NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2016 Scion TC. Most complaints involve seat belts (1) and service brakes (1). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
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."
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2016 Scion TC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side seat belt retractor failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed front driver's side seat belt retractor. The contact was informed that the front driver's side seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
“I have a recall on my brakes. I took it to toyota in newnan ga. they said it would be a few hours and I asked for a rental because it was my only day off and I have 3 kids and errands to run. They then proceded to tell me I dont have a recall. They lied to get out of letting me use a rental or another car. My brakes go bad alot its so unusual. I hope Toyota insures my safety with their lack of care and effort.”
“STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR ENDED. COLLISION REPAIR SHOP NOTED THERE WAS UNIBODY/FRAME DAMAGE BUT WAS NOT TOTALED OUT. NOW WE CANNOT TRADE IN VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DAMAGE IS SHOWING UP ON THE CARFAX AND NOBODY WANTS TO TOUCH IT. WE CANNOT GET OUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE REPAIR SHOP TO REMOVE THAT INFO FROM THE CARFAX BECAUSE THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. WE ARE STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE DRIVING A VEHICLE AROUND WITH FRAME DAMAGE.”
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 (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| tC Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| 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 |
3 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 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seat belts (1), service brakes (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Scion TC at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).