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2013-2016 · 4 model years

Scion FR-S Problems by year

Owners have filed 202 complaints about the Scion FR-S across 4 model years, and it has 7 recalls. The 2013 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (180). The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the transmission & drivetrain.

Most complaints for its age2013180 complaints · 4 recallsSee the 2013
Complaints
202
Recalls
7
Crashes
5
Fires
4
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

FR-S complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20163300Engine & coolingB
201514311Engine & coolingD
20145200Engine & coolingB
2013180443Engine & coolingF

Most common FR-S problems

Scion FR-S recalls 7

Engine

18V772000165,534 vehicles affected

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...

Tires

16V23600094 vehicles affected

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...

Latest FR-S complaints

2013 Scion FR-SOther & unknownCrash1 injury

PETITION FOR RULEMAKING Request for Federal Automotive Safety Review - Brake Pedal Obstruction by Loose Objects To: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) From: [[redacted]] Subject: Request to Investigate Brake Pedal Obstruction and Establish an Obstruction-Resistant Braking Safety Standard Dear Administrator: I am submitting this petition under 49 U.S.C. § 30162 and 49 CFR Part 552 to request a formal safety review of automotive brake pedal designs. I am concerned that loose objects...

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inside passenger vehicles, particularly thermos bottles, beverage containers, flashlights, and other rigid objects, can become trapped beneath the driver's brake pedal. During sudden braking or an initial minor collision, unsecured objects may move from the passenger seat or other areas into the driver's footwell. An object trapped beneath the brake pedal can prevent sufficient pedal travel and potentially result in the driver's inability to stop the vehicle, causing a much more severe secondary collision. I believe brake-pedal systems should be designed to remain functional despite foreseeable obstructions beneath the pedal. One potential solution would be a scissor-like or alternative articulated mechanism that can transmit braking force even when an object interferes with the pedal's normal downward travel. For existing brake systems, there should be a fairly easy modification to accomidate this safety feature. New cars can add a more automated safety feature. I recognize that this concept requires engineering evaluation and testing before its effectiveness can be established. I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Review available accident and complaint data for incidents involving loose objects obstructing brake pedals, including possible secondary collisions. 2. Investigate the susceptibility of existing brake-pedal designs to obstruction by common passenger-compartment objects. 3. Evaluate alternative brake-pedal mechanisms, including articulate INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774847
2013 Scion FR-SEngine & cooling

On approximately May 27, 2026 I delivered my 2013 Scion FR-S (approx. 105,000 miles) to an authorized Toyota dealer for Safety Recall J02 (NHTSA 18V-772, engine valve spring replacement). I picked it up on June 3, 2026. Immediately the engine ran sluggish and the air conditioning, which had worked, stopped blowing cold. On June 7, 2026 - four days and only a few miles later - the engine spun a rod bearing and began knocking loudly. The vehicle is now inoperable. This recall requires removing and disassembling the...

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engine and is widely documented to cause oil starvation and spun bearings when excess RTV sealant from reassembly clogs the oil pickup screen. My engine ran normally for years and failed within days of the recall repair. The recall repair caused catastrophic engine failure. No crash or injury has occurred; the vehicle is parked to prevent further damage.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11742856
2013 Scion FR-SSteeringCrash

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the...

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incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11706415
2013 Scion FR-SEngine & cooling

The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isn't covered. I

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11703673
2015 Scion FR-SEngine & cooling

The valve spring for my 2015 FRS completely broke and this was a known issue and recalls for my car and it is available for inspection

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11667016
2013 Scion FR-SEngine & cooling

The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isnt covered.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11653904

Questions about the Scion FR-S

Which Scion FR-S years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2013 (180), 2015 (14), 2014 (5). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2013 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Scion FR-S years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2014, 2016 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other FR-S years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Scion FR-S problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (156), transmission & drivetrain (24), fuel system (10) most often.

How many recalls does the Scion FR-S have?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls across all Scion FR-S model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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