2015 Scion Iq problems

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. Rogers Upton 2025-06-12

    UPDATE TO MY ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW: Well, I am thrilled to share that owning our 2015 Scion iQ has been one of the best decisions my wife and I have ever made. We still stand by everything we said in our original review, and we are even more convinced of its excellence today. Every day, this vehicle proves that it does exactly what it was designed to do. While we like our 2016 Prius, we absolutely LOVE the iQ when it comes to driving around the busy streets of Portland, Oregon! It was the best decision we made, and we plan to keep it for many years to come. We are especially grateful to have purchased Toyota's platinum extended warranty (eight years, 125,000 miles) for the peace of mind it provides. My wife is constantly telling me that she has never been so in love with a vehicle as she is with her They may have overlooked the true purpose of the iQ. However, reading reviews from actual owners is the best way to get an accurate assessment of any vehicle, including the iQ. We personally purchased a used 2015 iQ with around 6,000 miles on it and we love it so much that we decided to invest in a Toyota Factory New Car Extended Warranty (eight years and 100,000 miles platinum warranty) because we plan on keeping it for many years to come.

  2. Korbin Williamson 2025-06-07

    This car is excellent for travel for two adults, and it's surprisingly comfortable and roomy. I love traveling with my pitbull and my husband in it. While it may not have a supercharged takeoff like a V6, it has some surprising get-up-and-go if you need to hit the freeway quickly. Climbing is average for what you'd expect, but flying over 80 is a breeze! Maneuvering in between larger vehicles and getting through traffic is easy. I made it to Laughlin from Surprise AZ and back on just $12. Don't be fooled, this little car is great if you're not looking for all the bells and whistles. I would describe it as a roll cage with airbags. It has never failed me yet. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a spare tire, only a patch kit. That's why I purchased Run Flat tires, which allow me up to 50 miles to the nearest place with a nail in my tire... unless I get a blowout from the side. It's worth every penny. When the price of gas keeps going up and down, it costs me a maximum of $14 to fill up! Of course, it's going to have a small gas tank, but with the size of the car, it's expected. It's built lightweight, so you feel the road a little more when driving this car, and the steering is touchy, but easy to get used to. I'm very happy with this car, and passing the smog inspection was effortless! I even took my 8-year-old grandson to Disneyland in this car with my husband.

  3. Kamren Howe 2025-05-21

    I absolutely adore my 2013 IQ! I purchased it used in the summer of 2016 with 60,000 miles on it, and it looks as good as new both inside and out. I have always had a soft spot for small cars, and this model had caught my eye for quite some time. I commute 40 miles to and from work, mostly on the highway, and my car handles like a dream. It has great pickup and acceleration, and I typically drive at around 73mph without any issues. While I haven't had the chance to test it in the snow yet, it handles beautifully in the rain. Recently, I needed new winter/all-season tires, so I went to tirerack.com and found a great deal. The only thing my car was missing was cruise control, which doesn't come standard. I had it added for $399.00, and it was worth every penny. My sister, who was hesitant to ride in my car before, now loves it. My husband and I are empty nesters, and the back seat is perfect for shopping or groceries when folded down. I even managed to fit all four tires in the back when I took them to get put on. I did make one other change - I have a white IQ and removed the standard hub caps. My husband found black shiny caps with a red trim online, and they look just like the real rim. They were easy to install and cost about $35 for four caps. Don't listen to the skeptics - my car handles beautifully, is comfortable, and the heater and A/C work so well that I have to turn them off quickly. I can even turn around on a two-lane road without stopping. The IQ is the bomb, and I absolutely love it. Give it a try, and you'll love it too!

  4. Deshaun Barton 2025-04-16

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Scion IQ. I've noticed that my car has been getting around 27.5 mpg, which is a bit lower than the advertised 36/37 mpg. I'm a careful driver and don't make any sudden starts, so I was a bit surprised by this. I reached out to my dealer, Billion Motors in Sioux Falls, S.D., but unfortunately, the service manager wasn't very helpful. I'm a bit disappointed because I bought this car with the expectation of good mileage, but it hasn't quite lived up to that. Thanks for listening!

  5. Columbus Carter 2025-04-12

    If you are considering purchasing a 2012 Scion IQ up to 2013 JTNJJXB0#DJ025093, it is important to note that some of these vehicles were built with defective pistons. To avoid any unexpected expenses, we recommend ensuring that the seller can prove that the necessary repairs have been made. Toyota did issue a service bulletin S-SB-0032-13 regarding this issue, and while they did not recall the affected vehicles, they did offer a 'good will' gesture of $1900 towards the repair. While we understand that this may not have covered the full cost of the repair, we are glad to hear that the issue was resolved and that the car is now running smoothly. We appreciate your feedback and hope that you will continue to enjoy your Scion IQ.I drive 100 miles a day in the Dallas Metroplex. I have a sign on my car that says 'Beware of Toyotas with Defective Pistons.' Many people have seen it and some have even asked me about it. I have all the paperwork and a nice picture of the car with the sign in front of the new Toyota headquarters building. You can see the picture on my Facebook page. Although I still like the car, I will not be buying any more Toyotas because of the way I was treated. However, I am happy to report that my car is running fine after replacing the pistons at an out-of-pocket cost of about $2.5K. No other problems. Thank you for your interest.

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

22

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

5

1

26

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

1

0

27

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

1

0

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2015 Scion Iq?

Add car complaint
2015 Scion Iq photo