2015 Scion Iq problems

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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

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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. 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.

  2. Ed Ryan 2024-08-15

    This is a fantastic car for running errands around town. It offers great value for money and, of course, it's a Toyota product. With a fuel economy of 40 mpg even on a bad day, and the option to purchase one with low mileage for a reasonable price, this is the best used car purchase you can make. I absolutely love mine and my family and I drive it everywhere around the Dallas Fort Worth area. I've had this car for 2 years now and it runs like a dream - just change the oil and keep on driving. I'm even thinking of adding a second one to the garage!

  3. Clifton West 2024-07-18

    I often get stopped by people who are curious about my car. They are always impressed and want to check it out until I tell them that it's no longer sold in the USA. I've driven my car from Washington state to Arizona several times and it has never given me any problems. Even on long interstate drives with big rigs, it just keeps going. The gas mileage is amazing too. Even when fully loaded, I averaged 44 mpg from Washington to Phoenix! Some people may laugh at the size of my car, but I just laugh back as I pay only a quarter or less for a tank of gas compared to most trucks and SUVs. If you're tired of dealing with high pump prices and big rigs, this car is a great option.

  4. Clyde Powlowski 2024-06-21

    This is a great opportunity to go green and help save the planet from global warming! The Toyota is a reliable car that is perfect for two people and shopping bags. The automatic transmission is shiftlessly smooth and reminds me of the very old Dynaflow. It's easy to drive and provides a smooth ride on good roads. When two people are in the car, you will think it is full-sized. The quality is good, and the radio is excellent! Although the car has been discontinued by Toyota, there are bargains out there on the used car market for a great little city car. I did take it out on the expressway, and it did nicely at 65 mph. Remember to drive with two hands on the steering wheel! If you buy one, enjoy and adjust accordingly. It does give a rough ride on rough roads, but overall, it's a great car. Also, don't worry about the transmission dipstick as it is nonexistent. The transmission is sealed and supposedly good for 120,000 miles. There is a dipstick for engine oil, and it's recommended to use 0 W 20 weight.

  5. Arnoldo Oberbrunner 2024-06-16

    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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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

15

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scion iq 2013 photo
Iq 2013
Scion

5

1

18

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scion iq 2014 photo
Iq 2014
Scion

1

0

19

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

1

0

17

  • 5
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  • 1

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2015 Scion Iq photo