Is the 2013 Scion FR-S reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Scion FR-S?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Scion FR-S have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Scion FR-S

○ Not enough data

2013 Scion FR-S
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:36.621Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 179
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 179 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	179
2014	5
2015	14
2016	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

79% · 141 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I received a recall notice from Toyota for valve springs. I had the recall work done at my local Toyota dealership (Toyota of marin, California).

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-29

I took my car in for J02 engine valve spring safety recall on jan 29TH, 2019 at a Toyota dealership. Took them a couple days, but when they finished, they said the car was good as new and I could drive it normally.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-12

sometimes the car randomly stalls out during driving. usually off cold starts if i let it warm up for even 5 minutes it still will stall out sometimes. its not super common id say it does it once every 2 days maybe.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-09

Power train

12% · 21 reports

Show complaint excerpts

My new car has been in and out of the shop for the past month (4 times). The check engine light keeps coming on and the dealer does not know how to fix it. The car does not also seem to be able to hold an idle speed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-06

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

4% · 8 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-14

Steering

4% · 7 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-12-21

Engine and engine cooling

3% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2012-07-03Equipment12V255000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured from March 22, 2012, through May 14, 2012. The ownerâs manual contains an inaccurate description of the actual…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and will mail corrected inserts for the ownerâs manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 3, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-866-707-2466.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013…

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-03-07Electrical system, power train16V075000 Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-12-26Engine and engine cooling18V772000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Scion FR-S — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 141 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V255000 · Equipment
Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
Recall 16V075000 · Electrical system, power train
Recall 18V772000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2013 Scion FR-S reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Scion FR-S?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Scion FR-S have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-27 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.