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Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Scion IMRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2016 Scion IM. Most complaints involve power train (5) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 30–31 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
30–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2016
Owner complaints
12
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Tires

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. 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."

TiresReported Apr 22, 2016NHTSA 16V236000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2016 – Jul 2024
  1. Power train5
  2. Electrical system2
  3. Structure2
  4. Steering1
  5. Back over prevention1
  6. Service brakes1
  7. Engine1
  8. Seats1
  9. Visibility/wiper1

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 IM model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

5 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Scion IM. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission was skipping the 6th and 7th gears. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop at an intersection, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact disconnected the battery for 15 minutes and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was then towed to the parent's residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2024Power trainODI 11600065

Electrical system

2 reports
“Traction control turns off by itself Was not accelerate But I turned it off And restarted it it started to accelerate. But traction control is still turned off”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2023Power train, Electrical systemODI 11527775

Structure

2 reports
“DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WINDOW MAKES A NOISE AS IT RUBS AGAINST SOMETHING INSIDE OF DOOR WHEN LOWERING OR RAISING WINDOW.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2018StructureODI 11074707
All 2016 IM problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S7) · 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 Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
iM
Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283631$2,050283
iM
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273530$2,150294
  • iM
    Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    28 city · 36 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • iM
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 2016 Scion IM as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 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

2016 IM questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Scion IM have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 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 2016 Scion IM problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (5), electrical system (2), structure (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Scion IM get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Scion IM at 30–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026