Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Scion FR-S problems
Owners filed 180 complaints about the 2013 Scion FR-S with NHTSA between Sep 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (141).
Complaints
180
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine141
- Power train21
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Steering7
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Air bags3
- Wheels3
- Service brakes2
- Electrical system2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Suspension1
- Exterior lighting1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Equipment1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
6
5
5
5
3
11
80
27
14
7
8
2
4
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 80 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
141 reports1 crash2 fires
“On approximately May 27, 2026 I delivered my 2013 Scion FR-S (approx. 105,000 miles) to an authorized Toyota dealer for Safety Recall J02 (NHTSA 18V-772, engine valve spring replacement). I picked it up on June 3, 2026. Immediately the engine ran sluggish and the air conditioning, which had worked, stopped blowing cold. On June 7, 2026 - four days and only a few miles later - the engine spun a rod bearing and began knocking loudly. The vehicle is now inoperable. This recall requires removing and disassembling the engine and is widely documented to cause oil starvation and spun bearings when excess RTV sealant from reassembly clogs the oil pickup screen. My engine ran normally for years and failed within days of the recall repair. The recall repair caused catastrophic engine failure. No crash or injury has occurred; the vehicle is parked to prevent further damage.”
Power train
21 reports1 related recall
“The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.”
Steering
7 reports1 crash
“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Engine and engine cooling
5 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the recall could not be performed because the engine in the vehicle was not the OEM part. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Air bags
3 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION FR-S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT MICHAEL'S TOYOTA OF BELLEVUE (3080 148TH AVE SE, BELLEVUE, WA 98007, (425) 455-9500), BUT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.