Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Scion FR-S, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine141
- Power train21
- Unknown or other8
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Steering7
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Air bags3
- Wheels3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Electrical system2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 8.4–9.6 L/100 km (about 25–28 mpg US), CO₂ 193–221 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR-S · Minicompact · Premium gasoline | 9.6 | 7.0 | 8.4 |
| FR-S · Minicompact · Premium gasoline | 11.0 | 7.9 | 9.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S.
| 2018601 1 Nov 2018 | Engine On certain vehicles, the engine valve springs could fracture, causing an engine failure or a stall with an inability to restart. This could increase the risk of… |
| 2016062 9 Feb 2016 | Powertrain Certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and an ignition key may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Pro… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
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."
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Scion told its dealers about the 2013 Scion FR-S: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10241391 | DD: Toyota has worked with Carma Project, Inc. on a tagging program for Takata recalls in certain ?Zone A? areas in an effort to increase completions in higher risk locations. Carma uses license plate reading technology to determine if a vehicle may have an open recall. When a vehicle with an open recall is found, Carma drivers print out and place a tag on the vehicle they encounter advising the driver of the recall and the need to get the vehicle repaired. Carma recently changed its tagging platform, enabling it to offer expanded tagging through Carma ?affiliates? in more locations in the U.S |
| 10241390 | DD: Toyota has worked with Carma Project, Inc. on a tagging program for Takata recalls in certain ?Zone A? areas in an effort to increase completions in higher risk locations. Carma uses license plate reading technology to determine if a vehicle may have an open recall. When a vehicle with an open recall is found, Carma drivers print out and place a tag on the vehicle they encounter advising the driver of the recall and the need to get the vehicle repaired. Carma recently changed its tagging platform, enabling it to offer expanded tagging through Carma ?affiliates? in more locations in the U.S |
| 10200383 | Automatic/Continuously Variable Transmission Replacement Precautions |
| 10200379 | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset |
| 10185779 | TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged. |
| 10170191 | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 20, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete. |
| 10150418 | TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed wit |
| 10142496 | TSB: Some 2013 ? 2016 model year FR-S vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit an abnormal noise, such as a squeak, grind or groan type noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. APPLICABLE WARRANTY: This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date. Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin. |
| 10134472 | SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s informat |
| 10134471 | SSB: Scion models equipped with the BeSpoke Premium Audio featuring Aha? require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB drive to update the map, points of interest, Gracenote, and system software. The SST is used with all vehicles to deliver the update, however a unique Activation Number is required for each vehicle. Activation Numbers are provided in an Activation Card Number (ACN) pamphlet available through the normal parts ordering system. Use the process described in this bulletin to perform the update. NOTE-Map data will be released annually through the shipment of a Special Service Tool USB d |
| 10134364 | TT: Customer may complain about an oil leak from the bottom of the oil pan. After a closer inspection you may find the leak is coming from the oil drain plug itself. |
| 10134172 | TechTip: Condition: This document provides some clarification of the timing chain Removal and Installation. Use this procedure in addition to the Repair Manual. |
| 10133971 | In mid-December 2012, Scion will be mailing an update to the Owner's Manual for certain 2013 MY Scion FR-S vehicles. A sample of the Owner's Manual update has been provided below. |
| 10133970 | In mid-December 2012, Scion will be mailing an update to the Owner's Manual for certain 2013 MY Scion FR-S vehicles. A sample of the Owner's Manual update has been provided below. |
| 10133969 | On certain 2013 Model Year Scion FR-S vehicles, the On Board Diagnostics II System may need to be updated to meet the regulations set forth by the California Air Resources Board CARB. An update for the ECM to improve the monitoring parameters within the OBD-II system is now available. |
| 10133968 | On certain 2013 Model Year Scion FR-S vehicles, the On Board Diagnostics II System may need to be updated to meet the regulations set forth by the California Air Resources Board CARB. An update for the ECM to improve the monitoring parameters within the OBD-II system is now available. |
| 10133965 | Registering immobilizer keys on FR-S model after replacing a Main Body ECU/Gateway ECU or Combination Meter requires a unique procedure. |
| 10133953 | Some 2013 model year Scion FR-S vehicles may exhibit a MIL ?ON? condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1235 (High Pressure Fuel Pump Circuit). The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been revised to address this condition. Use the following repair procedure for ECM (PCM) reprogramming. |
| 10133925 | ECM reflash procedure has been updated from Special Service Campaign C0W |
| 10133921 | Scion vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below. |
| 10133919 | Starting with the 2010 model year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. |
| 10133905 | Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW. |
| 10133904 | Some 2013 model year FR-S vehicles may exhibit a MIL ?ON? condition with one of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P0017 or P0019 (?Cam Sensor Correlation?). The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/ PCM) logic has been revised to address this condition. Use the following repair procedure to determine if ECM (PCM) replacement or reprogramming is required. |
| 10133903 | Some 2013 model year FR-S vehicles may exhibit one or both of the following conditions: Water intrusion into the rear combination light housing resulting in water droplets forming on the inside of the housing. Water intrusion into the rear of the vehicle resulting in wet conditions in the cargo area adjacent to the rear combination lights Use the following procedure to address these conditions. |
| 10133863 | On FR-S vehicles the immobilizer code information is stored in the combination meter and must be initialized using the Techstream after combination meter replacement or the vehicle will not start. ECU code registration is a part of combination meter initialization and has a unique procedure which must be adhered to strictly or the registration will fail. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)