Scion's lineup has 150 recorded NHTSA recalls across 8 models (2004–2016) and averages 3.6/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Scion's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Are Scion cars reliable?
Short answer: mostly, with caveats. Across 8 Scion models we score on NHTSA data, the average comes to 3.6 out of 5, and 1 of them sit at 4★ or better. That's the lineup as a whole — individual model years vary far more than the badge does.
The strongest thing Scion builds by our score is the FR-S at 4.0★, and the weakest the xD at 3.5★. Owners complain about the air bags more than anything else, while the most recalled system is equipment.
A brand average can't tell you whether that car on the forecourt was wrecked, clocked or sitting on an unclaimed recall. Run its number through our free VIN check — that's the part the badge can't answer.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Scion — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Scion builds one of the most recognized vehicle lineups on the road. Decode any Scion VIN below, or pick a model to see its recalls, reliability, specs, MPG and safety by year.
Buying or selling? See what used Scion models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Scion models 8
Every Scion model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Scion SUVs & crossovers 1
Scion Cars & sedans 7
Scion recalls
Across the Scion lineup, ForCar tracks 150 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Scion recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Scion model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Scion xB | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Scion tC | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Scion xD | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Scion FR-S | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Scion iQ | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Scion xA | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Scion iA | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Scion iM | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Scion: Equipment:other:labels. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Scion reliable?
Across rated models, Scion averages a 3.6/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 1 model rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Scion models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Scion model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Scion xB | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Scion tC | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Scion FR-S | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Scion xA | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Scion xD | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Scion iQ | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Scion iA | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Scion iM | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Scion models
The most fuel-efficient Scion models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Scion iQ | Car | |
| 02 | Scion iA | Car | |
| 03 | Scion iM | Car | |
| 04 | Scion xA | Car | |
| 05 | Scion xB | Car | |
| 06 | Scion xD | Car | |
| 07 | Scion FR-S | Car | |
| 08 | Scion tC | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Scion models
NHTSA safety rankings for Scion are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Scion hybrids & electric models
Scion's electrified lineup — 1 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Scion electric & plug-in 1
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Scion window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Scion's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Scion window stickers →How to read a Scion VIN
Every Scion built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Scion and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the number is stamped, see our free VIN decoder.
About Scion
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | USA |
| Parent company | Toyota |
| Models tracked | 8 (2004–2016) |
Scion — frequently asked
How do I decode a Scion VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Scion models are there?
ForCar tracks 8 Scion models spanning 2004–2016. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Scion made?
Scion is headquartered in USA, founded in 2003. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Scion recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Scion model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Scion is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Scion warranty?
New Scion vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Scion dealer.