Scion Fr-s 2013 problems
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
The 2+2 fastback coupé has a naturally-aspirated boxer engine, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance and low centre of gravity; it was inspired by Toyota's earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club and drift racing.
For the first-generation model, Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 in Asia, Australia, North America (from August 2016), South Africa, and South America; as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua and Jamaica and as the Scion FR-S (2012–2016) in the United States and Canada.
The second-generation model is marketed by Toyota as the GR86 as part of the Gazoo Racing family.
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Common Scion Fr-s 2013 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Scion FR-S 2013 model, several common problems have been identified:
- Clutch Release Bearing Failure: Owners have reported issues with the clutch release bearing, especially in cold weather. Symptoms include gears grinding when the clutch is depressed, the clutch sitting too high, and hard shifting. Failure to replace the clutch release bearing promptly can lead to damage to the transmission housing, pressure plate, and shaft.
- Engine Control Unit (ECU) Programming: Some owners have experienced unstable engine revs in neutral due to incorrectly programmed ECUs. This can result in rough idling, engine misfire, and extended cranking. Reprogramming the ECU is necessary to address this issue.
- Disabled Interlock System: Scion FR-S cars were delivered with the interlock system disabled to prevent transmission damage during transport. Some cars were never reconnected, leading to issues. Toyota issued a recall to correct this problem in early 2016.
- Cracked Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug is prone to cracking from over-torquing. A cracked drain plug can cause oil leaks from the bottom of the oil pan, risking engine damage due to low oil levels.
- Valve Springs Defect: Some FR-S models were equipped with defective valve springs, which could lead to engine failure if not addressed. Scion issued a recall for this issue, but not all affected cars may have been repaired.
- Heavily Modified Models: Avoid purchasing heavily modified FR-S models, especially those used for racing. Modifications like turbo kits, lightweight crankshaft pulleys, and lowered suspensions can accelerate wear and compromise the car's long-term reliability.
These problems highlight the importance of thorough inspection and maintenance when considering a used Scion FR-S 2013 model to ensure a trouble-free ownership experience.
Scion Fr-s 2013 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Scion Fr-s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Scion Fr-s 2013 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Scion Fr-s 2013
The NHTSA has received 173 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Scion Fr-s 2013. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Scion Fr-s 2013 vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: JF1ZNAA1XD1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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. the car is also misfiring and ive noticed a large loss of power from the car. it started back in june and i just havent really gotten it fixed yet. usually when im driving itll kind of just buffer and a check engine light is thrown on but it ends up going off after a couple drives.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-13
- VIN: JF1ZNAA17D1
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-28
- VIN: JF1ZNAA14D1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-31
- VIN: JF1ZNAA15D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The engine suffered catastrophic failure 2,988 miles after the J02 Saftey recall was performed by Preston Toyota of New Castle, PA. I was travelling at highway speeds when the engine died and would not turn on. I lost all power brakes and could have wrecked and injured myself, others or worse, caused a fatality. The car was towed to a toyota dealership that confirmed the issue was due to the work performed during the recall on the car. The oil light flashed a few times then shut off and then a few seconds later the engine died.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-28
- VIN: JF1ZNAA15D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle suffered engine failure in line with previous recalled, and subsequently repaired parts. Both Toyota & Subaru have refused to repair. Vehicle is under 100,000 miles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1ZNAA19D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine stalled won't crank over or run anymore. Mechanic said it was a valve spring issue and vehicle had a recall that entitled engine to be replaced by Toyota.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-02
- VIN: JF1ZNAA10D2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting the parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that once the parts for the repair were available, the mechanic informed her that the manufacturer would not be covering the repairs on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-02
- VIN: JF1ZNAA14D1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering locks and binds up and clunks while driving, makes steering. Creates dangerous situations as you cannot steer when this occurs. Diagnosed as a failed electric steering damper, repair performed by owner as dealer quoted over $900 for the repair to replace the entire electric power steering motor. This should be a recall as it affects the steering of the car. This failure occurs so commonly on these cars that owners are repairing it themselves with no manufacturer help. See: https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133606
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-21
- VIN: JF1ZNAA10D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine failure. My safety is compromised by car leaving me stranded at an unpreditable time. Serviced center fixed vehicle twice unsuccecfully because different engine brand but joint partnership. No warning lamps were present before or after failure of engine.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-23
- VIN: JF1ZNAA1XD1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check oil warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was decelerating. The contact drove into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve spring had fractured. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that 115 miles after the repair there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle began to run rough. While driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to feel as if it was decelerating with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was coming from the bottom of the engine. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-17
- VIN: JF1ZNAA15D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Under normal driving conditions, a well maintained 79k car, the joint that holds up cylinder #2 failed, totalling the engine. Thankfully the rod did not kill me.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-03
- VIN: JF1ZNAA19D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: It is my belief that the valve spring on the engine broke, even after the recall work had been done. I was getting out of my car and heard, what sounded like, metal under tension popping really loudly. After that the engine made a rattling noise. In hindsight I should have known something was wrong, but I had an oil change at the dealer in 2 days and thought they would hear it. After the oil change they didn't say anything so I felt it was ok. On my way home from work the following day, less than 40 miles after the oil change, the car suddenly completely shut off while I was driving home on the highway. What saved my life was that I was getting off the highway in the right lane and was able to roll the car slightly off the highway. Had this been in any other lane I might have been in an accident. Trying to restart the car on the side of the road it had a terrible knocking noise and sounded like something was spinning freely. I had it towed to the dealer as they had just changed the oil thinking that was it. They "looked" at it a couple days later and said it was a spun bearing and that it was normal wear and tear. The car only has 103,000 miles on it and was driven normally, with regular maintenance. Upon retrieving the car the tow truck driver stated that's not normal to happen, and I noticed the car was in the same place as where I had it towed originally. The dealer never actually inspected or looked at the car and just made the spun bearing assessment without trying to start it, as the battery was dead from trying to restart on the highway. No one has since touched the car, and some research online shows that I am not the only person this has happened to. The recall stated that the valve springs could break while driving and the car would suddenly shut off with no warning. This is exactly what happened, while driving on the highway home. According to the dealer it is a spun bearing but that is not what it sounds like at all. It definitely sounds like a rod.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-18
- VIN: JF1ZNAA14D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The day before the incident, took the vehicle for an oil change at dealership. Driving in a Interstate 8 under construction and vehicle had engine malfunction turning off and also turned off power steering creating difficulty steering, could have created accident on freeway jeopardize my safety and of others. The engine malfunction started by making a rattling sound and turning off the engine. Since my vehicle is Standard/Manual transmission, I stepped on the clutch and the rattling stop making me coast with the moment it had. I removed the clutch to turn on the vehicle and the rattling continued so I put it in neutral, waited to slow down to push the vehicle onto an emergency lane (since the freeway was under construction and the lanes had Jersey Barriers). The problem hasn't been able to reproduce because the vehicle cannot restart, contact local dealership and rejected to perform recall unless I put down $2,000 (November 2018). Sent out to a local shop but didn't have workers with Boxer engine knowledge. Contact DMV for guidance about rejection on recall (which happened again on March 2022) and made another appointment at local dealership. They rejected me again without inspecting recall component and commented that "It was suspicious that you haven't had the recall done on it". There wasn't any check engine light nor abs or any message prior to the failure.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-28
- VIN: Jf1znaa15d2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Was going down the road. To a fast food place. As soon as I turned. A pop happens and the whole car started to shake. All the maintenance was done every 6k miles. Got the car at 32k miles Went to Toyota. And they called and said it was engine failure “mechanical failure” then they called back and said there was no coolant. In my eyes I feel it’s to cover their end to not do a recall.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-19
- VIN: JF1ZNAA17D2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: 2013 SCION FR-S Valve spring recall notice was received in the mail. Recalled valve spring replacement caused engine to seize twice. The first time the engine seized Tustin Toyota admitted fault, noting issue was from recall fix and repaired the engine at no cost. The second time the engine seized Toyota denied responsibility and wanted to charge $5000
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-02
- VIN: JF1ZNAA10D1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: After completing the valve spring recall I got my car back and not 200 miles later the engine started to have rod knock. The Toyota dealership told me that there was now metal in my oil pan and I would need a new engine. This is not a unique issue, it has been happening to hundreds of other cars going through this exact recall, for years now.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-16
- VIN: Jf1znaa16d1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My issue is that I was never notified and I just so happened to look up out of curiosity and I’m upset that something bad could have possibly happened.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-13
- VIN: JF1ZNAA14D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Toyota of El Cajon performed the J02 recall for engine valve springs on August 13, 2020 at 98, 448 mileage. Toyota of El Cajon performed service oil/filter change, coolant change, and multipoint inspection June 2021 (work order 356309). The engine of my 2013 Scion FR-S malfunctioned with a rod knock on July 13, 2021 at 105k mileage, eleven months after J02 recall performed. There were no warnings lamps, oil lights, or any messages prior to failure. The only symptom was the engine rod knock when the car starts. Toyota of El Cajon technician and shop floorman do not know the cause, yet they attempt to deny that this issue relates to the J02 recall. They said it would cost a "couple thousand" to take apart the engine to investigate the cause. They said it would be $9k out of my pocket to replace the short block and would be "terribly expensive". I towed my unfixed vehicle home through my insurance. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. I am contacting Toyota Corporate to create claim #. Engine failure after J02 recall is a well-known issue. There are several other cases of this happening and a Class Action lawsuit due to workmanship error and sealant. This issue should be fixed by the dealership/manufacturer without cost to consumer. The safety, reliability and reputation of the vehicle depends on it. Do the right thing!
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-03
- VIN: JF1ZNAA1XD2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I was driving down the road and felt the car lose power. Shortly, after the traction control and check engine light came on. I pulled over and a I slowed the engine died on me. It took several tries and it finally started and I made it home going about 45. The next day I went to town and as I pulled into a parking lot the engine completely died again. I went to the parts store right next door and the code read can shaft sensor fault. I then slowly drove to a family members house and where we replaced those sensors. This didn't fix anything. I then took it too my mechanic who proceeded to tell me I needed a new engine. There were multiple codes showing with his code reader. I only remember low oil pressure but the oil was full. Tried to drive it back to family members (less than 2 miles)but it didn't make it and I had to have it towed home.i had the valve spring recall repaired in the summer of 2020. My car has 103,000 miles and has had every oil change and had a tune up when I took it to the dealership for the recall.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-18
- VIN: JF1ZNAA12D2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I started my car and immediately hears a knocking noise and I as drive or stay idled and rev my engine a bit I can hear the knocking noise as well.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-04
- VIN: JF1ZNAA16D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of an unknown recall. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer and the engine was replaced. The contact then stated while driving the vehicle two months later, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the oil valve needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred two years later. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the warranty coverage being expired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,900.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-17
- VIN: JF1ZNAA10D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 SCION FR-S. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,003.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-17
- VIN: JF1ZNAA18D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A ROAD TRIP. DURING THE TRIP THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING EXCESSIVELY. UPON PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE WE INSPECTED THE ENGINE TO SEE A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE UPON FURTHER INSPECTION.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-20
- VIN: JF1ZNAA18D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD NEAR MY HOUSE AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE SO I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS FINE SO I KEPT DRIVING AND IT STARTED GETTING WORSE SO I HAD TO TOW THE CAR HOME
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-12
- VIN: JF1ZNAA12D1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHICH WITH TIME I BELIEVE IT'S GOING TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING
Scion Fr-s 2013 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Scion Fr-s 2013.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: 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. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
- Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: 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. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- 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 being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.
- Consequence: IF A USER READS AND FOLLOWS INACCURATE OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION, THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO A FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
- Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED INSERTS FOR THE OWNERS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 3, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-866-707-2466.
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