Is the 2005 Scion tC 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 2005 Scion tC?

The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Scion tC have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Scion tC

○ Not enough data

2005 Scion tC
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:09.095Z

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: 155
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Visibility

Complaints per year

2005: 155 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	155
2006	161
2007	117
2008	86
2009	60
2010	20
2011	29
2012	8
2013	9
2014	20
2015	22
2016	6

Known problem areas

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

Visibility

30% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While driving with the sun roof open the glass deflector broke covering the consumer in glass. The consumer was traveling at 55 MPH. *jb the glass didn't appear to be safety glass because it broke into large sharp pieces.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-07

Structure

21% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

13% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Scion tC. While the contact was accelerating from a traffic light, her vehicle was t-boned by another vehicle that ran a red light. The entire driver's side of the vehicle was smashed in and the vehicle was totaled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-13

Takata recall?? Airbags failed, during accident. After being cutoff and going down route x. Lost control hiding concrete. Car flipped, was dragged a few feet's - no airbags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-25

Tires

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems and tread/belt.

CRASH

Engine

6% · 9 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Never had a problem with car before went on freeway to get up to speed n the speedometer was dropping so I pull to side of freeway shut car off turn car back on here clunk clunk shut car off no check engine light was on or has been on no oil light...

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-10

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

I
2005-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-08-26 Sun/moon roof wind deflector breakage
I
2005-08-26Engineering analysisClosed 2005-10-26 Sun/moon roof wind deflector breakage
R

2006-04-06Air bags06V096000 On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-12-06 Glass moonroof shatters
R

2006-10-27Visibility05V483000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a glass wind deflector, the deflector, if impacted by a projectile, such as road debris, while driving with the wind deflector in the upward-tilted…

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective laminate to the wind deflector to prevent pieces of glass from separating from the wind deflector frame. The recall began October 27, 2005. Owners may contact…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-11-06Air bags06V408000 On certain vehicles, the side impact seat-bolster and curtain side airbags may inadvertently deploy. This condition can occur if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed with a high rate of…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the two side impact airbag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These…

Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Scion tC — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility: 47 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 32 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 05V483000 · Visibility
Recall 06V408000 · Air bags
Recall 10V035000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 2005 Scion tC 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 2005 Scion tC?: The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Scion tC 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.