Scion FR-S research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The FR-S is an affordable, light, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for sharp steering and balanced handling rather than raw speed. Every year has a 200-hp 2.0L flat-four with a 6-speed manual or automatic, rated about 22/30 mpg (manual) and 25/34 mpg (automatic). The 2015 update sharpened the suspension, and 2016 added a standard touchscreen and backup camera. It continued as the Toyota 86 for 2017.

Model years covered: 2013–2016. The FR-S was sold as a Scion for the 2013-2016 model years only; from 2017 the same car was sold as the Toyota 86, and there are no Scion FR-S model years after 2016.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Balanced rear wheel drive handling
Light weight and sharp steering
Available 6 speed manual
Good highway mpg for a sports car
Toyota dealer service network
Large aftermarket support
Standard backup camera and touchscreen 2016

Things to know before you buy

Many cars are modified or driven hard
2013 valve spring recall check by VIN
Small rear seat and trunk
Poor snow traction on summer tires
Modest low end torque
2015 is the suspension update year
Continued as toyota 86 from 2017
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2013–2016)

Toyota and Subaru jointly developed the FR-S/BRZ/GT86, built by Subaru in Japan. All Scion years use the 200-hp 2.0L direct- and port-injected flat-four with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, driving the rear wheels. 2014 added a 10 Series edition, 2015 brought retuned suspension and small styling changes, and 2016 made a 7-inch touchscreen and backup camera standard before the car became the Toyota 86.

Buyer takeaway: Choose a 2015-2016 for the improved suspension (and 2016 for the standard backup camera); a 2013-2014 is the budget pick, but confirm the 2013 valve-spring recall. Condition and modification history matter more than model year.

Scion FR-S by model year

2016 Scion FR-S

The 2016 FR-S is the last Scion-badged year and the best equipped: a 7-inch touchscreen audio system with voice recognition and a backup camera became standard, joined by silver interior accents and a Release Series 2.0 limited edition. Power is still 200 hp from the 2.0L flat-four. For 2017 the car continued as the Toyota 86 with a slightly stronger manual-transmission engine.

Engines: 2.0 liter flat 4 boxer 200 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Body style: 2 door coupe

What changed:

Standard 7 inch touchscreen audio with voice recognition
Standard backup camera
Release series 2 0 replaces release series 1 0
New silver interior accents
Last scion branded model year

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Backup camera and touchscreen operation; Clutch engagement and slip if manual; Aftermarket modifications and engine tunes; Evidence of track use or drifting; Tire wear and alignment; Underbody and front lip scrapes; Oil level and oil change records; Accident history and body panel fit; Maintenance history.

2015 Scion FR-S

For 2015 the FR-S got retuned suspension (stiffer front mounts and revised rear shocks) for sharper steering and less body roll, a shark-fin antenna and larger exhaust tips. The engine stays the 200-hp 2.0L flat-four with a 6-speed manual or automatic. A limited Release Series 1.0 added TRD lowering springs, an aero kit and HID headlights. 2015-2016 cars are the most refined Scion-badged versions.

Engines: 2.0 liter flat 4 boxer 200 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Body style: 2 door coupe

What changed:

Retuned suspension with stiffer front and revised rear shocks
Shark fin antenna replaces mast antenna
Larger exhaust tips
Limited release series 1 0 with trd lowering springs and aero kit

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Clutch engagement and slip if manual; Aftermarket modifications and engine tunes; Evidence of track use or drifting; Tire wear and alignment; Underbody and front lip scrapes; Oil level and oil change records; Accident history and body panel fit; Maintenance history.

2014 Scion FR-S

The 2014 FR-S carries over the 200-hp 2.0L flat-four, the 6-speed manual or automatic, and the light, balanced rear-drive chassis that made the 2013 a hit. The limited 10 Series edition, built for Scion's 10th anniversary, added Silver Ignition paint, HID headlights and push-button start. A 2014 is a value way into the car, but check for modifications and hard use.

Engines: 2.0 liter flat 4 boxer 200 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Body style: 2 door coupe

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2013
Limited 10 series edition for scion 10th anniversary
10 series adds hid headlights and push button start

2013 Scion FR-S

The 2013 FR-S launched Scion's rear-drive sports coupe, a twin of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86. It uses a 200-hp, 151 lb-ft 2.0L flat-four with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and was rated about 22/30 mpg city/highway with the manual and 25/34 with the automatic. Many 2013 cars were recalled to replace engine valve springs, so confirm that remedy by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter flat 4 boxer 200 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Body style: 2 door coupe

What changed:

All new rear wheel drive sports coupe
Co developed with subaru twin of the subaru brz
Built by subaru in japan
Boxer engine with direct and port injection
Valve spring recall on many 2013 cars

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Valve spring recall completion; Clutch engagement and slip if manual; Aftermarket modifications and engine tunes; Evidence of track use or drifting; Tire wear and alignment; Underbody and front lip scrapes; Oil level and oil change records; Accident history and body panel fit; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

2013 FR-S Engine Valve Spring Recall (2013)
Toyota recalled about 25,300 2013 FR-S cars built from late March 2012 to early July 2013 (NHTSA 18V-772) because engine valve springs could fracture, causing abnormal engine noise, rough running or, in the worst case, an engine stall while driving. Dealers replaced the valve springs with an improved design at no charge. The same engine problem led Subaru to recall the 2013 BRZ.
What to do: On a 2013 FR-S, confirm by VIN that the valve-spring recall was completed before buying.
Aftermarket Modifications and Hard Driving (2013–2016)
The FR-S is popular with enthusiasts, so many used cars have aftermarket tunes, headers, intakes, lowered suspension or wheels, and some have seen track days or drifting. Mild bolt-ons can be fine, but engine tunes and heavy track use add wear and can complicate emissions inspections and warranty or service history.
What to do: A stock or lightly modified car with records is usually the safer purchase; ask the seller directly about tunes and track use.
Clutch and Manual Transmission Wear (2013–2016)
Most FR-S buyers chose the 6-speed manual. Spirited launches and track use wear the clutch faster, so check how it engages and whether it slips, and listen for driveline noises on the test drive.
What to do: Road test a manual FR-S under firm acceleration in third gear to check for clutch slip.
Engine Oil Level and Maintenance on the Flat-Four (2013–2016)
The FA20 flat-four is revved hard by many owners and relies on correct oil level and on-time changes with the specified low-viscosity oil. Gaps in oil-change records or low oil on the dipstick deserve a closer look.
What to do: Ask for oil-change records and check the dipstick before buying.
Practicality and Winter Traction (2013–2016)
The FR-S is a small rear-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe: the rear seats suit only small children or bags, and on summer or performance tires it is poor in snow. Many owners fit dedicated winter tires.
What to do: If you drive in snow, budget for winter tires.
Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and FR-S Identification (2013–2016)
The Scion FR-S (2013-2016) is the same car as the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT86 sold elsewhere. When Toyota retired Scion, the car continued for 2017 as the Toyota 86 with a facelift and, for manual cars, 205 hp; the 2022 and later Toyota GR86 is a newer generation with a larger engine. Toyota dealers service the FR-S.
What to do: Confirm the exact model year and transmission by VIN before comparing prices or specs; any Toyota dealer can service the car and perform recall work.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. Toyota dealers perform recall work on Scion vehicles. For 2013 cars, specifically confirm the engine valve-spring recall (NHTSA 18V-772).

Similar vehicles to consider

Subaru BRZ
Toyota 86
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Ford Mustang
Honda Civic Si
Volkswagen GTI
Nissan 370Z

Questions this guide answers

Is the Scion FR-S the same car as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86?
How much horsepower does the FR-S have?
What changed in the 2015 and 2016 FR-S?
Was my FR-S part of the valve spring recall?
Is the manual or automatic FR-S better for me?
What should I inspect on a used FR-S?
What fuel economy does the FR-S get?
Who services a Scion now?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar sports cars should I consider?