Research · Subcompact Cars
2016 Scion IARecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2016 Scion IA. Most complaints involve engine (8) and electrical system (7). The EPA rates it 34–36 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
34–36mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
23
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Scion IA as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
23 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2016 – Aug 2022
- Engine8
- Electrical system7
- Air bags6
- Power train5
- Service brakes4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Steering1
- Structure1
- Wheels1
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 IA model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
8 reports1 crash
“Was getting off work. Started car and Engine system malfunction light, DSC malfunction light, TPMS System Malfunction light, Auto transmission malfunction light, and SCBS malfunction light all turned on. Car was not currently in motion when lights went on. Was in parking lot. Turned car off, and restarted, lights remained on. Drove vehicle 6.8 miles home, car was in limp mode. When at home used OBD2 scan tool and got codes P0847 C1031 U0401 B13D3 Cleared codes and unplugged 12 volt battery to reset system. Only engine system malfunction light remained. Parked car overnight and went to dealership next morning. Car drove on highway and car seemed fine. Dealership scan car and received code P0847, tech cleared code and test drove car. Problem can not be reproduced.”
Electrical system
7 reports
“MY CAR HAS UNDER 60,000 MILES, I BOUGHT IT WITH ABOUT 28,000 ON IT AND IT HAS HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE DISPLAY. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP, WHO SAID THE WHOLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED, WHICH IS ABOUT $1200 WITH PARTS AND LABOR. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT CAUSES THE DISPLAY TO GO IN AND OUT, WHICH HAPPENS ALSO WITH THE BACKUP CAMERA.”
Air bags
6 reports4 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SCION IA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THEY CRASHED INTO A WILD HORSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM AS OF YET. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular 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 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iA Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 41 | 36 | $1,750 | 249 |
| iA Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 40 | 34 | $1,850 | 258 |
- 36mpg comb.
- 34mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Scion IA as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2016 IA questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Scion IA have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Scion IA problems?
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (8), electrical system (7), air bags (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Scion IA get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Scion IA at 34–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026