AI Damage2016 Scion TC: common problems
Owners of the 2016 Scion TC filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and seat belts. The maker issued 25 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
- involving a crash
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 25
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 17% of all complaints
- 2 Seat belts 17% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- Structure: 1 complaints (17% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (17% 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-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 3 | 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.
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.
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.
I have a recall on my brakes. I took it [dealer]. 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.
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 1,633 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 22% least complained about).
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Pre-Delivery Service(PDS)
- Floor Mat Installation During PDS
- TT
HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 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.
- SSB
Some 2016 model year vehicles are equipped with a Smart Key system, which allows the customer to enter and start the vehicle without using a mechanical key. To ensure the system is operating properly, the Smart Key…
- SSB
2016 model year vehicles are equipped with driver's side floor mat retaining clips to secure the floor mat in the correct position. In addition, some models may utilize retaining clips for passenger side floor mats as…
- SSB
Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extended…
- SSB
The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and…
- SSB
Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying your dealership's new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: * Careful inspection for…
- SSB
Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying your dealership's new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: * Careful inspection for…
- TT
iPhone text messages do not appear on multi media display.
- SSB
While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life. Batteries can become discharged due to an extended storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, or while…
NHTSA lists 25 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Scion TC?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, seat belts, service brakes. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (50%), seat belts (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Scion TC?
NHTSA lists 25 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 2016 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 2016 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 2026-11-04.