2012 Scion Iq problems
The Toyota iQ is a city car manufactured by Toyota and marketed in a single generation for Japan (2008–2016); Europe (2008–2015); and North America (2012–2015), where it was marketed as the Scion iQ. A rebadged variant was marketed in Europe as the Aston Martin Cygnet (2009–2013).
Designed at the Toyota European Design and Development studio in Nice, France, the iQ is noted for its specialized engineering to maximize passenger space and minimize length. The design accommodates four occupants, although one of the seats has very little legroom and is not suitable for adults.
Following a concept presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production iQ debuted at the March 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Japanese sales began in November 2008 and European sales in January 2009. In 2008, the iQ was named the Japanese Car of the Year.
The name iQ, an initialism of the term intelligence quotient, recalls a competitor, the Smart Fortwo. The letters "iQ" also stand for "individuality", "innovation", "quality", a hint at its "cubic form" and also a "cue" for owners to embrace new types of vehicles and lifestyles.
The iQ reached the end of production in December 2015, and it was discontinued in Japan in April 2016.
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Common 2012 Scion Iq problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2012 Scion iQ, common problems with this car include:
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Another common problem is excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent refills.
- Check Engine Light On: Some owners have experienced the check engine light coming on, indicating potential engine issues.
- Clanking And Shaking: Complaints include clanking and shaking, which could be indicative of engine or transmission problems.
- Stalls Out Without Warning: Owners have reported instances where the car stalls out without warning, posing safety concerns.
These issues highlight potential reliability concerns with the 2012 Scion iQ, impacting the performance and safety of the vehicle. It's essential for owners to address these problems promptly to ensure the longevity and functionality of their cars.
Is the Scion iQ a good car?
Slow, noisy, and uncomfortable, the iQ's few positives include exceptionally easy parking, and its very good 34-mpg overall fuel economy. The extremely tiny rear seats won't make anyone riding in the second row happy, and the numb and overly quick steering makes the iQ less-than-enjoyable to drive.
Why did they stop making Scion iQ?
The main issues which had a negative impact on the iQ included its size, its more spacious competition, its more spacious and more affordable competition, and perhaps even the logo above its front grille. “Physics are physics,” Scion's Doug Murtha said, “and they're nervous about driving a vehicle that size.”
Is Toyota iQ reliable?
Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability, though there are a few things to look out for with the IQ. The first concerns the gearbox, which can be hard to change gear, especially between second and third gear. If on your test drive it's hard to change gear, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
How many miles can a Toyota iQ do?
The trip hit 56mpg in the country, while our calculations back this up with an average of 50.7mpg. That's good going, but still well short of Toyota's claimed figure of 65.7mpg. Even so, you'll manage around 350 miles between fills, despite the iQ's tiny 35-litre tank.
2012 Scion Iq car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Scion Iq problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Scion Iq vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Scion Iq complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Scion Iq.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-23
- VIN: JTNJJXB08CJ
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: have a 2013 Scion IQ (auto/cvt). I had the 'check engine' and 'trac control' lights come on a few years ago.. I was driving on city streets. All I noticed was that the car didn't respond as it should when I gave it gas. ( nothing drastic ) I ran the codes. It said the gas pedal was the problem. I removed the pedal assembly. (it's easier to unplug it that way. I unplugged it and looked at the inside of the plug. All looked fine. Plugged the pedal back in and all was good then. (I'm sure I avoided a $500 bill ) Same problem just occurred a few years later. I didn't bother running the codes. I just unplugged/re-plugged the pedal. Saved another $500. Here's a scary one. I was driving the car the first light snow of the year. On a city street, going slow on level road. Just maintaining speed..... not slowing ..... not speeding up...... not turning. All of a sudden
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTNJJXB08CJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Scion iQ. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, another vehicle made a left turn, causing the contact to crash into the other vehicle; however, no air bags deployed. The contact was injured on her back and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,189.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-25
- VIN: Jtnjjxb05cj
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The paint of the body is defective
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-18
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION IQ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO RUDY LUTHER TOYOTA (8805 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: JTNJJXB0XCJ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT BEGAN PEELING ABOUT 13 MONTHS AGO AND NOW HAS BEGUN TO RUST IN THE OPEN METAL AREAS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTNJJXB0XCJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I GOT INTO 2 ACCIDENTS IN 3 DAYS WHILE PARKING INTO OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE FIRST ACCIDENT 07/04/2020, MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I PLACED THE CAR IN REVERSE AND SUDDENLY IT ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. MY VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME. THE SECOND ACCIDENT HAPPEN 7/7/2020 WHILE PULLING FORWARD INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AGAIN. I CRASHED INTO A CEMENT POLE WHICH STOPPED MY VEHICLE. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY THESE 2 DANGEROUS ACCIDENTS OCCURRED? MY VEHICLE WAS JUST REPAIRED OVER A WEEK BC THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. THE MECHANIC SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FROM A CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WAS CLOGGED, SO HE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW OEM PART. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT ALSO, SO THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE AIR COMPRESSOR IN CAR AT THE SAME TIME. I WISH TO FILE A REPORT BASED ON THE "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" DANGER.
STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-15
- VIN: JTNJJXB03CJ
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: PAINT IS COMING OFF OF CAR IN DIFFERENT PLACES & TO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION EVEN AFTER CHANGING EGR VALUE HAVE TO ADD OIL TO OFTEN.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
- VIN: JTNJJXB05CJ
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PISTON ARE BURNING A QT OF OIL PER 200 MILES OR LESS AND PAINT FLAKING ON CAR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-15
- VIN: JTNJJXB08CJ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE ENTIRE CAR. THE BODY SHOP SAID IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, MODEL & COLOR. WHY WON'T TOYOTA DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-05
- VIN: JTNJJXB09CJ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: STARTING BACK IN OCTOBER TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD CAR HAD NO OIL. I BRING MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGES, SO WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS GOING ON, SO I DISMISSED IT... BROUGHT CAR BACK TODAY 01/10/18 HAD THEM CHECK THE OIL LEVELS AND THE CAR NEEDED 2 1/2 LITTER OF OIL... I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE PISTONS... PLEASE RECALL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-20
- VIN: JTNJJXB07CJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IN MANHATTAN WASEEM NASEEM AHMED AND YES IT MAHMOOD DID HEROINE,MARIJUANA AND ROBBERY CRIME ON THIS SCION2012 VEHICLE IN THE ABSENT OF OWNER CAR OWNER IN JUNE 2015 AND THAT CASE STILL NOT CLOSE THEY NEED BOTH OF THEM INFORMATION I AM READY TO GIVE THERE INFORMATION BCUZ I WANT TO REMOVE FLAG FROM MY CAR PLEASE.I HAVE NO OTHER CARS I NEED TO DRIVE IT.THEY DETECTIVE OF MANHATTAN'S SAID UNTIL YOU DIDNOT TELL YOUR BROTHER NAME OR INFO I DIDNOT REMOVE FLAG ON YOUR CAR.AND ALOT OF TIME I DROVE MY VEHICLE BUT I AM STILL SCARED IF SOMEONE KNOW THIS CAR HAS FLAG ON IT THEN WHAT HAPPENS AND NOW I WANT TO CHANGE ITS SOME PARTS WITH SAME MODELS JUNK CAR AND THEN I WILL DRIVE IT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-29
- VIN: JTNJJXB01CJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR MAT ATTACHMENT HAS BROKEN OFF. THE PLASTIC ARMS HAVE SNAPPED AT THE END OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE FLOOR MATS NOW MOVE AROUND AND PRESENT A POSSIBLE SAFETY RISK IF THE FLOOR MAT BECOMES LODGED UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN COLD THE CV TRANSMISSION IN THE IQ WILL NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO PULL AWAY UP A STEEP HILL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, IT WILL PULL THE SAME HILL WITH NO PROBLEM WHEN WARM. THE IQ HAS A CV TRANSMISSION AND IT FAILS TO ADJUST TO A HIGH ENOUGH RPM TO PULL AWAY UP A STEEP (10%) GRADE. THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS AS EITHER NO OR VERY SLOW FORWARD PROGRESS (LESS THAN WALKING SPEED) EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR HARD DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE REP SEEMED UNCONCERNED ABOUT THE ISSUE. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-23
- VIN: JTNJJXB01CJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION IQ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS NOT STABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE DEALER PERFORMED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 3/28/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING HAD A QUICK OVER STEER, CREATING A DANGEROUS CONDITION, WHEN HAVING TO QUICKLY CHANGE DIRECTION WHILE TRAVELING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTNJJXB08CJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT ENDED IN A TOTAL LOSS. THE IQ WAS HIT BY AN F150 TRUCK AND NONE OF THE IQ AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE IQ WAS AT JOEMYERS TOYOTA ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO FIX THE SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. WE HAVE PAPERWORK FROM JOEMYERS TOYOTA IN HOUSTON, TX STATING THAT THEY CAR'S SAFETY RECALL CONCERNS WERE REPAIRED. THE IQ WAS SOLD TO US AS BEING SAFE BASED ON THE AMOUNT AND PLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. THE DRIVER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, TAKEN BY AMBULANCE AND STILL RECOVERING FROM A BRAIN INJURY. THE RESCUE WORKERS, DOCTORS,ATTORNEYS ETC SAID IF THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED THE INJURY TO THE DRIVER'S BRAIN WOULD NOT OF BEEN SO SEVERE. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM, THE DRIVER COULD HAVE DIED BASED ON THE IQ NOT BEING SAFE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTNJJXB08CJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION IQ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A UNKNOWN SPEED, SHE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND RIBS DUE TO STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 12V528000 (AIR BAGS) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT ALL OF THE VEHICLES UNDER THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE BODY REPAIR TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSORS WERE TOO LOW TO ACTIVATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 562.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-29
- VIN: JTNJJXB07CJ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CLEANING FRONT OF CAR WITH A WET TERRY CLOTH...RUBBED PAINT RIGHT OFF THE FRONT NEAR HOOD EMBLEM. THANKS EPA FOR CRAP PAINT. *TR
2012 Scion Iq recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Scion Iq.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Scion IQ vehicles manufactured July 31, 2011, through October 12, 2012. The cable for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) may become damaged when sliding the passenger seat forward or backward.
- Consequence: If the cable for the OCS becomes damaged, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Negative 2012 Scion Iq car reviews
Positive 2012 Scion Iq car reviews
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I've owned many cars in the past. Recently, I decided to trade in my truck for a new vehicle. On my way to work last Thursday, I stopped to put $25 worth of gas in the truck. However, the next day after work, the gas light came on and I was frustrated. Luckily, I was near the Toyota dealer and decided to take a look at their Scions. My daughter has one and I was impressed with its reliability. I learned that the IQ was the cheapest to maintain over 3 years, so I decided to trade in my truck for the IQ. And just like that, I was off in my new car!
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I absolutely love my 2012 Scion iQ! Out of all the cars I've owned or shared with my partner, including Toyota, Buick, Ford, Mazda, and Subaru, this one takes the cake. While it may not be for everyone, it's perfect for city living where parking is at a premium. The thoughtful design makes it feel like a normal car for the driver and front passenger, despite being a 2-person mini. The stock sound system is great and the CVT is smooth. I firmly believe that a car should be loved only as much as it's reliable, and this one has been incredibly reliable. It's not the most fuel-efficient car out there, but it's frugal enough. I've only had to take it in for oil changes, battery and tire changes, and it's never been in for anything else. It's almost 10 years old now, but it still runs like it's brand new. I plan to celebrate its 10th birthday by giving it some love and getting it detailed. As long as parts are available, I'm confident it will last another 10 years. When was the last time you owned a car that reliable?
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I bought my IQ on January 3rd, 2012, right after it arrived at my local Toyota Dealer. Since then, I've put 3600 miles on it. Before the IQ, I had a 2010 Challenger, which had serious blind spots and required a lot of mirror checking and head movement just to change lanes. The IQ, on the other hand, is very nimble and easy to see out of. To make it even better, I had the Scion Red rear stabilizer bar installed by the dealer. Although it took about a week to arrive and be installed, it was worth every penny in my opinion. Before the installation, the rear would lean quite a bit during spirited cornering, but now the IQ maintains a flat stance in corners with very little lean.
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I have owned 3 Smart cars before and I really enjoy driving small cars. The Japanese technology in the IQ motivated me to purchase one. While Smart cars are like Mercedes dressed as Smarts, they can be expensive to repair and service, which can negate any savings in gasoline. However, when I test drove the IQ, I was amazed at how spacious and comfortable it was, with better suspension and the added bonus of 4 seats. In Puerto Rico, both the Smart and IQ cost around $20,000 with taxes and hidden costs. Although the IQ is not a racing car, it performs well on streets and expressways, with good air conditioning and music. I am very pleased with my purchase and even sold my motorcycle for a safer ride. As a Mustang 6cyl driver, I appreciate the IQ's economy and compact size, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a practical and efficient car. I highly recommend it.
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What a great car for the money! I've had it for almost 2 months now and it's been such a reliable small gas getter. Being a Toyota, it gets around 37mpg and is so comfortable and fun to drive. Plus, it comes loaded with options! I spent 5 hours waxing and detailing it and even tinted the windows - it looks amazing! You don't see too many of them around, which makes it even more special. Before this car, I was driving a full-size truck that only got around 14mpg, so I'm really happy with the gas prices right now (around $2 a gallon in OH). It's so nice to fill up the gas tank for only $13 and drive it for over a week. Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable and fun ride!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Scion Iq problems:
Is the iq a reliable car? | Scion IQ Forums
Sep 15, 2018 ... No do not buy an IQ. They have problems with oil consumption and the white ones have peeling paint issues. I own a 2012 white Scion IQ and ...
Scion iQ Problems: 2012 Model, Engine Issues & Manual ...
May 31, 2021 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Engine Problems - Report Them Here | Scion IQ Forums
Apr 9, 2012 ... noise has gone away. Maybe you should print off this thread to show your mechanic....this is common for our iQ's and surely somebody out there ...
Scion IQ oil burning problem : r/MechanicAdvice
Aug 27, 2023 ... 2012 Scion IQ burning oil. I've owned my 2012 scion IQ for about 7 years now. It's reached about 105,000 miles and it's been losing about a ...
2012 Scion iQ Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Scion iQ? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Scion Iq
Are you having problems with your 2012 Scion Iq?
Royal Herman 2024-01-20
For a small car, it may not have the zip or exceptional fuel economy that you would expect. Additionally, it does not have rear disc brakes or any fancy features to justify its 'premium' compact branding. The engine can make a terrible noise and sound like it has valve problems, but it usually quiets down when warmed up, which may give some doubt to its long-term reliability. The steering wheel can make scraping sounds, and the brake pedal can make loud and annoying clicking sounds. However, it is important to note that Toyota technology and quality are not present in this car.