Major Problems with Scion FR-S Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Scion FR-S to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Scion FR-S complaint overview

130 recorded complaints across model years
Years covered 2013–2016
Most recorded categories ENGINE (94), POWER TRAIN (19), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8)
Highest recorded count 117 in 2013

Complaint counts are reports, not confirmed defect rates. Older model years have had more time to accumulate reports, and sales volume and reporting coverage differ by year. A higher count does not by itself make a year the least reliable, and these figures are not a failure probability.

Compare two model years

Year A Year B

Problem category

Scion FR-S FlawScore

Best and Worst Years for Scion FR-S

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Scion FR-S.

Model Year	Complaints
2016 FR-S	2
2015 FR-S	10
2014 FR-S	1
2013 FR-S	117

Worst 3 Scion FR-S complaints

2013 Scion FR-S AIR BAGS Victims: 1 Mileage: 33000 miles

2013 Scion FR-S POWER TRAIN Mileage: 4494 miles

2015 Scion FR-S STEERING

Browse Scion FR-S complaints by category

Problems with ENGINE, POWER TRAIN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Scion FR-S owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
ENGINE vehicle started to stutter and having a loud knock from engine after sitting for 6 hours on a normal night...	94 ~ 67675 miles
POWER TRAIN i own a 2015 automatic scion fr-s. the car has a check engine light and downshifts are very jerky and...	19 ~ 42590 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM my new car has been in and out of the shop for the past month (4 times). the check engine...	8 ~ 44854 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER i am writing to file yet another complaint about an unsafe nypd car i saw today on rockaway tnpk in...	6 ~ 56025 miles
STEERING continued...it is ridiculous of this [email protected] to ignore complaints of such unsafe cars as this small little car that they...	6 ~ 42300 miles
AIR BAGS brake failure abs not function...	4 ~ 32010 miles
SERVICE BRAKES brake failure abs not function...	3 ~ 12450 miles
WHEELS the first time my tire and rim was destroyed it was some time in february 2013 while driving on the...	3 ~ 22974 miles
SEAT BELTS the seat belt latch sticks. doesnt easily press to unlatch seat belt. on drivers side....	2 ~ 20 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE continued...it is ridiculous of this [email protected] to ignore complaints of such unsafe cars as this small little car that they...	2 ~ 12250 miles
SUSPENSION continued...it is ridiculous of this [email protected] to ignore complaints of such unsafe cars as this small little car that they...	2 ~ 47500 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ignition coil cel came on rarely at high 5-7k rpm gear shifts and first appeared around 25k now at 37k...	2 ~ 37400 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL while driving the steering wheel is loose and easily turns left almost on its own. where as turning it to...	1 ~ 50000 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING takata recall 2 000 miles past warranty the check engine and traction control lights came on and lost power. not...	1 ~ 62000 miles
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT purchase an exedy stage 2 clutch with light flywheel part# 15953fw for a 2013 scion frs. issue is it lock...	1
CRUISE CONTROL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL cpsc: i13b0068a. 2013 scion. consumer stated while driving in cruise control it failed causing him to use his emergency brakes.	1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE this is a complaint on a 2013 frs that was bought in november of 2013 which now has 8500 miles...	1 ~ 8500 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES this is basically why i am concerned: i found that if you go to lock/unlock your car with a toyota/scion...	1
TIRES the first time my tire and rim was destroyed it was some time in february 2013 while driving on the...	1 ~ 800 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL my new car has been in and out of the shop for the past month (4 times). the check engine...	1 ~ 4494 miles

FAQ

What year Scion FR-S is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 4 years, Scion FR-S models of 2014, 2016, 2015 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Scion FR-S?

Scion FR-S models of 2013 and 2015 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...