Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Scion tC, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Unknown or other3
- Visibility3
- Visibility/wiper2
- Service brakes1
- Structure1
- Air bags1
- Electrical system1
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 9.0–9.2 L/100 km (about 26 mpg US), CO₂ 207–212 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| tC · Compact · Regular gasoline | 10.2 | 7.5 | 9.0 |
| tC · Compact · Regular gasoline | 10.5 | 7.6 | 9.2 |
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 2012 Scion tC.
| 2021723 24 Nov 2021 | Electrical Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicl… |
| 2018524 20 Sept 2018 | Brakes On certain vehicles equipped with the accessory Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Brake Kit, the stainless steel braided front brake hoses could fatigue over time… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
13V123000 · Equipment9 Apr 2013 · 7,525 vehicles
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."
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 2012 Scion tC: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10200383 | Automatic/Continuously Variable Transmission Replacement Precautions |
| 10200379 | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset |
| 10200375 | Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup |
| 10200374 | Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup |
| 10185779 | TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged. |
| 10178780 | DL: Toyota plans to send Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices for the above referenced campaigns to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed. |
| 10152156 | TSB: REVISION NOTICE August 23, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2015 ? 2016 model year tC vehicles, and 2016 model year iM vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Introduction. Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. |
| 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 |
| 10133952 | Some 2011 ? 2012 model year Scion tC vehicles may exhibit excessive wind noise with the moon roof in the ?Full Open? position. This condition typically starts at 45 mph and increases with speed. New Sliding Roof Guide Rail Sub-Assemblies have been developed to improve this condition. |
| 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. |
| 10133920 | Some 2011-2013 Scion tCs may exhibit the following conditions; speedometer inoperative or speedometer needle caught/stuck, while all other meter functions work normally. |
| 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. |
| 10133902 | When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the rick of further damage to electrical components. |
| 10133844 | Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2011 ? 2012 model year vehicles equipped with the 2AR-FE engine may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition. |
| 10133843 | Some customers may inquire about the frequency and power output of the Smart Key/Smart Entry systems used on various models. The Smart Key/Smart Entry systems conform to all applicable FCC rules. This bulletin details the applicable specifications for these systems. |
| 10133842 | Some 2011 ? 2013 model year Scion tC vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a growling or rattle noise from the transmission area when the clutch pedal is released. Changes have been made to the input shaft rear bearing. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition. |
| 10133798 | Some 2012 model year Scion tC and xB vehicles may set SRS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that are not listed in the Repair Manual. Refer to the chart in this bulletin to diagnose these DTCs. |
| 10133759 | Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip. Follow the procedures in this bulletin for proper handling and installation of this optional service part. |
| 10133702 | Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip. Follow the procedures in this bulletin for proper handling and installation of this optional service part. |
| 10132900 | TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 10, 2016 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2016 model year iM vehicles, and 2015 ? 2016 tC vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2008 ? 2016 model year Scion vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced. |
| 10132774 | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 6, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. |
| 10132773 | TSB: 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 informa |
| 10132743 | Tech Tip: Starting with the 2010 Model Year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil including: Reduced friction and wear on engine surfaces, Improved fuel economy, Reduction in waste oil stream (in vehicles approved for 10,000 mile oil change intervals), Reduced maintenance cost (in vehicles approved for 10,000 mile oil change intervals). Due to the improved performance and durability of 0w20 synthetic oil, Scion has extended the oil change intervals to 10,000 mile for vehicles that require this oil (except th |
| 10132725 | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)