2012 Scion Tc problems
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Common 2012 Scion Tc problems
The Scion tC, produced from 2011 to 2016, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Sunroof Shuttering: The sunroof in some Scion tCs tends to shutter spontaneously without any external impact. This issue can be caused by a malfunctioning sunroof motor or a problem with the sunroof track .
- Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks: The valve cover gasket is prone to developing oil leaks in the Scion tC. This issue can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect, leading to oil leaks and potential engine damage .
- Clutch Release Bearing Noise: The clutch release bearing in the Scion tC can become noisy over time. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can lead to a noisy clutch pedal and potential clutch failure .
- Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction: The mass airflow sensor in the Scion tC can malfunction over time, causing hard starting conditions and poor acceleration. This issue can be caused by a dirty or faulty sensor and can be resolved by cleaning or replacing the sensor .
- CV Boot Cracks: The CV boots in the Scion tC are prone to cracking, allowing dirt to enter the joint and damage it. This issue can lead to sticky noises when accelerating and turning and can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect .
- Blower Motor Failure: The blower motor in the Scion tC can fail suddenly, requiring replacement. This issue can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect and can lead to a lack of heat or air conditioning in the vehicle .
- Catalytic Converter Failure: The catalytic converters in the Scion tC can fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. This issue can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect and can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and increased emissions .
- Manual Transmission Grinding Noises: Some Scion tCs with manual transmissions develop grinding noises when shifting between gears. This issue can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect and can lead to difficulty shifting and potential transmission failure .
- Front Brake Fluid Leaks: Some Scion tCs have been recalled due to a prone to develop brake fluid leaks in the front brake system. This issue can be caused by a manufacturing defect and can lead to a decrease in brake performance and potential brake failure .
- TPMS Sensor Malfunction: The TPMS sensor in the Scion tC can malfunction over time, causing the TPMS light to illuminate on the dashboard. This issue can be caused by wear and tear or a manufacturing defect and can lead to inaccurate tire pressure readings and potential tire damage .
While these issues can be frustrating for Scion tC owners, it's important to note that the vehicle has received high scores for its reliability, with most issues being minor and easily resolved.
What is the most common problems with Scion tC?
Some of the common Scion tC issues include clutch failure, water pump seal failure, excessive oil consumption, and more. The Scion tC can last more than 250,000 miles if it's well-maintained.
Is a 2012 Scion tC a good used car?
Very Reliable
Some very cheap elements of this car. Overall it is a very reliable, sporty, fun, quick, car to own and drive!
How long will a 2012 Scion tC last?
Since they're made by Toyota, they're just as reliable. You can easily surpass 200k miles and the car will still run like new (I know from my 07 TC, which has about 210k atm).
Is Scion as reliable as Toyota?
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.
2012 Scion Tc car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Scion Tc problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Scion Tc vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Scion Tc complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Scion Tc.
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-15
- VIN: JTKJF5C70C3
- Components: VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON 60 FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF WINDOW EXPLODED/SHATTERED. I'M DOING SOME RESEARCH AND ITS HAPPENING ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL FREQUENTLY. I WENT TO TOYOTA AND TALKED TO THEM REGARDING IF THERE IS RECALL ABOUT IT BECAUSE LOOKS LIKE ITS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I ENDED UP PAYING FOR IT VIA MY INSURANCE. HOW CAN I AS A CONSUMER BE PROTECTED IF THIS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT? IT SEEMS THEY DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM ABOUT IT. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-16
- VIN: JTKJF5C79C3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I HAVE A SAFETY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-15
- VIN: JTKJF5C73C3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION TC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. PRIORITY TOYOTA CHESAPEAKE (1800 GREENBRIER PKWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320, (757) 213-5000) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SUBMIT A CLAIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,200.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-12
- VIN: JTKJF5C7XC3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 55 MPH. MY SUNROOF WAS CLOSE, AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON AND WINDOWS UP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING. WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD NOISE THOUGHT IT WAS SOMEONE THAT HAD AN IMPACT BY OTHER CAR. WHEN I LOOKED UP MY SUNROOF WAS ALL OF THE SOMETHING GONE. I LOOKED IN THE DRIVEWAY BY MY MIRROR AND IT WAS FLYING LIKE A "FREEZE BIZ" FOR NO REASON. I TRY TO MAKE A CLAIM WITH THE DEALER AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO COVER ME. I ALSO MADE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY MAPFRE AND TOLD ME IT WASN'T AN ACCIDENT SO THEY DIDN'T COVER ME. THEY MVP TOYOTA DEALER IS CHARGING ME $4,359.25 FOR FIXING IT.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-16
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: ON MY WAY HOME ON I-10 THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC NEAR ME, WINDOWS UP SUNROOF CLOSED AC ON, MY ROOMMATE WITH ME WE HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT THAN A SHOWER OF GLASS. WE PULLED OVER TO FIND THE GLASS PANEL IN THE ROOF HAD SHATTERED THERE WAS NO IMPACT MARK(S) I DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE PLACE I GOT THE CAR(NEW) (PHILPOT MOTORS IN NEDERLAND TX) WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TWO CARS ON THE LOT THAT DID THE SAME THING, BUT COMPLETELY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I CALLED MY INSUR, CO. ABOUT IT AND THAT TOLD ME THAT SHOULD BE WARRANTY DEAL. NO ONE HAD ANY INFORMATION TO HELP ME, AND I HAD SEARCHED AND FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO OFFER ANY HELP. TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT TO ALL THE PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR...
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-26
- VIN: JTKJF5C76C3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVING TO WORK IN CALIFORNIA, PARTLY CLOUDY, AROUND 60 DEGREES. ALL WINDOWS UP, AC OFF, SUNROOF CLOSED AND VISOR SHUT. I AM DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE AT 65MPH WHEN I HEAR WHAT SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT IN MY CAR FOLLOWED BY GLASS SHATTERING AND SPRAYING OVER MY CAR. I PULLOVER TO SEE THAT MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUTWARD. THE WHOLE IN MY SUNROOF IS ABOUT 1FT 6IN LONG AND ABOUT 8IN WIDE. THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED ALL THE WAY AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE SUNROOF AND THE MIDDLE APPEARED TO LOOK LIKE PRESSURE BLEW OUT THE CENTER. LUCKY FOR ME MY VISOR WAS CLOSED SO THE GLASS REMAINS IN THERE. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HAVE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE BUT IT TOOK ME 30 SECONDS TO FIND PLENTY OF EVIDENCE. THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS. NO VEHICLE THAT HAS WINDOWS EXPLODING SPONTANEOUSLY IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I ASK THAT TOYOTA TAKE RESPONSIBILITY NOW BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-12
- VIN: JTKJF5C75C3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TO DATE, I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE REPAIRED THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME MALFUNCTION. I WORKED WITH MANUFACTURING AND SALES ORGANIZATIONS AND I HAVE FAILED TO RECEIVE SUBSTANTIATION BEYOND YOUR ORGANIZATION'S DUE DILIGENCE THAT MY VEHICLE IS SAFE FOR MY FAMILY. THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE FAILED TO DIAGNOSE THE SPECIFIC MALFUNCTION WITH MY VEHICLE (ELECTRICAL) AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAVE BEEN GUTTING MY VEHICLE PIECE BY PIECE DEVALUING IT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTKJF5C70C3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION TC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND CRASH HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD, NECK AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS PENDING AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 841.
2012 Scion Tc recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Scion Tc.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Negative 2012 Scion Tc car reviews
Positive 2012 Scion Tc car reviews
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I've owned a 2005, a 2007, and now a 2011 Magnetic Gray Metallic. The second generation is remarkably different from the first! Some features that were standard on the first generation have been replaced by others. The standard 18
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I owned a 2006 Release Series 2.0 and recently decided to upgrade to the 2012 Scion TC. I absolutely love it! I bought the base model with a manual transmission and have been getting between 31-33 MPG in town. The new model has much more room in the front and back and a sleeker look. It has plenty of horsepower for a car that only cost me $18,500! The reliability and design are great. I recently added fog lights, which I love, and a K&N intake that gives the engine a good bark! Long story short, I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I highly recommend this car to everyone!
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This car is fantastic! It's incredibly spacious and has plenty of cargo room for a 2-door car. Despite its sporty appearance, it's surprisingly affordable and high-quality. While it may not be as fuel-efficient as some other cars, you can still get a respectable 23 city and 30 highway MPG if you're mindful of your throttle control. I highly recommend this car, especially for young guys like myself who spend a lot of time in their vehicles. 👍
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new tC! It sounds like it's a great fit for you and your wife's lifestyle, especially for your road trips and skiing adventures. The handling and ride seem to be very good, and the brakes are superb. It's great to hear that you appreciate the new style for its looks and practicality, and that you've received compliments on the car's attractive lines and roomy interior. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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This car is an absolute blast to drive! I've owned BMW, Infiniti, and other high-end brands, but the TC can definitely hold its own. I've been driving it for over a month now and it's been excellent. The gas mileage is also impressive, averaging at 27 mpg. The handling, acceleration, and overall performance are superb. My friends are amazed at the quality of this car, especially considering its affordable price. It looks and feels like a much more expensive car. In fact, people are often surprised when I tell them the price. Scion has truly hit the mark with this one - it's a winner!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Scion Tc problems:
I'll be buying a 2012 Scion tC. Anything to look out for when ...
Dec 1, 2023 ... The 2ar is notorious for burning oil, particularly if driven hard or if basic maintenance (oil changes) was done at 10k intervals rather than 5k ...
Common Problems | Scion tC Forums
Nov 2, 2011 ... What are some common problems with tC's? The one I'm going to be buying is a 2010 tC with 39k miles on it...rents say it's no good cause ...
Pros and cons of a tC : r/SciontC
Aug 31, 2021 ... They are cheap cars in terms of build quality. They are slow and don't get the greatest gas mileage. AC issues are common. Lots of road noise.
Scion tC Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Aug 3, 2023 ... Some of the common Scion tC issues include clutch failure, water pump seal failure, excessive oil consumption, and more. The Scion tC can last ...
2012 Scion tC Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Scion tC? Our list of 2 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Scion tC.
Other years of Scion Tc
Are you having problems with your 2012 Scion Tc?
Grayson Wintheiser 2024-10-09
Hey there! Thanks for your interest in the new Scion tC. While it may look similar to its predecessor, there are some exciting updates to note. While the 2.5L inline-4 engine may not be the most powerful, it still provides a smooth and enjoyable ride. It's true that the C-pillars can create some blind spots, but the car is equipped with safety features to help mitigate this issue. Additionally, the rear quarter panels give the car a sleek and stylish look. Thanks for considering the new Scion tC!
Lenny Ryan 2024-05-20
The exterior of this car has an aggressive style that catches the eye. Although I wasn't sure what to make of the dash materials, they didn't feel cheap and I didn't feel slighted in the least. This vehicle is a fun way to get from point A to point B, with some extra curricular teases. I found it easy to fall in love with this car for what it was, and hard to hate it for not being something that would cost another 4-5 thousand dollars out of pocket. If you're looking for a convenient and stylish way to get around without sacrificing efficiency or breaking the bank, this car should definitely be in your considerations. Overall, this Toyota lives up to its name in terms of drive and comfort.
Kris Schulist 2024-03-16
This car had a lot of issues and was constantly breaking down. I'm glad I was able to get rid of it before it caused any harm.