AI Damage2013 Scion TC: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Scion TC filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 33% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 33% of all complaints
- 3 Air bags 22% of all complaints
- 4 Visibility 22% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 11% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (33% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (33% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Air bags: 2 complaints (22% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Visibility: 2 complaints (22% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
- manual, 6-speednamed in 1 complaints
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 9 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I was turning into a busy shopping center at 5ish pm and the sun was directly in my eyes and I swerved to avoid a collision with another motorist who was in the middle of the exiting /entrance lane and I ran head on into a solid cement pillar light pole , estimated mph was 20 -25 mph , I was wearing seatbelt and none…
Break failure led to accident in which the airbags did not deploy. Officer on the scene informed the when the vehicles crunch zone is enabled that airbags should deploy to avoid injuries of any passenger or driver.
UNKNOWN. I was unaware of my car's recall notice. I had known only when my car's regular smog check was due. The problem that my car may have had not been confirmed by dealer or independent service center nor has it been inspected by manufacturer, police, or others.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 scion tc. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle's engine just cut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but could only shift into the first gear and slowly pull over into a parking lot.
Vehicle has 66444 miles and throw out bearing / input shaft is making noise
Secondary sunroof exploded while driving down the highway at 70mph. Random explosion that sounded like a gun shot. Sunny and 45 degree weather in central ohio
A few days ago, we were driving when our sun roof exploded. We heard the loudest bang I have heard and then glass started falling through the edges of the sun shade that was closed.
The contact stated that when using reverse or first gear, the vehicle would emit an abnormal whining sound. The contact spoke to the manufacturer about the problem and was told that the sound was a normal occurrence of the vehicle. The manufacturer provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,368 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the TC has 58 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 9, below average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Scion TC?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, service brakes, air bags. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (22%), airbags did not deploy (11%), knocking, grinding or other noise (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 Scion TC?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 Scion TC from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.