2008 Scion TC
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
27% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Burning oil bad
NHTSA ODI report, 20250219
RAPID OIL CONSUMPTION. OVER 4 QUARTS IN <2,000 MILES. PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 147,000 ODO
NHTSA ODI report, 20171224
13% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS VEHICLE WAS JUST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE IS DEMOLISHED, THE RADIATOR AND EVERYTHING CRUSHED AND SLAMMED BACK, FLUIDS LEAKING FROM EVERYTHING, EVEN BUCKLED THE PASSENGER DOOR, THE AIR...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180224
5% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1) THIS IS NOT A FAILURE DUE TO AN EVENT BUT A DESIGN FLAW ON THE SCION TC WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE "DRIVE-BY-WIRE". THE THROTTLE RESPONSE IS DELAYED BY 1/2 TO 1 FULL SECOND UPON LAYING FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070904
SAFETY TIMELINE
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WH
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA
Campaign 09V223000 — check if this car was fixed
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
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. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VE
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 RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Scion TC — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V223000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 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 2008 Scion TC?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Scion TC have?
3 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.