Scion iQ research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The iQ is one of the smallest cars ever sold in the U.S., about 120 inches long, which makes it very easy to park and maneuver in town. It still carries 11 airbags and returns about 36/37 mpg city/highway from its 94-hp 1.3L four and CVT. The back seat and cargo space are very limited. The 2014-2015 cars added a standard touchscreen, and Toyota ended U.S. sales after 2015.

Model years covered: 2012–2015. The iQ was sold in the U.S. for the 2012-2015 model years only and had no Toyota-badged U.S. successor; there are no 2016 or later iQ model years.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Extremely easy to park
Tight turning circle
11 standard airbags
Good city fuel economy
Simple single powertrain
Toyota dealer service network
Standard touchscreen 2014 2015

Things to know before you buy

Very limited rear seat and cargo space
Modest highway acceleration
Choppy ride and crosswind sensitivity
CVT only
No US successor after 2015
Fuel economy similar to larger subcompacts
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2012–2015)

The iQ brought Toyota's Japanese-built micro car to the U.S. for 2012 with a 94-hp 1.3L four, a CVT, front-wheel drive, 11 airbags and a 3+1 seating layout. 2013 was carryover (plus a fleet-only iQ EV), 2014 made a 6.1-inch touchscreen standard and added 10 Series and Monogram Series editions, and 2015 was the final U.S. year after slow sales.

Buyer takeaway: Best for urban drivers who park on the street and rarely carry passengers. Choose a 2014-2015 for the standard touchscreen; otherwise buy on condition and price. Highway commuters and families should look at a larger subcompact.

Scion iQ by model year

2015 Scion iQ

The 2015 iQ is the last one sold in the U.S.; Toyota dropped it after low sales. It carries over the 2014 car with the 6.1-inch touchscreen, 94-hp 1.3L four, CVT, 11 airbags and about 36/37 mpg. A 2015 is the newest iQ you can buy and a good choice for city drivers who rarely carry more than one passenger.

Engines: 1.3 liter I4 94 hp 89 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 3 door hatchback

What changed:

Final US model year
10 series edition dropped
Otherwise carryover from 2014

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; CVT smoothness and noise; Tire condition and sizes; Brakes; Suspension and steering; Airbag warning light status; Accident history and body repairs; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and bluetooth operation.

2014 Scion iQ

For 2014 the iQ gained a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, with an available BeSpoke premium unit adding smartphone-app integration and navigation. A limited 10 Series edition marked Scion's 10th anniversary, and a 150-car Monogram Series added two-tone paint. The 94-hp 1.3L and CVT carry over, so 2014-2015 cars are the better-equipped picks.

Engines: 1.3 liter I4 94 hp 89 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 3 door hatchback

What changed:

Standard 6 1 inch touchscreen audio
Available bespoke premium audio with navigation
Limited 10 series edition
Monogram series limited to 150 cars

2013 Scion iQ

The 2013 iQ is essentially unchanged: the same 94-hp 1.3L four, CVT, 11 airbags and roughly 36/37 mpg city/highway. A battery-electric iQ EV with about 50 miles of range was built in tiny numbers (about 90) for fleet and car-sharing use only, so a retail 2013 iQ will be the gas model. Price and condition are the main differences from a 2012.

Engines: 1.3 liter I4 94 hp 89 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 3 door hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2012
Battery electric iq EV built in tiny numbers for fleet and car sharing only
Same 1.3 liter engine and CVT

2012 Scion iQ

The 2012 iQ brought Toyota's tiny iQ city car to the U.S. At about 120 inches long it is easy to park almost anywhere, yet it has 11 airbags, including a rear-window curtain airbag. A 94-hp, 89 lb-ft 1.3L four and a CVT drive the front wheels, rated about 36/37 mpg city/highway. The back seat behind the driver is tiny, so think of it as a two-plus-occasional car.

Engines: 1.3 liter I4 94 hp 89 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 3 door hatchback

What changed:

First US model year of the toyota iq based city car
About 120 inches long
11 standard airbags including rear window curtain
3 plus 1 seating layout

Known issues and what to check

3+1 Seating and Very Small Cargo Area (2012–2015)
The iQ is about 120 inches long. Its clever layout fits an adult behind the front passenger, but the seat behind the driver is suitable only for a child or bags, and with the rear seats up there is very little cargo room.
What to do: Sit in the back and check the cargo area with your usual load before buying.
CVT Operation and Service (2012–2015)
Every iQ uses a CVT automatic. A healthy one feels smooth with a steady engine drone under acceleration; shudder, slipping or whining noises deserve a professional check before purchase.
What to do: Road test from a stop and at highway speed and ask about CVT fluid service.
Highway Performance and Crosswind Stability (2012–2015)
With 94 hp and a very short wheelbase, the iQ is most at home in town. It can cruise on the highway, but acceleration is modest, the ride can feel choppy and the car is sensitive to crosswinds and passing trucks.
What to do: If you commute on the highway, include a highway run in your test drive.
Tires, Brakes, and Suspension Wear (2012–2015)
City driving is hard on brakes, and the iQ's short wheelbase makes worn shocks or uneven tires more noticeable. Check tire age and wear, brake condition and for clunks over bumps.
What to do: Budget for tires if they are more than about six years old, regardless of tread.
Parking Damage and Body Repairs (2012–2015)
As a city car, many iQs have parking scrapes, bumper repairs or minor accident history. Because the car is so short, even modest front or rear impacts can affect crash structures and airbag sensors.
What to do: Check a vehicle-history report and make sure the airbag warning light goes out after start-up.
Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and iQ Identification (2012–2015)
The Scion iQ (2012-2015) is the U.S. version of the Toyota iQ. Toyota ended U.S. sales after the 2015 model year and did not move the iQ to the Toyota brand. The 2013 Scion iQ EV was a fleet- and car-sharing-only electric version of about 90 cars and is not a retail model; do not apply gas iQ specs to it.
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

Smart Fortwo
Fiat 500
Chevrolet Spark
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mini Cooper
Scion xD
Toyota Yaris
Honda Fit

Questions this guide answers

How small is the Scion iQ?
How many people can the iQ carry?
What engine and transmission does the iQ have?
What fuel economy does the iQ get?
What changed in the 2014 iQ?
Is the iQ good on the highway?
Was there an electric Scion iQ?
What should I inspect on a used iQ?
Who services a Scion now?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar city cars should I consider?