Scion Ia problems
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Scion Ia model years
Common Scion Ia problems
The Scion iA, a subcompact sedan introduced in 2016, has garnered a reputation for certain issues and complaints from its owners. While the car offers affordability, ease of driving, and high efficiency, it is crucial to be aware of these common problems to make an informed decision when considering this vehicle.
- Engine Issues: Engine problems have been reported in the Scion iA, ranging from oil leaks to more serious issues that impact performance. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's reliability and require regular maintenance to prevent further damage.
- Electronic Glitches: Various electronic issues have been reported, affecting features like the infotainment system and power windows. These glitches can be frustrating for owners and may require professional assistance to resolve.
- Airbag Failure: Some buyers have reported that the airbags fail to deploy in case of a crash. This safety concern is critical and can significantly impact the vehicle's safety rating.
- Low Sales Volume and Recall: The Scion iA has a low sales volume, which can affect the availability of parts and service for the vehicle. Additionally, it has not been recalled by the brand, which may indicate a lack of significant issues in the eyes of the manufacturer. However, it is essential to consider that recalls often occur after a more significant number of complaints have been reported.
- Rough Idling: Some owners have reported rough idling when coming to a complete stop, which can be caused by various factors, including issues with the engine or fuel system.
- Joystick Control Issues: A few owners have reported issues with the joystick control, such as sudden twisting or malfunctioning, which can affect the vehicle's operation and user experience.
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Some owners have reported installing the wrong size battery, which can lead to performance issues and reduced reliability.
- Transmission Noise: Some owners have reported transmission noise when shifting, which can be a sign of wear or damage in the transmission system.
- Dashboard Shutdown: A few owners have reported issues with the dashboard shutting down, affecting the vehicle's instrument cluster and various functions.
It is essential to note that while these issues have been reported, the Scion iA has also had many satisfied owners. Proper maintenance, careful consideration of the model year, and due diligence in selecting a pre-owned vehicle can help potential buyers steer clear of these common problems. Additionally, it is crucial to consult with mechanics and consider certified pre-owned options to ensure a satisfying ownership experience with the Scion iA.
Are scions iA reliable?
The Scion iA is generally known for its reliability, and many owners report that their vehicles have reached well over 150,000 miles without significant issues.
Is a Scion iA a sports car?
What has sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics, serious trunk space and will be available in September? The all-new Scion iA sports sedan. It arrives on the scene soon and features an MSRP of $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic.
Is the Scion iA a Mazda?
The badge may say Scion, but this car is built by Mazda and uses Mazda parts.
Is the Scion iA safe?
As one of the highest-rated vehicles in its class for crashworthiness, the Scion iA is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Scion Ia years
We have researched Scion problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Scion Ia cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Scion Ia model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Scion Ia model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Scion Ia years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Scion Ia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Scion Ia , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Scion Ia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ia model years
A total of 6 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ia model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 23 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Scion Ia . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Scion Ia vehicles.
List of Scion Ia complaints
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-28
- VIN: 3mydlbzv7gy
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Very poorly wired and wires are spliced together which I a fire hazard
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-12
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-14
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV0GY
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Was getting off work. Started car and Engine system malfunction light, DSC malfunction light, TPMS System Malfunction light, Auto transmission malfunction light, and SCBS malfunction light all turned on. Car was not currently in motion when lights went on. Was in parking lot. Turned car off, and restarted, lights remained on. Drove vehicle 6.8 miles home, car was in limp mode. When at home used OBD2 scan tool and got codes P0847 C1031 U0401 B13D3 Cleared codes and unplugged 12 volt battery to reset system. Only engine system malfunction light remained. Parked car overnight and went to dealership next morning. Car drove on highway and car seemed fine. Dealership scan car and received code P0847, tech cleared code and test drove car. Problem can not be reproduced.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV7GY
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SCION IA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THEY CRASHED INTO A WILD HORSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM AS OF YET. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-06
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-28
- VIN: 3MYDLBZVXGY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR HAS UNDER 60,000 MILES, I BOUGHT IT WITH ABOUT 28,000 ON IT AND IT HAS HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE DISPLAY. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP, WHO SAID THE WHOLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED, WHICH IS ABOUT $1200 WITH PARTS AND LABOR. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT CAUSES THE DISPLAY TO GO IN AND OUT, WHICH HAPPENS ALSO WITH THE BACKUP CAMERA.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2020-03-02
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV4GY
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT ITSELF OFF IN THE ROAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT WILL DISPLAY ON THE DASH. HOWEVER, WHEN I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE THERE ARE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHATSOEVER. THIS CAR HAS BEEN LOOKED AT BY 3 CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALERS AND NONE OF THE MECHANICS CAN ACCURATELY PINPOINT THE ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED THIS CAR WILL SHUT ITSELF DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE A COLLISION. WORST EXPERIENCE WITH A CAR I'VE EVER HAD. SURPRISINGLY NEWER MODEL VEHICLE AND THIS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. THE CAR MAINLY SPUTTERS AND STALLS AT IDLE OR LOW SPEEDS. WE HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSES. NOTHING LEFT TO DO AT THIS POINT EXCEPT REPLACE THE CAR. I FEELS IT IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-26
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV3GY
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES AND I SLAMMED ON MINE AND THEN THE CAR BEHIND ME HIT ME AND I HIT THE CARIN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN HIT FROM BEHIND AND THEN I HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME . MY CAR IS TOTALED. PLEASE FILE COMPLAINT AND GET BACK TO ME
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-22
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV2GY
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WHINE AFTER USED CAR PURCHASE WITH 91K MILES. TOOK IT TO TOYOTA OF GREENVILLE FOR DIAGNOSTIC. NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO RALPH HAYES TOYOTA OF ANDERSON WHEW I PURCHASED AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. SINCE THEN THERE HAS BEEN A TRANSMISSION GRINDING AND SEVERE VIBRATION WHILE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASKED FOR A BUY BACK. THEY DECLINED. I ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR LACK OF CARING AND UNDERSTANDING. TOYOTA CORPORATE DOES NOT CARE. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING THIS VIBRATION AND BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS NOW BECAUSE IT STALLS OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. WHEN IT DOES GO IT LAUNCHES FORWARD. ALSO THE VIBRATION IS SO SEVERE IT WILL SHAKE THE TEETH IN MY MOUTH. I HAVE VIDEO ON MY PHONE OF THE TRANSMISSION ALSO HANGING UP IN GEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA CORPORATE DID NOT SEEM TO CARE I HAD PROOF THE NEW TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY. ALSO, THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM KEEPS CRASHING AND WAS QUOTED ALMOST $2,000 TO FIX IT. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT'S A COMMON PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE TO FIX IT. ON TOP OF IT ALL THE BRAKES ARE HORRIBLE AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL ARE LOUD AND ACT LIKE THEY DON'T WANT TO STOP. WET CONDITIONS ALSO MAKE BRAKING MORE DIFFICULT. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY THE PASSENGER SEAT IS SENSITIVE TO WEIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL TURN TO ON AND THE SEAT BELT WILL CHIME EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT. MY CELL PHONE CAN BE SITTING IN THE SEAT AND IT MAKES IT CHIME AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ACTIVE.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2019-09-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV0GY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SCION IA. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY DOWNSHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY DECELERATE. DURING THE FAILURE, A LOUD GRINDING METAL NOISE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND CAUSED A SECOND VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. IN A SEPARATE INCIDENT, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES FROM WHEN THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY REDUCED SPEED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. LAKE CITY TOYOTA (12059 LAKE CITY WAY NE, SEATTLE, WA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1909103427). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-18
- Date Complaint: 2019-05-18
- VIN: 3MYDLBZVXGY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CAR TRUCK POPS OPEN RANDOMLE WILE DRIVING!
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-20
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-22
- VIN: 3MYDLBZVXGY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN AT A STOP THE ENGINE STARTS TO SHAKE LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO TURN OFF WE BOUGHT IT WITH 29000 MILES NOTICED IT A WEEK AFTER WE BOUGHT IT AND IT HAS DONE IT A FEW TIMES THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND ANY CODES TO REMEDY IT. THE CHECK ENGINE DOES NOT COME ON BUT IT DOES SHAKE VIOLENTLY.IT HAS 35000 MILES NOW.I HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND IT STILL PUTTERS AT THE LIGHT. MOSTLY WITH THE A/C OFF
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-12
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-13
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV2GY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED...FIRST THEY SAID BATTERY...WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH START BLINKING (ABS, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, AND OTHERS), THEN THE ENGINE GOES INTO LOW HEAR AND STAYS UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. DURING THESE EPISODES THE SPEED ODOMETER IS ERRATIC. ALSO WHEN IN THIS STATE, THE REVERSE GEAR DOES NOT ENGAGE. WHEN THIS STARTED IT WAS A ONCE A MONTH PROBLEM, THEN WEEKLY, NOW IT HAPPENS DAILY/HOURLY. IT STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY, MOST OF THE TIME AT STOPS AND LOWER SPEEDS BUT DOES HAPPEN ON FREEWAY TOO.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2018-11-19
- VIN: 3MYDLBZVXGY
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH START BLINKING (ABS, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, AND OTHERS), THEN THE ENGINE GOES INTO LOW HEAR AND STAYS UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. DURING THESE EPISODES THE SPEED ODOMETER IS ERRATIC. ALSO WHEN IN THIS STATE, THE REVERSE GEAR DOES NOT ENGAGE. WHEN THIS STARTED IT WAS A ONCE A MONTH PROBLEM, THEN WEEKLY, NOW IT HAPPENS DAILY/HOURLY. IT STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY, MOST OF THE TIME AT STOPS AND LOWER SPEEDS BUT DOES HAPPEN ON FREEWAY TOO.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV8GY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS ABOUT TO PARK AT A BURGER KING STORE AT DELANO CALIFORNIA 93215 AND SLOWING DOWN WHEN MY SCION IA SPEED UP MORE AND KEPT ON RUNNING WHILE MY FOOT IS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE. SO I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE STORE. IT ONLY STOP BECAUSE THE TIRE WHERE ALREADY UP. I TRIED TO REVERSE MY CAR BUT CANNOT MOVE ANYMORE.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-09
- VIN: 3MYDLBZV7GY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 2016 SCION IA. BRAKES MAKE LOUD NOISE WHEN APPLIED AFTER COLD START OR LONG PERIOD OF TIME ENGINE IS OFF. NOISE DISAPPEARS AFTER 3-5 BRAKE ATTEMPTS AND BRIEFLY SHOWS UP AGAIN AFTERWARDS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS.
Scion Ia 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2018-08-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MYDLBV3GY1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SCION IA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON ACCELERATING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK (T-BONED) BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT'S OLDER SON SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Latest negative Scion Ia car reviews
Latest positive Scion Ia car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2016
Hi there! I'm so glad to hear that your car is still running smoothly even after all those miles! It sounds like you take really good care of it by keeping up with maintenance and using ultra gas. Your advice is really helpful for anyone looking to keep their car in great condition. Thanks for sharing!
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Vehicle year: 2016
I recently purchased a Scion iA, which is known as a Mazda2 in the rest of the world. The Scion packaging came with all the amenities I wanted as standard, and I was thrilled to find one online with a 6-speed manual - an option that is becoming increasingly rare in the USA. The iA/2 is a blast to drive, with much better handling than my previous BMW i3. Despite its modest price tag, it is very well-built and comfortable on long trips, getting close to 40 mpg on the highway. I drove it from Colorado to the West Coast - a journey of about 1100 miles - right after I got it, and I absolutely loved it. While I would have preferred a hatchback to the sedan, the later hatchback versions of the car imported under the Yaris iA name only came with automatics, which would have killed the main appeal of this car for me. Although it's not the fastest car out there, I find the driving characteristics to be a lot of fun - you definitely have to keep the engine revved if you're in a hurry.
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Vehicle year: 2016
This was a fantastic experience. I adore my car, but even more so, I appreciate the Naperville Toyota dealership. Scott, my salesman, was incredibly helpful and informative. He took the time to explain everything to me, and I never felt pressured to make a decision. I will definitely be returning and recommending this dealership to others.
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Vehicle year: 2016
It's such a lovely little car, and I absolutely adore it!
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Vehicle year: 2016
Overall, the car is a great value for your money.
Are you having problems with your Scion Ia?
Hazel Hermiston 2024-11-24
Vehicle year: 2016
In 2016, at 61,000 miles, I had to put $1,200 towards a fuel pump. Right after that, the stereo went out in just 4 minutes. It's frustrating that with electric cars, you can't top off your gas like you can with other Toyotas. To make matters worse, the charcoal canister clogged and cost $400 to replace. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this car.
Vance Breitenberg 2024-10-27
Vehicle year: 2016
I purchased this car used a year ago with only 12,000 miles on it. Currently, it has 33,000 miles. Recently, I have been experiencing an electrical issue where the car loses power and all the dash warning lights come on, along with flickering headlights, when I accelerate after stopping. I took it to a Toyota dealership, but they were unable to identify the problem. Despite this, I am confident that the issue will be resolved soon and I will be able to drive my car without any concerns.
Franco Crist 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 2016
Hello there! If you're considering purchasing a car, I would like to share my experience with the Scion and Toyota Ia. In my personal experience, I have found these cars to be unreliable and cheaply made. Additionally, the tires for this car are quite unique and can be difficult to find, which can be frustrating. I have also noticed that the 'low rolling resistance' tires can make driving in damp conditions a bit tricky. I have had some issues with the Smart City Brake sensors, which can be a bit costly to repair. Overall, I would recommend doing some research and considering other options before making a purchase. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this matter!
Julius Lemke 2024-09-12
Vehicle year: 2016
I purchased the Scion iA in 2016 and initially loved it. While it is a compact car and doesn't have many luxury features, it seemed like a great value and had excellent gas mileage. Unfortunately, with less than 30,000 miles, it has developed a major transmission-related issue. The car intermittently experiences a loss of power, causing it to stall out or die in traffic, which is a major safety concern. Despite taking it to Dan Wolf Toyota of Naperville (IL), they have been unable to duplicate the problem and therefore refuse to fix the car. Although the car stalled while their porter was driving it, they still cannot pinpoint the issue. They have kept the car for a total of 3 weeks on two separate occasions. The last time the car died, I had to pay $160 to have it towed to them. Unfortunately, corporate will not allow them to replace the transmission for an intermittent problem. It's important for potential buyers to be aware of this issue. It's worth noting that the same car is now being sold under the Toyota brand as the Yaris iA.
Jayce Sanford 2024-02-23
Vehicle year: 2016
I have seen many other reviews that are similar to mine, and unfortunately, I have to agree that my experience with this car has not been great. I attempted to start a lemon law claim due to my transmission constantly blowing and loss of traction when raining, but unfortunately, I never received the paperwork back. My transmission broke after less than a year of owning the car, and even after a new transmission was installed, it happened again. Sierra Toyota (CA) informed me that it would be a recurring problem due to the vibrations of the car. Additionally, my center console fell through, and Toyota has yet to fix it, despite my regular servicing of the car. I almost crashed once in the rain when my car randomly spun out on the freeway (I informed them of this when I started my claim), and although they said it was probably my fault, I did crash a different time because my car lost traction on the freeway. The tires are difficult to obtain for this car because it is a special size that only Scion makes, but unfortunately, they are not of good quality. I would advise everyone against purchasing this car, especially if you have a family.