Scion iA research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The iA is a small, fuel-efficient sedan that drives with more polish than most budget cars, because it shares its design with the Mazda2. It comes in one well-equipped trim with a 7-inch touchscreen, backup camera and low-speed automatic emergency braking, and is rated about 33/42 mpg with the automatic. It was sold as a Scion only for 2016 before becoming the Toyota Yaris iA.
Model years covered: 2016. The iA was sold as a Scion for the 2016 model year only; the same car was the Toyota Yaris iA for 2017-2018 and the Toyota Yaris sedan for 2019-2020.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Excellent fuel economy
- Agile handling for the class
- Standard low speed automatic braking
- Standard backup camera and touchscreen
- Available 6 speed manual
- Toyota dealer service network
- Low purchase price
Things to know before you buy
- Only one scion model year
- Limited rear seat space
- Modest highway acceleration
- No apple carplay or android auto
- Mazda built parts lookup by VIN
- Continued as toyota yaris ia 2017 2018
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2016–2016)
Scion's first and only sedan, the iA was built by Mazda in Salamanca, Mexico, on the fourth-generation Mazda2 design, with a 106-hp 1.5L Skyactiv four and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. A single trim included a 7-inch touchscreen, backup camera and low-speed pre-collision braking. After one Scion year, it continued as the Toyota Yaris iA (2017-2018) and Toyota Yaris sedan (2019-2020).
Buyer takeaway: A strong pick for a commuter or first car where fuel economy and low cost matter most; the automatic is the higher-mpg choice. Shoppers wanting the same car newer should also look at the Toyota Yaris iA and Yaris sedan.
Scion iA by model year
2016 Scion iA
The 2016 iA is Scion's only sedan, built by Mazda in Mexico and closely related to the Mazda2. A 106-hp, 103 lb-ft 1.5L four drives the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, rated about 31/41 mpg city/highway (manual) and 33/42 (automatic). Low-speed automatic emergency braking, a 7-inch touchscreen and a backup camera were standard. It became the Toyota Yaris iA for 2017.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 106 hp 103 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Scions first sedan
- Built by mazda in mexico on mazda2 underpinnings
- Standard low speed pre collision braking
- Standard 7 inch touchscreen and backup camera
- Single well equipped trim
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Low speed pre collision sensor and windshield; Touchscreen and backup camera operation; Brakes and tires; Suspension noises over bumps; Clutch engagement if manual; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Mazda-Built Sedan Sold and Serviced by Toyota (2016)
The iA was engineered and built by Mazda at its plant in Salamanca, Mexico, alongside the Mazda2, and sold and serviced through Toyota (formerly Scion) dealers. Its engine and transmissions are Mazda Skyactiv designs, not Toyota engines, so parts look-ups and some repair information follow the Mazda-built hardware.
What to do: Ask a Toyota dealer for service history and recall status; independent shops should look up parts by VIN. - Low-Speed Pre-Collision System Operation (2016)
Every iA has a low-speed pre-collision system: a laser sensor behind the windshield watches the road and can brake the car automatically to avoid or reduce a collision below about 18 mph. Windshield replacement, cracks near the sensor or dirty glass can affect it.
What to do: Make sure no warning lights or messages are showing and the windshield area in front of the sensor is clean and undamaged. - Touchscreen, Controller, and Backup Camera Check (2016)
The iA's 7-inch touchscreen, console control knob, Bluetooth and backup camera are all standard. It predates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which the iA does not have. Confirm everything works on a test drive.
What to do: Pair your phone and check the camera before buying. - Small-Car Space and Performance Context (2016)
The iA is a subcompact sedan: it is economical and nimble, with a decent trunk for its size, but rear-seat room is limited and the 106-hp engine needs planning for highway passing, especially when loaded.
What to do: Take a highway test drive and try the back seat if you carry adults. - Wear Items on a Higher-Mileage Commuter Car (2016)
Many iAs were bought as low-cost commuters or fleet cars and now have high mileage. Brakes, tires, suspension bushings, and the clutch on manual cars are the usual wear items, and on-time oil changes matter for the direct-injected engine.
What to do: Favor cars with oil-change records and budget for wear items on high-mileage examples. - Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and iA Identification (2016)
The Scion iA was sold only for the 2016 model year. The same car continued as the Toyota Yaris iA for 2017-2018 and the Toyota Yaris sedan for 2019-2020. It is not the Japanese-built Toyota Yaris hatchback of the same era, and the U.S. Mazda2 sedan was not sold under Mazda's own badge.
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.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota Yaris iA
- Honda Fit
- Nissan Versa
- Hyundai Accent
- Kia Rio
- Ford Fiesta
- Chevrolet Sonic
- Toyota Corolla
Questions this guide answers
- Is the Scion iA really a Mazda?
- What engine and transmission does the iA have?
- What fuel economy does the iA get?
- Does the iA have automatic emergency braking?
- Does the iA have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
- What is the difference between the Scion iA and Toyota Yaris iA?
- What should I inspect on a used iA?
- Who services a Scion now?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar small cars should I consider?