2013 Scion FR-S
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 179 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
79% of complaints: engine — 141 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20190429
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, 20190312
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, 20241009
12% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
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, 20120906
4% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
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, 20231114
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, 20120906
4% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20251221
3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 OPERATION
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.
Campaign 12V255000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Toy
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 be
Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V075000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V772000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Scion FR-S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (141 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V255000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V123000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V075000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.