The Toyota Scion FR-S spans 2013–2016 with 3 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 5.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2014, 2013, 2016 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2015, 2016, 2013. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
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 Toyota Scion FR-S is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2013 to 2016 across multiple generations.
How to read a Toyota Scion FR-S VIN — every digit explained
Every Toyota Scion FR-S 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 Toyota and the country it was built in (real Toyota codes below).
- 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 Scion FR-S.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJT2 · JT3 · JT4 · JT5 · JT6 · JT8
- USA4T1 · 4T3 · 4T4 · 58A · 5TB · 5TD
- Canada2T1 · 2T2 · 2T3
- Mexico3TM · 3TY
- TurkeyNMT
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Scion FR-S, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Toyota Scion FR-S have?
The Toyota Scion FR-S has 3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2016. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Toyota Scion FR-S
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 2014, 2013, 2016 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2015, 2016, 2013.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Scion FR-S | Wheels | Avoid | |
| 2014 Scion FR-S | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | — | Best | |
| 2016 Scion FR-S | Air Bags | Avoid |
What are the most common Toyota Scion FR-S problems?
The most-reported Toyota Scion FR-S problems are Tires (1 reports), Wheels (2 reports) and Air Bags (1 reports) — out of 11 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.
Toyota Scion FR-S specifications & dimensions
The 2016 Toyota Scion FR-S. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Toyota Scion FR-S window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Toyota Scion FR-S cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Scion FR-S holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
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.
Toyota Scion FR-S 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 Toyota Scion FR-S get?
The Toyota Scion FR-S returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2016 Toyota Scion FR-S (4L 6-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $3,300/yr to fuel, emitting 467 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10, smog 6/10) — about $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Scion FR-S | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 467 | 6/10 | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 466 | 6/10 | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 Scion FR-S | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 467 | 6/10 | 4L 6-cyl | |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 467 | 6/10 | 4L 6-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 Scion FR-S stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Scion FR-S's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Toyota Scion FR-S have? Power & range
The Toyota Scion FR-S is offered with 1 powertrain — 4L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 4.0L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | RWD | 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.
Can a Toyota Scion FR-S tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Toyota Scion FR-S is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Scion FR-S's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Toyota Scion FR-S cost to own?
A used Toyota Scion FR-S sells for a median of about $11,995 for a 2016 — most listed between $6,500 and $14,990, from 94 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 Scion FR-S | $6,500–$14,990 | 21 | |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | $8,999–$18,999 | 9 | |
| 2014 Scion FR-S | $5,400–$12,000 | 4 | |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | $5,950–$15,995 | 31 | |
| 2010 Scion FR-S | $1,700–$5,000 | 6 | |
| 2008 Scion FR-S | $1,200–$5,000 | 10 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Scion FR-S is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Toyota Scion FR-S holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Scion FR-S loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $16,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Scion FR-S 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 Toyota Scion FR-S safe?
The Toyota Scion FR-S earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Scion FR-S | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2014 Scion FR-S | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars and SUVs.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Toyota Scion FR-S last?
A well-maintained Toyota Scion FR-S typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 5.0/5.
Check your Toyota Scion FR-S’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Scion FR-S’s VIN free →All Toyota Scion FR-S model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Toyota Scion FR-S — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Scion FR-S | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2015 Scion FR-S | 0 | ★★★★★ | |
| 2014 Scion FR-S | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | 1 recall | — |
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 Scion FR-S?
By owner-complaint volume, 2014, 2013, 2016 drew the most reports. 2015, 2016, 2013 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Scion FR-S have?
3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2016. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Scion FR-S get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Scion FR-S safe?
The Scion FR-S earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Scion FR-S last?
A well-maintained Scion FR-S typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Scion FR-S reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Scion FR-S is 5.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Toyota Scion FR-S warranty?
New Toyota 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 Toyota dealer.
Where is the Toyota Scion FR-S made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Scion FR-S's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Toyota may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Scion FR-S 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.