND THE ROADS MAY ONLY BE WET. *TR

NHTSA ID 10313487 · filed Feb 23, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2009 SCION TC, REMOTE DOES NOT UNLOCK TRUCK PREDICTABLE IT CONTINUES AND WE CANNOT FIND WHERE THE PROPER PROCEDURE IS SHOWN IN THE MANUAL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10319891 · filed Mar 15, 2010

TL *THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA SCION COUPE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE TRUNK WITH THE IGNITION KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

NHTSA ID 10319046 · filed Mar 11, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Just entered the interstate and was 2 miles from home when the car started shaking cause the car to make a sudden hard right across multiple lanes of traffic going down an embankment and hitting trees. Witness who saw the accident while traveling behind the car saw smoke coming from driver rear tire, then car began to shake and car abruptly went to the right and off the road. Highway patrol stated based on witness and driver accounts, the driver rear tire failed. The collision center states the interior portion of the driver read tire separated and failed. The entire tire separated clean.

NHTSA ID 11455951 · filed Mar 9, 2022

I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AIR PRESSURE CHECK.THEY TIRE SHOP SAID TIRES WERE EXTREMELY UNSAFE. BOTH FRONT TIRES HAD SIGNS OF DAMAGE. THEY WERE PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME AND ARE 1 YEAR OLD NOT WORN DOWN. WERE THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET, THE TREAD LOOKS LIKE ITS GOING TO PEEL OFF TOOK TIRE TO ANOTHER DEALER AND AND THEY SAID I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TIRE FAIL LIKE THIS. NO SIGN OF HEAT DAMAGE. I KEPT THE TIRES FOR FUTURE INSPECTION

NHTSA ID 11144269 · filed Oct 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2009 Scion TC. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, he slowed for a traffic light and the vehicle failed to shift out of third gear. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle revved without moving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally slipped out of gear and failed to exceed 15 MPH while driving. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was locked in overdrive and that the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11469033 · filed Jun 13, 2022

TAKATA RECALL GPS NAVIGATION LOCATOR FOR ONSTAR OR ANYTHING TO LOCATE MY STOLEN CAR

NHTSA ID 10899443 · filed Aug 30, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

sold a AS IS TRADE IN vehicle that had no warning lights on dashboard or window info on safety defective emmisons and ecm and has not been very helpful with my vehicle I have not been able to drive because of safety concerns with recent discovery of codes that showed after getting a new battery for my new way of commuteing to work and live daily activity like most with a car I laid 2,050.15 and was told many times at test drive that it was amazing running sports car and mentioned he only had to replace valve cover gasket before it was able to be sold and at time of payment with test drive only showing signs of low rpm and throttle idle on test drive so trusting that the owner was telling me the truth I purchased and drove car home I needed gas because fuel was empty and when I went to pump into tank I got major clicking of the handle like my new car wouldn't take fuel for some weird reason owner at dealership was called 5 mins after buying on auto lot to express major concern with pumping gas he again said vehicle was inspected with nothing of concern now finding that it is going to cost many thousands to repair emmisons system And fault codes with total programing with abs and to cost more than anyone can honestly afford now I'm drained of my savings and have no hope of finding a solution so my car isn't parked because of failure of hidden defects I would of never invested my whole savings on a car if information was shown for defective vehicle system parts.i want the owner to honor his misleading auto fraud and in anyway help with safety emmisons compromised part replacement so my vehicle I purchased will drive like promised at business or replace it with a vehicle that is safe for the road without hidden errors I am very emotionally distressed over finding a solution for this unexpected misfortune I've been experiencing life gets very difficult without assess to a safe vehicle it has cost me to much I shouldn't have to suffer for his fraudulent actions

NHTSA ID 11727740 · filed Mar 29, 2026

I believe my emmisons had malfunctioning part # 77740-21011 called used auto sales agent 5 mins after purchasing on 3/1 because I was at gas station having unusual fuel pumping problems that made it very difficult to put gas in had a constant clicking happen and the dealer on the phone told me there was no issues with my new vehicle and after checking my warning lights to see if any were signaling and had no active warnings for service engine soon or maintenance so I believed him I drove home and within two days tried to replace my battery because cars battery looked old I disconnected the battery and on accident reset my whole car and with rpm being lo I checked with simple scan tool that I after a accidentall reset to better my battery lifespan noticed I had a entire system code read concerning emmisons I am having a Toyota, Lexus,scion technician visit tommrow to get better understanding because I cant afford to pay the 400 for basic test from Toyota.and it has been 4 weeks since it has been parked at my house because of uncertainty about error codes and if it is safe to drive feel like my purchase had dealer take of warning lights to show major emmisons defect and with the cost to have Toyota replace and have scions system reprogram so it relearns it will cost more than I paid for vehicle I have messaged who sold me vehicle at business in Bradenton since day one of purchase 3/1 and was sold to me as is without any window sticker explaining defects have called Toyota dealership at 3 locations including Sarasota to ask for scion specialist assistance to get my vehicle in driving condition and with my battery reset and it being incomplete until I find exactly why my vapor canister is throwing some unusual codes by experience tech .no insurance representative or manufacturer police with situation with vehicle and it's safety.with 34 calls to places that do low cost diagnostic tests I been told only person that can do what is needed to vehicle is Toyota dealer

NHTSA ID 11727625 · filed Mar 28, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED PROPERLY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONED THE DRIVERS SEATBELT BUT IGNITED A FIRE IN DRIVERS SIDE TRIM BEHIND THE DOOR PILLAR. THE FIRE MELTED THE INTERIOR TRIM PANELS AND SURROUNDING PLASTIC PARTS.

NHTSA ID 11128189 · filed Sep 7, 2018

MY DAUGHTER AND SON WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AS A PASSENGER IN A SCION TC 2009 AND THE CAR ROLLED MULTIPLE TIMES AND BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER SEAT BELTS UNLATCHED AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY OR INFLATE. WITH THESE DEFECTS, MY DAUGHTERS LEGS WERE TRAPPED UNDER THE CAR AND SUSTAINED TRAUMATIC BONE DAMAGE IN WHICH HER PROGNOSIS AT THIS TIME IS UNKNOWN. HER LEFT ANKLE, THE TALUS, FIBULA, AND TIBIA WERE CRUSHED. CURRENTLY SHE HAD AN EX FIX ON HER LEFT LEG AND TWO PLATES AND PINS PLACED ON HER FIBULA, THE PHYSICIANS SAY SHE WILL NEVER WALK THE SAME AND SHE CURRENTLY IS UNABLE TO BEAR ANY WEIGHT ON EITHER FOOT DUE TO THE FRACUTES SUSTAINED FROM HER BEING EJECTED FROM THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE SEATBELT RELEASE AND THE FAILURE OF DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG.

NHTSA ID 11031640 · filed Oct 3, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADED FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEVADA ON HIGHWAY 15 JUST 5 MILES FROM LAS VEGAS AROUND 8 PM DRIVING UNDER SAFE AND NORMAL CONDITIONS, NO SPEEDING, NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL TO IMPAIR THE DRIVER. THE CAR IN HIGHWAY SPEED(OBVIOUSLY)STEERED TO THE RIGHT, WITH OUT THE CONTROL OF DRIVER, NOT HITTING ANY OTHER CAR AND HAVING THE CAR 2009 SCION TC ROLLOVER 5 TIMES!!! MY FRIEND THAT WAS IN THE BACK SEAT WAS EJECTED OUT BECAUSE WASN'T WEARING HER SEATBELT, IRONICALLY THE LAST PICTURE THAT WAS SHOT SHE WAS WEARING HER SEATBELT. ME AND MY FRIEND ARE THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE AND RECEIVED MODERATE CONCUSSIONS, MEMORY LOSS AND MINOR BRUISING. THE PRINCIPLE OF THIS STORY IS IF THE PRODUCT WAS RELIABLE AS HEAVILY MARKETED TO CONSUMERS, THEN NO ONE HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS LOSS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, HOWEVER NO INDICATION TO EXPLAIN WHY IT ROLLED OVER AND OVER-STEERED WITH OUT THE CONTROL OF THE DRIVER. MY PERSONAL RESEARCH HAS CONCLUDED THAT MANY TOYOTA VEHICLES HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS THAT OVERSTEER IN HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TOYOTA HAS A TRACK RECORD AND NEGLIGENCE TO COVER UP DEFECTS AND STORIES LIKE THIS. TOYOTAS SAFETY OVERALL IS UNRELIABLE AND MAKES YOU REALIZE WHAT COMPANIES DO JUST TO GAIN A PROFIT FOR SHAREHOLDERS. TRAGIC. THE CAR IS A 2009 SCION TC VIN# [XXX], I TRIED INPUTTING THE VIN # HOWEVER IT DIDN'T WANT TO ACCEPT MY FORMAT. I WASN'T SURE ON THE MILEAGE BUT IM PRETTY SURE ITS DOCUMENTED WITH THE DMV AND THE INSURANCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10411664 · filed Jul 10, 2011

1. I DON'T KNOW THE REASON FOR IT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL NORMALLY TURN BY THEMSELVES AT HIGHER SPEED EVEN MY HAND IS ON STEERING WHEEL . 2.I FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OVER THE CAR'S STEERING, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NORMALLY IT HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY AND SOMETIME ON CITY TOO . SOMETIME I LOOKED OVER TO SEE IF THERE IS A HOLE ON STREET THAT MADE MY STEERING WHEEL TURNING W/O REASON BUT THERE WEREN'T A HOLE ON CITY STREET. *TR

NHTSA ID 10311641 · filed Feb 18, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HATCH HANDLE, INCLUDING THE LIGHTING FOR THE LICENSE PLATE, FELL OFF WITH NORMAL USE. WHILE THIS DOES NOT ENDANGER THE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE LIGHTS AND GIVES THE POSSIBILITY OF THE DRIVER BEING FINED FOR THE VEHICLE NOT BEING BUILD PROPERLY. THE PLASTIC ON THE INSIDE OF THE HANDLE IS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE HEAT OF BEING IN A PARKING LOT FOR 2 YEARS, AND FELL OF DURING NORMAL USE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10467809 · filed Jul 26, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HELLO, DURING YOUR INVESTIGATION OF TOYOTA, HAS THERE BEEN ANY MENTION OF DEFECTIVE CLUTCH MECHANISMS IN THE SCION TC? THE CLUTCH ON MY 2009 SCION TC BURNED OUT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AT 7,500 MILES AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO COVER THE CLUTCH ON THE WARRANTY. I WAS FORCED TO PAY OVER $1,300 TO REPAIR THE AUTOMOBILE. AFTER OPENING A CASE WITH SCION CUSTOMER CARE AND BEING VERY FRUSTRATED, I FINALLY ASKED FOR THE MATTER TO GO TO ARBITRATION. AFTER REVIEW BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT (NCDS), I WAS AWARDED A REFUND OF THE FULL REPAIR COST. DURING THIS EPISODE, I DID ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM: NAMELY A CLUTCH BURNING OUT AT LOW MILEAGE (IN ONE CASE AT 2,500 MILES!) AND TOYOTA/SCION REFUSING TO COVER REPAIRS AS PART OF THE WARRANTY. IT SEEMS THAT TOYOTA TRIED TO BLAME A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR PARTS ON CUSTOMER'S DRIVING HABITS, WHICH I, AND OTHERS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, HIGHLY DISPUTE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10313284 · filed Feb 23, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A TOYOTA SCION TC AND IT HAS BEEN CONSUMING OIL EVERY 1200 MILES NOW IT'S EVEN LESS MY ENGINE ALMOST STARTED TO LOCK UP BECAUSE THERE WAS NO AIR ON I DID THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THEY SAID I PASSED ON MY PAPERWORK IT HAS THEM ADDING OIL AND I ONLY DROVE 1100 MILES THAT'S NOT NORMAL THEY'RE TELLING ME THEY CANNOT FIX MY CAR AND THE NEXT TEST I TAKE IS GOING TO BE IN SIX MONTHS SO I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY THOUSAND MILES

NHTSA ID 10790685 · filed Nov 16, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .