The most-reported tC run is JTKDE177X50 (2005 builds) with 15 complaints, 4.2× the typical run. Visibility problems make up 21% of reports; 2008 is the worst model year at 5.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for tC model years 2005–2016.
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 tC has 152 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 11% of every tC complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JTKDE177X50•••••• | 2005 | 4 | — | |
| JTKDE177670•••••• | 2007 | 3 | — | |
| JTKDE167880•••••• | 2008 | 3 | — | |
| JTKDE177360•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| JTKDE177260•••••• | 2006 | 3 | 1 | |
| JTKDE177750•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| JTKDE177450•••••• | 2005 | 1 | 1 | |
| JTKDE177250•••••• | 2005 | 4 | — | |
| JTKDE177350•••••• | 2005 | 3 | — | |
| JTKDE177160•••••• | 2006 | 2 | — | |
| JTKDE177860•••••• | 2006 | 1 | 1 | |
| JTKDE177950•••••• | 2005 | 2 | — |
Each of the other 140 tC runs has 8 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 tC the gap between build years is 4.6×: a 2008 car draws 5.5 complaints per run, a 2012 one 1.2.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 20 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 17 | 9 | 6 | |
| 2013 | 8 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 23 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 16 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 42 | 13 | 11 | |
| 2008 | 71 | 13 | 12 | |
| 2007 | 89 | 23 | 12 | |
| 2006 | 120 | 27 | 24 | |
| 2005 | 126 | 26 | 20 |
Heaviest year here is 2008 at 5.5 complaints per run; lightest is 2012 at 1.2.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 21% of everything Scion tC owners report: Visibility, 105 of 544 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 1 | — | |
| Engine | — | 4 | |
| Structure | 7 | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 52 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 16 | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 11 recall campaigns on the Scion tC; the 6 below cover build years 2005 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 18E091000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2011–2016 |
| 10V035000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2005–2010 |
| 10V036000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2006–2010 |
| 16V420000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2015–2016 |
| 09V223000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2008–2009 |
| 06V096000 | Air Bags | 2005–2006 |
How serious were they
Of the 544 reports on the Scion tC, 17.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Scion tC | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 544 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 94 (17.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 14 (2.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 98 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 4 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 198% 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 tC share of that is 544 complaints over 152 runs, 0.05% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Scion tC VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 544 NHTSA complaints from 152 tC runs and 11 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which tC production run has the most complaints?
JTKDE177X50, a 2005 build, with 15 complaints, 4 of them after a crash. The typical tC run has 3.6.
Which tC years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2008 is heaviest at 5.5 complaints per run and 2012 lightest at 1.2.
How many tC complaints involve a crash?
17.3% of 544 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 14 involved a fire.
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