Research · Minicompact Cars

2015 Scion FR-SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2015 Scion FR-S. Most complaints involve engine (5) and steering (2). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2016
Owner complaints
14
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

EquipmentReported Jun 9, 2016NHTSA 16V420000

Power train: park

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Power trainReported Feb 10, 2016NHTSA 16V075000

Equipment

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.

EquipmentReported Dec 30, 2014NHTSA 14V828000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2015 – Jun 2025
  1. Engine5
  2. Steering2
  3. Service brakes2
  4. Power train2
  5. Electrical system1
  6. Seat belts1
  7. Air bags1
  8. Suspension1
  9. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each FR-S model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013180
20145
201514
20163
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

5 reports
“Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined the engine bay has coolant inside mixed with oil. The tech mention of engine over heating however the temperature gauge never reached overheating readings. If the engine overheated the temperature gauge failed to alert me while I was driving at any point and expressed this to the service advisor. My vehicle motor failed while I was engaged in driving on the freeway and turn off and on in the middle of flight and travelling at freeway speeds. I originally purchased vehicle at Long Toyota USA in El Monte, CA with zero to 15 miles brand new in 2015 it is less that 10 years and I never experienced a defective motor/engine. Today is October 21, 2022 and my vehicle is still at the Culver City Toyota dealership. When: September 25, 2022, towed vehicle to Culver City Toyota a dealer of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc Where: Engine/Motor failure occurred in the middle of the 10…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2022Electrical system, EngineODI 11490358

Steering

2 reports
“Steering wheel began clunking and locking up when turning. Had this issue on a previous FRS, Electronic Power Steering Motor Coupler had failed and needed replacement.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 18, 2023SteeringODI 11502375

Service brakes

2 reports1 crash
“THE PASSAGER REAR CALIPER MALFUNCTION CAUSE THE BRAKE PAD FLY AWAY FROM THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2019Service brakesODI 11203064
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
FR-S
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
243328$2,750321
FR-S
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,200362
  • FR-S
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,750/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • FR-S
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Scion FR-S as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 FR-S questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Scion FR-S have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Scion FR-S problems?

Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), steering (2), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Scion FR-S get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Scion FR-S at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026