The most-reported FR-S run is JF1ZNAA1XD1 (2013 builds) with 13 complaints, 3.1× the typical run. Engine problems make up 72% of reports; 2013 is the worst model year at 6.2 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for FR-S model years 2013–2016.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Scion FR-S has 43 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 31% of every FR-S complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JF1ZNAA1XD1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA17D1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA12D1•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| JF1ZNAA18D1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA11D1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA15D1•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — | |
| JF1ZNAA13D1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA17D2•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| JF1ZNAA14D1•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA13D2•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA11D2•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JF1ZNAA19D1•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — |
Each of the other 31 FR-S runs has 6 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Scion FR-S the gap between build years is 6.2×: a 2013 car draws 6.2 complaints per run, a 2015 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2015 | 11 | 11 | — | |
| 2014 | 5 | 3 | — | |
| 2013 | 160 | 26 | 2 |
Heaviest year here is 2013 at 6.2 complaints per run; lightest is 2015 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 72% of everything Scion FR-S owners report: Engine, 141 of 179 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 1 | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Steering | 1 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | 1 | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | — | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 7 recall campaigns on the Scion FR-S; the 6 below cover build years 2013 to 2016. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 16V075000 | Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch | 2013–2016 |
| 16V420000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2015–2016 |
| 14V828000 | Equipment | 2014–2015 |
| 16V236000 | Tires | 2016 |
| 18V772000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 2013 |
| 12V255000 | Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual | 2013 |
16V075000 was opened in 2016 on cars built from 2013: 3 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 179 reports on the Scion FR-S, 1.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Scion FR-S | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 179 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 2 (1.1%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 3 (1.7%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 81% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Scion FR-S share of that is 179 complaints over 43 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Scion FR-S VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 179 NHTSA complaints from 43 FR-S runs and 7 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which FR-S production run has the most complaints?
JF1ZNAA1XD1, a 2013 build, with 13 complaints. The typical FR-S run has 4.2.
Which FR-S years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2013 is heaviest at 6.2 complaints per run and 2015 lightest at 1.
How many FR-S complaints involve a crash?
1.1% of 179 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 3 involved a fire.
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