2015 Scion Iq problems

get an estimate
scion logo

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.

2015 Scion Iq

Social links

Common 2015 Scion Iq problems

The Scion IQ, a compact city car produced by Toyota, has faced several issues that have contributed to its poor sales performance. The main problems that have been reported by owners of the 2015 Scion IQ include its size, competition, and fuel efficiency.

One of the biggest issues with the Scion IQ is its size. While the car is designed for urban residents in crowded cities, it is simply too small for many Americans who live in more spread-out suburbs and drive more miles every day on cheaper gasoline.

The Scion IQ's competition is another major issue. The car faces stiff competition from more spacious and more affordable models, which has led to a decline in sales.

Fuel efficiency is another area where the Scion IQ falls short. While the car is rated by the EPA at 37 mpg combined (36 mpg city, 37 mpg highway), many U.S. drivers assume it gets 60 or even 70 mpg. This misconception, combined with the car's small size, has led to disappointment among some buyers.

In terms of reliability, the Scion IQ has received mixed reviews. U.S. News based its reliability score on the J.D. Power predicted reliability rating of three-out-of-five, meaning slightly above average.

In summary, the Scion IQ has faced several issues that have contributed to its poor sales performance. The car's small size, competition, and fuel efficiency have all been cited as problems by owners of the 2015 model. Additionally, while the car has received mixed reviews in terms of reliability, there are some safety concerns, particularly regarding the car's crash safety ratings and the number of airbags it has.

2015 Scion Iq engine

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.

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.

Is the Scion a reliable car?

While the Scion brand may no longer be in production, it was a subsidiary of Toyota, a brand known for producing durable and reliable vehicles. This reliability has transferred well to the Scion xB, which boasts a generally solid track record of performance and minimal major issues.

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.

2015 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:

  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Scion Iq vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2015 Scion Iq complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Scion Iq.

2017-11-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-10-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTNJJXB07FJ
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 10-24-17 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY WHO PURCHASED IT FROM THE TOYOTA DEALER, AK TOYOTA, GUAM. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE HOME I TRY TO FILL THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR BUT THE FLUID LEAKS STRAIGHT DOWN UNDER THE VEHICLE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY SINCE THE VEHICLE IS UNDER 3 YEAR'S OLD. WHEN THE REPAIR DIAGNOSIS WAS PRESENTED TO ME IT WAS A SURPRISE THAT THE LEAK IN THE WASHER RESERVOIR WAS CAUSED BY A PRIOR ACCIDENT AND THEREFORE THE REPAIR WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT DISCLOSED BY THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS SOLD ACCORDING TO THE PERSON I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM. I WAS ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH THE PAPER WORK ON THE REPAIR WORK ON THE ACCIDENT (ATTACHED), IT IS QUITE EXTENSIVE. HOOD, BUMPER, RADIATOR AND SUPPORT, ETC WERE REPLACED. BASE ON THE DAMAGED IT WOULD BE EXPECTED THAT THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I ASKED THE DEALER IF REPAIRS WERE MADE ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE DEALER'S ANSWER WAS "IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST AIRBAG WAS NOT REPAIRED". MY CONCERN IS WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE REPAIRED THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IF THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IT IS CONCEIVABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. PLEASE ADVICE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HAVE AN ASSURANCE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS WORKING. THIS VEHICLE IS VERY SMALL, ONLY 2100 LBS, PROBABLY THE SMALLEST ON THE MARKET AND THE AIRBAGS MUST BE WORKING. *TT

Negative 2015 Scion Iq car reviews

  1. Jermain Bernier 2024-11-27

    I found the editor's comment about larger cars at the same price quite amusing. After all, the whole point of this car is its small size. Personally, I love zipping around in a tiny car like this. However, I do wish it had a bit more zip to it. Additionally, the fuel economy isn't much better than my Mazda CX-5 SUV, which is a shame. At startup, the engine sounds like there are loose marbles inside, and it can make other uninspiring noises from time to time. Unfortunately, the brake pedal also makes a loud, annoying clicking noise (although Toyota assures me that this is normal). It doesn't offer a lot of features for the money, but the tiny size is definitely a plus point.

  2. Seth Barrows 2024-03-25

    I bought this IQ with the expectation of great MPG, but unfortunately, I only averaged about 27mph. After doing some research on Google, I found that others had the same issue. It's disappointing that a tiny car like this can't achieve better fuel efficiency. I ended up returning the car with only 100 miles on it and was quite frustrated. Instead, I opted for a Prius C. While the back seats do touch the front seats, which can be a bit cramped, I appreciate the extra storage space that it provides when the seats are folded down. Although the back seats can't be folded without removing the headrests, I understand that it's necessary to maintain the car's structural integrity. Overall, I think the IQ could benefit from some design improvements, such as removing the back seats entirely to create more storage space.

  3. Hayden Berge 2024-03-22

    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.

Positive 2015 Scion Iq car reviews

  1. Barrett Gerlach 2025-02-21

    I was thrilled to be in the market for one of these ever since I saw a dark purple one in a parking lot one day. I had no idea the car even existed. Having spent almost a decade overseas, I fell in love with these micro cars. They are quite common in Japan, where I have spent some time, and have a big following. The iQ is an excellent car that does exactly what it's supposed to do. For starters, it has something like 12 airbags, including the first rear one behind the rear passengers, and the safety rating is among the highest. It can seat four in a pinch, and five if you're left with no choice and don't mind hearing the back seaters laugh and complain the whole time. The recommended seating is really 3+1, with the one being a small child if the driver's seat is set into a comfortable position. The front dash is cantilever with no glove box, but they put the glove box under the front passenger seat, so the front passenger can slide up further if there's a third passenger. The front legroom is still good and safe, with plenty of room for a passenger in the back. The front seat slid back to a comfortable position kind of prevents a full-size passenger behind, but it does have four seats, which is twice as many as the Smart Car. PERFORMANCE: I have zero complaints. This car wants to go 80-85 down the freeway if I'm not careful and still has plenty of power. It really wants to go. In stop-and-go traffic, this car is peppy and will give you no trouble getting to speed. The CVT automatic transmission is awesome. The engine is a 1.3L and is probably too big in my honest opinion. 99 percent of the time, I drive alone and without cargo, so they could have just given the US market the same 1.0L they use in Europe. That 1.0L gets 60mpg!!! If sold in the US market, a 1.0L would have made this the most popular car in the country.Since the MSRP was only around $16,000, it seems like Toyota knew that pricing it any higher would have hurt sales for the Corolla and Prius, which are both twice the price. Moving on to the car's features, the iQ has traction control and really quiet electronic power steering. The tires are wide, so you won't get tossed around on uneven roads. In terms of cargo space, the split rear seats fold down individually, and there's quite a bit of room. However, be advised that there is no room behind those seats when they're up. There is a hidden compartment back there to hide small items. I personally drive my car with both back seats down, and the floor space in the cargo area can hold a grocery cart full of groceries in one layer. You could easily fit two or three carts full, but they'd have to be stacked. I've even put medium-sized boxes back there, but large boxes have to go in the front passenger seat. Headroom and front seating are comfortable, and even though I've never sat in the back, it doesn't look too bad back there. The visibility all around out the windows is excellent. There are two cup holders in the back, one in the middle front, and one in each door. Moving on to accessories, the AC is quiet and blows cold, and the heat works just as well. My stereo is the base model, so I don't have navigation, but it works great, sounds awesome, and the hands-free controls on the steering wheel are nice. Even the base model stereo has the hands-free option for cell phones, and the mic is up near the speedo. The window motors are fast and strong, and the power mirrors are nice. There's only one airplane-style overhead omni-directional interior lamp, but there are accessory, MP3, and USB outlets. Finally, in terms of the exterior, the paint is good, and even though I live in Arizona where the sun beats cars up, the paint is holding up well (I have the silver color). The car has an aggressive look in the front with the swept-back headlights. Overall, this car is fun to drive, peppy, and has no trouble going up the freeway ramp. A lot of people love it.Don't worry about how you'll look driving this car, it's definitely not a Smart Car or any other micro car. The car has a sturdy and impressive appearance. I have had no problems with the Toyota Service Dept, they are honest and fair, and my Platinum Warranty has been trouble-free. Although the advertised 37mpg is rarely achieved, I still average about 35mpg. I try to drive at a reasonable speed and avoid racing around. Even on a recent trip to San Diego, I achieved the same mileage. The only downside is that the tire size is expensive at $150 each and there is no spare tire. Be cautious of other drivers who only use mirrors to change lanes, as they may not see you. I have had a few close calls with drivers changing lanes into me. To be safe, I use a dash cam everywhere I go.

  2. Zakary Williamson 2025-02-18

    I stumbled upon this model at the dealership - it had low mileage and was reasonably priced. I've been thoroughly enjoying my driving experience with no issues so far. It's easy to get around and gets an impressive 38-40 mpg. I absolutely love my car! It's been three years and 80,000 miles since I got it, and I still haven't had any problems. I've only had to do regular oil changes and replace the tires at 60,000 miles. Even now, at 132,000 miles, it's still running great. I had to replace the serpentine belt at 110,000 miles and just recently did the brakes, but overall, it's been a fantastic ride!

  3. Shaun Torphy 2025-01-29

    I traded in a 2008 Smart car for this 2012 IQ and it was definitely a smart move. The car is faster, more comfortable, has more storage space, and seems to be better built. I was impressed by the solid sound the doors make when closing. I paid $18,800 for it, but it was worth it for the premium stereo, Sirius XM, fog lights, premium paint, fancy wheels, and more. This is not just a stripped-down econo-box, it rides, drives, and feels just like a real car.

  4. Madisen VonRueden 2025-01-20

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my Scion iQ, which I picked up just 3 weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I paid $17K including taxes and fees, which might seem expensive to some, but I think of it as buying a premium little car with Toyota reliability and Scion style. The passenger seat can be pushed forward to accommodate a 3rd adult passenger in the back seat, but it is essentially a comfortable 2 seater. The cargo volume is significantly increased with the 50/50 split rear seats down. The exterior is stylish and striking, and thanks to my Hot Lava paint job, I'm turning heads! This is the most fun I have ever had owning a vehicle. If you're looking for a fun, fuel-efficient, reliable, stylish, premium 2 seater, then the iQ is definitely for you!

  5. Emmet Balistreri 2025-01-06

    I usually drive alone, and I'm looking for a car that offers the best value, the best MPG, and zippy performance. I don't need a race car, but I want to be able to zip around town, take corners fast, and go up steep grades at 80+MPH when I feel like it. It's important to me that my phone works seamlessly with the car, including all its features like Pandora Radio, podcasts, online streaming news radio, and navigation system. I also want a comfortable interior, the ability to use regular gasoline, and to be surrounded by airbags. Additionally, I'm looking for a car that stands out and doesn't look like everyone else's car. After researching my options, I've found that the Scion iQ is the only car that offers all of these features and more.

Leave your review of 2015 Scion Iq

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Scion Iq problems:

Is the iq a reliable car? | Scion IQ Forums
Is the iq a reliable car? | Scion IQ Forums
https://www.iq-forums.com/threads/is-the-iq-a-reliable-car.38032/

Sep 15, 2018 ... ... 2015 iQ and 2015 Corolla. ... scion/iq/reliability. Rostra makes an ... They have problems with oil consumption and the white ones have peeling ...

Scion IQ oil burning problem : r/MechanicAdvice
Scion IQ oil burning problem : r/MechanicAdvice
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/162ny7l/scion_iq_oil_burning_problem/

Aug 27, 2023 ... Scion IQ oil burning problem. 2012 Scion ... Since you mention this is a Scion it means 1NR-FE engine. ... 2015 Kia Soul burns oil. 1 upvote · 10 ...

How long can Scion IQ last? | Scion IQ Forums
How long can Scion IQ last? | Scion IQ Forums
https://www.iq-forums.com/threads/how-long-can-scion-iq-last.9041/

Aug 4, 2014 ... ... common older vehicle ... Never any problems with the engine ir transmission. ... 2015 Scion iQ Fox Lake - McHenry - Libertyville | Fox Lake Toyota.

Thoughts on buying a Scion iQ with 90k for 6k as a daily driver on ...
Thoughts on buying a Scion iQ with 90k for 6k as a daily driver on ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/da5lty/thoughts_on_buying_a_scion_iq_with_90k_for_6k_as/

Sep 27, 2019 ... Had it since 2014 and had no issues except the doors wont auto lock Have to so it manually :( got 135k miles on it and has been from coast to ...

Engine Problems - Report Them Here | Scion IQ Forums
Engine Problems - Report Them Here | Scion IQ Forums
https://www.iq-forums.com/threads/engine-problems-report-them-here.1139/

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 ...

Other years of Scion Iq

scion iq 2012 photo
Iq 2012
Scion

17

1

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
scion iq 2013 photo
Iq 2013
Scion

5

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
scion iq 2014 photo
Iq 2014
Scion

1

0

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
scion iq 2015 photo
Iq 2015
Scion

1

0

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2015 Scion Iq?

Add car complaint
2015 Scion Iq photo