The Scion iM spans 1995–2026 with 1 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2016, 2026, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1995, 1996, 1997. It delivers up to 31 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Scion iM a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the Scion iM is 3.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the power train — 5 of the 12 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1995, 1996, 1997 score best in our data, and 2016, 2026 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Scion iM is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1995 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Scion iM VIN — every digit explained
Every Scion iM carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit 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 this iM.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. You can decode any VIN for free and get the year-code table, the country codes and the exact spots where the number is stamped.
How many recalls does the Scion iM have?
The Scion iM has 1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2016 Scion iM recalls 1
Tires
What's wrong. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. 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."
Risk. An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Best and worst years for the Scion iM
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 32 tracked years, the worst years are 2016, 2026, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1995, 1996, 1997.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 iM | — | Best | |
| 1996 iM | — | Best | |
| 1997 iM | — | Best | |
| 1998 iM | — | Average | |
| 1999 iM | — | Average | |
| 2000 iM | — | Average | |
| 2001 iM | — | Average | |
| 2002 iM | — | Average | |
| 2003 iM | — | Average | |
| 2004 iM | — | Average | |
| 2005 iM | — | Average | |
| 2006 iM | — | Average | |
| 2007 iM | — | Average | |
| 2008 iM | — | Average | |
| 2009 iM | — | Average | |
| 2010 iM | — | Average | |
| 2011 iM | — | Average | |
| 2012 iM | — | Average | |
| 2013 iM | — | Average | |
| 2014 iM | — | Average | |
| 2015 iM | — | Average | |
| 2016 iM | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2017 iM | — | Average | |
| 2018 iM | — | Average | |
| 2019 iM | — | Average | |
| 2020 iM | — | Average | |
| 2021 iM | — | Average | |
| 2022 iM | — | Average | |
| 2023 iM | — | Average | |
| 2024 iM | — | Average | |
| 2025 iM | — | Avoid | |
| 2026 iM | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Scion iM problems?
The most-reported Scion iM problems are Seats (1 reports), Engine (1 reports) and Steering (1 reports) — out of 12 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Scion iM specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Scion iM. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Scion iM window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Scion iM cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the iM holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 90 cu ft of passenger volume and 21 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Scion iM tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Scion iM get?
The Scion iM returns up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2016 Scion iM (1.8L 4-cyl) gets 31 mpg combined and costs about $2,000/yr to fuel, emitting 283 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 8/10, smog 7/10) — that's about $1,000 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 iM | 28 | 36 | $2,000 | 283 | 7/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the iM stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this iM's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Scion iM have? Power & range
The Scion iM is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.8L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Scion iM cost to own?
A used Scion iM sells for a median of about $10,995 for a 2016 — most listed between $9,999 and $11,900, from 10 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 iM | $9,999–$11,900 | 10 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a iM is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Scion iM depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this iM loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the iM ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Scion iM safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the iM yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Scion iM last?
A well-maintained Scion iM typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Scion iM’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this iM’s VIN free →All Scion iM model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Scion iM — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2025 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2024 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2023 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2022 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2021 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2020 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2019 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2018 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2017 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2016 iM | 1 recall | — | |
| 2015 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2014 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2013 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2012 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2011 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2010 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2009 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2008 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2007 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2006 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2005 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2004 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2003 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2002 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2001 iM | 0 | — | |
| 2000 iM | 0 | — | |
| 1999 iM | 0 | — | |
| 1998 iM | 0 | — | |
| 1997 iM | 0 | — | |
| 1996 iM | 0 | — | |
| 1995 iM | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the iM?
By owner-complaint volume, 2016, 2026, 2025 drew the most reports. 1995, 1996, 1997 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the iM have?
1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Scion recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the iM get?
Up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a iM last?
A well-maintained iM typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the iM reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the iM is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Scion iM warranty?
New Scion models carry 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.
Where is the Scion iM made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your iM's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Scion may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the iM have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.