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

The tC offers sporty coupe styling with real hatchback practicality and simple Toyota mechanicals. Every 2011-2016 car has a roughly 180-hp 2.5L four, a 6-speed manual or automatic, a panoramic glass moonroof and 18-inch alloys, with EPA ratings around 23/31 mpg. The 2014 refresh added a touchscreen, sharper styling and sport-tuned suspension, and 2016 was the final year.

Model years covered: 2011–2016. This file covers the 2011-2016 second-generation tC only; 2005-2010 first-generation cars are outside the 2011-2026 window. The tC ended after the 2016 model year with no Toyota-badged successor.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Stylish coupe with hatchback practicality
Standard panoramic moonroof
Generous standard equipment
Simple proven toyota mechanicals
Available 6 speed manual
Toyota dealer service network
Strong used value for money

Things to know before you buy

Many cars are modified
Cold start rattle check on 2.5 liter
Water pump leak check
Moonroof leak and rattle check
Fuel economy trails smaller engine compacts
2014 is the refresh year
No successor after 2016
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 2 (2011–2016)

Launched for 2011, the second-generation tC replaced the 2.4L with a 180-hp 2.5L four and added 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, with a standard panoramic moonroof, 18-inch alloys and eight airbags. The 2014 refresh brought new styling, LED taillights, a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen, sport-tuned suspension and a quicker automatic (rated 179 hp); 2015 added paddle shifters and 2016 a rear wiper before production ended in August 2016.

Buyer takeaway: Choose a 2014-2016 for the touchscreen, sharper handling and better automatic; a 2011-2013 is the budget pick with the same engine. Favor stock, well-documented cars and listen for a cold-start rattle.

Scion tC by model year

2016 Scion tC

The 2016 tC is the final year; production ended in August 2016 and the car was not carried over to Toyota. It adds a standard rear wiper and silver interior door handles to the refreshed 179-hp 2.5L package. A run of 1,200 Release Series 10.0 cars, the last new Scion model, added a Kei Miura aero kit and TRD lowering springs.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp 172 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

Final model year production ended august 2016
Standard rear window wiper
Release series 10 0 final edition of 1200 cars
No toyota branded successor

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Touchscreen and bluetooth operation; Cold start engine rattle; Coolant leaks at water pump; Panoramic moonroof seals and drains; Clutch engagement if manual; Aftermarket modifications; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2015 Scion tC

The 2015 tC adds steering-wheel paddle shifters to automatic cars and two new colors, Blizzard Pearl and Cosmic Gray; a limited Release Series 9.0 was also offered. Otherwise it carries over the refreshed 2014 car with the 179-hp 2.5L, 6-speed manual or automatic, sport-tuned suspension and standard touchscreen.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp 172 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

Steering wheel paddle shifters added to automatic
New blizzard pearl and cosmic gray colors
Limited release series 9 0

2014 Scion tC

The 2014 tC got a meaningful refresh: sharper new styling with LED taillights, a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, sport-tuned suspension and a reprogrammed automatic that shifts faster and blips the throttle on downshifts. The 2.5L is rated 179 hp and 172 lb-ft. A limited 10 Series edition marked Scion's 10th anniversary. 2014-2016 cars are the best-equipped tCs.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 179 hp 172 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

New front styling headlamps grille and LED taillights
Standard 6 1 inch touchscreen audio
Sport tuned suspension and quicker steering response
Revised automatic with faster rev matched downshifts
Limited 10 series anniversary edition

2013 Scion tC

The 2013 tC is the last year before the 2014 refresh, with the same 180-hp 2.5L four, 6-speed manual or automatic, standard panoramic moonroof and roughly 23/31 mpg. It lacks the later touchscreen audio and quicker-shifting automatic, so a 2013 makes the most sense when priced clearly below a 2014-2016.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 180 hp 173 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

Carryover before the 2014 refresh
Same 180 hp 2.5 liter and 6 speed transmissions
Release series limited edition offered

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Cold start engine rattle; Coolant leaks at water pump; Panoramic moonroof seals and drains; Clutch engagement if manual; Aftermarket modifications; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2012 Scion tC

The 2012 tC carries over the redesigned 2011 car: a 180-hp 2.5L four, a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, about 23/31 mpg, standard panoramic moonroof and 18-inch alloys. A limited Release Series edition added unique paint and trim. Buy on condition, maintenance records and modification history rather than small year-to-year differences.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 180 hp 173 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

Second year of the second generation
Carryover 180 hp 2.5 liter and 6 speed transmissions
Release series limited edition offered

2011 Scion tC

The 2011 tC was fully redesigned with a 180-hp, 173 lb-ft 2.5L four replacing the old 2.4L, new 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, and EPA ratings of about 23/31 mpg city/highway. Standard equipment was generous for the price: a panoramic glass moonroof, 18-inch alloys, stability control and eight airbags. It is the oldest and usually least expensive second-generation tC.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 180 hp 173 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 2 door hatchback coupe

What changed:

Redesigned second generation tc
New 2.5 liter engine replaces the 2.4 liter
New 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic
Standard panoramic glass moonroof and 18 inch alloys
Eight airbags including driver knee airbag

Known issues and what to check

2.5L Engine Cold-Start Rattle (2011–2016)
Owners of Toyota's 2.5L four (used in the tC and other Toyotas of the era) commonly report a brief rattle or grinding noise for a second or two at cold start, often traced to the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator. It is usually not an immediate failure but can lead to repair costs if it worsens.
What to do: Ask the seller not to warm the car up before you arrive, and listen to the first start of the day.
Water Pump Coolant Leaks (2011–2016)
As these engines age, the water pump can seep coolant. Look for dried pink residue near the pump, a sweet smell or a coolant level that keeps dropping; a documented pump replacement is a plus.
What to do: Check the coolant level and look for residue around the water pump.
Panoramic Moonroof Seals, Drains, and Rattles (2011–2016)
Every second-generation tC has a large panoramic glass moonroof. Clogged drains or worn seals can let water into the cabin, and the shade or panels can rattle. Check the headliner and carpets for water stains.
What to do: Open and close the moonroof and look for water stains before buying.
Aftermarket Modifications and Driving History (2011–2016)
The tC was popular with young buyers and tuners, so lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, intakes and exhausts are common. Mild parts can be fine, but they can affect ride, tire wear and emissions inspections.
What to do: A stock car with records is usually the safer purchase; ask what has been changed.
Clutch and Transmission Check (2011–2016)
The 6-speed manual's clutch is a wear item, and the 6-speed automatic should shift smoothly. On a test drive, check for clutch slip, grinding shifts or harsh or delayed automatic shifts.
What to do: Road test through all gears and, on a manual, check for slip under firm acceleration.
Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and tC Identification (2011–2016)
This file covers the second-generation tC (2011-2016). The first-generation tC (2005-2010) used a 2.4L four with different transmissions and is outside this file's coverage. The tC ended with the 2016 model year and, unlike the FR-S, iA and iM, was not continued as a Toyota.
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.

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Questions this guide answers

What engine does the Scion tC have?
What changed in the 2014 Scion tC refresh?
Is the tC a hatchback or a coupe?
What fuel economy does the tC get?
What is the cold-start rattle on the tC?
Why did the tC end after 2016?
What should I inspect on a used tC?
Who services a Scion now?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar sporty compacts should I consider?