NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 117 owner complaints for the 2007 Scion TC. Most complaints involve engine (32) and visibility (21). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“When I bought this car, there was a couple recalls within 5 years of owning. One was fixed. The second was an oil consumption issue that my car passed by 100 miles and I was told it would not be covered. For the last few years the oil consumption has gotten worse. I have to put oil in the car when the light comes on, which is anywhere between 1k and 2k miles. As I'm driving, it can smell of burning, or start shaking, etc.”
“THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 50 DEGREES AND SUNNY I HAD JUST LEFT CHURCH SERVICES SO THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING OUT IN THE PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. I WAS IN THE CAR DOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND I HEARD A POP-LIKE THAT OF A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE- AND WHAT SOUNDED LIKE SAND ON THE FLOOR. I LOOKED AROUND TO MAKE SURE A BUG OR REPTILE HADN'T GOTTEN INTO MY CAR. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS MORNING 12/3/2014 TEMPERATURE AROUND 43 DEGREES AND NOTICED THAT MY GLASS WIND DEFLECTOR WHAT SHATTERED AROUND THE EDGES. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR AND I LIVE IN A GATE COMMUNITY SO I DIDN'T THINK THAT IT WAS AN ACT OF VANDALISM. I SPENT 3 YEARS IN ALASKA AND I KNOW WHAT FROZEN GLASS COULD DO IF EXPOSED TO DIRECT EXTREME HEAT. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I AM LOOKING INTO GETTING IT REPLACED BUT JUDGING FROM THE FORUMS AND THIS SITE DOESN'T SEEM LIKE TOYOTA WILL COVER MY 2007 SCION TC WHICH I THINK IS A VERY DISHONORABLE THING TO DO. MANY TC OWNERS ARE HAVING A TIME WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE INCURRED THIS ISSUE THAT THEY DIDN'T CAUSE AND COULDN'T PREVENT. *JS”
“VEHICLE BURNING OIL AT INCREASINGLY FAST RATE, LARGE OIL CONSUMPTION. NO OIL LIGHT OR DASHBOARD WARNING. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SHUT DOWN... I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER GOT OUT...MY CAR WAS SMOKING... WITHIN MINUTES MY CAR WAS IN FLAMES.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tC Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| tC Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls 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.
Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (32), visibility (21), structure (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2007 Scion TC at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).