RoadVitals

2010 Scion Tc

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.
20
Latest Mar 4, 2022
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.
2
Latest Feb 3, 2010
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
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Scion Tc, most frequently naming the engine, visibility and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 116 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

  • Engine731.8%
  • Visibility418.2%
  • Brakes313.6%
  • Tires & wheels313.6%
  • Steering14.5%
  • Interior & seats14.5%
  • Fuel system14.5%
  • Airbags14.5%

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

2 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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 3, 2010
153,418 units potentially affected
The defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
The risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 3, 2010
271,417 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2022

My car is burning oil, like a quart per week I always maintain the oil level, not leaks I just want to know if Toyota can help me, I am a third owner of this car has 94000 miles

NHTSA ID
11455276
Incident
Mar 4, 2022
Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2022

Warranty Enhancement Program – ZE7 OIL Leak Certain 2007-2010 Scion tC Extension of Warranty Coverage for 2AZ Engine Oil Consumption Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption. Eligibility for part replacement under this Warranty Enhancement Program is dependent on a Toyota dealer performed engine oil consumption test in accordance with T-SB-0158-14(Toyota) and S-SB-0031-14 (Scion). My daughter was never notified of this issue and they will not honor this and they told me it would have to be reopened in order for them to fix it at no cost to my daughter. Toyota needs to reopen this and fix my daughters car. The two letters that went out went to the original owner and I was told they used the DMV database which clearly had they it would have shown the date of purchase and the letter would have made it to my daughter. How many others did not get their car fixed are there more on the road with this issue?

NHTSA ID
11449014
Incident
Aug 25, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2021

I took my car to Toyota on August 7th 2021 and was informed my car needed a new engine due to losing three quarts of oil. The employee then informed me my car was under recall but they would be unable to fix the problem because the recall had expired. I never received a letter in the mail instructing me to take my car in for repairs due to this recall.

NHTSA ID
11430691
Incident
Aug 7, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2021

Warranty Enhancement Program –Part Replacement for Excessive Oil Consumption (NEVER INFORMED OF THIS ISSUE) I just found out that this expired on 3/27/2020 but Toyota mentioned this was created by your department. and within this letter we never received they are not willing to fix my car since it just started happening to my car. I took it to the Toyota dealership because I kept getting my oil changed at VA tire and Auto and after 2000 miles 4 quarts of oil is gone. They told me to take it to Toyota so I did and the service manger gave me a copy of the letter that was never sent to me in November 2015. I spoke to Carlos at the Toyota HQ in Texas and he said that they used the DMV website to find the second owner which is me and on my Vehicle Registration Card from DMV the Purchase date is 8/6/2015 and the car fax shows DMV reported me on 8/26/2015 new owner living in Winchester VA. Carlos explained to me that the letter was sent in May and November 2015 to Manassas VA which means it was sent twice to the 1st buyer of the car. I am thinking if this is happening to me there maybe others who were never informed of this situation. I was told by Carlos your department is the only one who can reopen this claim because I was never listed as the owner of the car that I bought 8/6/2015 and still own. I am hoping that you can help me get this claim reopen and because from the ways things look Toyota did not follow the rules of informing the correct owners of the vehicles on this Support Program they called it. Toyota said that your department did not feel it to be a recall. I would appreciate some assistance in this matter. I have all the documents proving I was the second owner. I contacted Susan Hogan for assistance because Toyota HQ said they are not responsible. My files are too big to upload I would need to email the PDF files to show you proof.

NHTSA ID
11430483
Incident
Aug 24, 2021
Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2019

ENGINE IS BURNING AT LEAST 1 QUART OF OIL PER WEEK AND ESTIMATED DRIVING MILES PER WEEK IS BETWEEN 200 MILES TO 300 MILES. THERE IS NO MAJOR OIL LEAKS ANYWHERE THAT I CAN SEE AND THERE IS NO OIL ON THE FLOOR WHERE THE CAR IS PARKED.

NHTSA ID
11190651
Incident
Jul 4, 2015
Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2018

VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY WHEN KNOCKING WAS HEARD AND ENGINE FAILIRE OCCURRED. WAS COASTED TO A STOP AND OIL WAS CHECKED. NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. NEW ENGINE NEEDED FOR VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS AT 80,000 AND OIL CHANGES WERE MAINTAINED. NO OIL LEAKS VISIBLE.

NHTSA ID
11155955
Incident
Nov 28, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2017

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEADING TO MOTOR LOSS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES EVERY 3-5,000 MILES. IT SEEMS IT SHOULD BE HANDLED AS A RECALL BY TOYOTA IF THIS MANY VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BEGAN AROUND 90K MILES. AT 148K, VEHICLE WAS REQUIRING MORE OIL THAN I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN. ENGINE BEGAN "KNOCKING", AND EVEN AFTER TOPPING OFF OIL, WITHIN 48 HOURS EXPERIENCED COMPLETE MOTOR LOSS. KNOCKING SEEMED TO BE WORSE WHEN IDLE. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH A COUPLE STOP LIGHTS AND MAKE IT TO A SAFE PLACE BEFORE ENGINE STALLED COMPLETELY.

NHTSA ID
10955689
Incident
Feb 17, 2017
Mileage
148,000 mi
Filed Jan 2, 2016

DRIVING TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE ONE MORNING. ITS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC SO WE ARE BARELY GOING 30MPH. I HEAR A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GUN SHOT. SO LOUD. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME. UPON INSPECTION I SEE THE GLASS SUNROOF SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES AND TRICKLING DOWN THE BACK GLASS. TOYOTA NOR SCION WOULD TAKE FAULT. TOYOTA TOLD ME SOMEONE MAY HAVE SHOT A GUN INTO THE AIR AND THE BULLET HIT IT OR A HUGE ROCK HIT IT. REALLY PEOPLE, I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC VARELY MOVING IN THE INSIDE LANE.

NHTSA ID
10817374
Incident
Apr 1, 2014
Mileage
45,000 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.

ZE7 Phase 2 POL1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.

ZE7_Warranty Pol

ENGINE

Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL14-12): Added the Short Block Release Authorization Flow Chart. Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.

ZE7

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

WARRANTY POLICY BULLETIN (POL14-12): ADDED THE SHORT BLOCK RELEASE AUTHORIZATION FLOW CHART. TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS WHERE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. TOYOTA IS NOW ANNOUNCING THE PART REPLACEMENT PHASE OF WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZE7 FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION.

POL14-12

ENGINE; EQUIPMENT

WARRANTY POLICY BULLETIN (POL14-12): TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS WHERE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. TOYOTA IS NOW ANNOUNCING THE PART REPLACEMENT PHASE OF WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZE7 FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION.

ZE7_PHASE2 11/18

ENGINE; EQUIPMENT

"WPB: THE ENGINE IS COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST USE OR 60,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST). HOWEVER, TOYOTA IS ANNOUNCING A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO COVER WARRANTY WORK FOR PARTS REPLACEMENT TO ADDRESS EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION*. *NOTE: ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTS REPLACEMENT UNDER THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM IS DEPENDENT ON THE RESULTS OF A DEALER PERFORMED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM PROVIDES A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY COVERAGE EXTENSION TO THE VEHICLE’S “NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY” FOR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS RELATED TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE CONDITION IS VERIFIED, WARRANTY WORK WILL BE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM."

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 Tc by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016630
2015223057.5
2014201053.1
2013910
2012820
2011291041.0
2010Viewing202046.5
2009603060.0
2008863054.0
20071172055.1
20061615162.4
20051554365.4

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.