The most-reported iQ run is JTNJJXB08CJ (2012 builds) with 5 complaints, 2.9× the typical run. Structure problems make up 23% of reports; 2012 is the worst model year at 2.1 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for iQ model years 2012–2013.
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 iQ has 13 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 59% of every iQ complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JTNJJXB08CJ•••••• | 2012 | 3 | — | |
| JTNJJXB07CJ•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB01CJ•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB05CJ•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB0XCJ•••••• | 2012 | 1 | — | |
| JF1ZNAA15D2•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB09CJ•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB03CJ•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB00DJ•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — | |
| JTNJJXB04DJ•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB03DJ•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| JTNJJXB01EJ•••••• | 2014 | 1 | — |
Each of the other 1 iQ runs has 1 complaint 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 iQ the gap between build years is 1.6×: a 2012 car draws 2.1 complaints per run, a 2013 one 1.3.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 15 | 7 | 4 |
Heaviest year here is 2012 at 2.1 complaints per run; lightest is 2013 at 1.3.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 23% of everything Scion iQ owners report: Structure, 7 of 22 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 1 | — | |
| Engine | 1 | — | |
| Air Bags | 5 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | — | |
| Steering | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belts | — | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on the Scion iQ; the 1 below cover build years 2012 to 2013. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 12V528000 | Air Bags | 2012–2013 |
How serious were they
Of the 22 reports on the Scion iQ, 31.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Scion iQ | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 22 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 7 (31.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 448% above 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 iQ share of that is 22 complaints over 13 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Scion iQ VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 22 NHTSA complaints from 13 iQ runs and 1 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which iQ production run has the most complaints?
JTNJJXB08CJ, a 2012 build, with 5 complaints, 3 of them after a crash. The typical iQ run has 1.7.
Which iQ years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2012 is heaviest at 2.1 complaints per run and 2013 lightest at 1.3.
How many iQ complaints involve a crash?
31.8% of 22 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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