2012 Toyota Scion problems

General information about Toyota-Scion
Overview of popular issues

Scion was a marque of Toyota that debuted in 2003 and was available only in the United States and Canada. The marque was intended to appeal to younger customers, the Scion brand emphasized inexpensive, stylish, and distinctive sport compact vehicles, and used a simplified "pure price" sales concept that eschewed traditional trim levels and dealer haggling; each vehicle was offered in a single trim with a non-negotiable base price, while a range of dealer-installed options was offered to buyers for personalizing their vehicles. The Scion name, meaning the descendant of a family or heir, refers both to the brand's cars and their owners. In an effort to target millennials, Scion primarily relied on guerrilla and viral marketing techniques.

The brand first soft launched in the United States at selected Toyota dealers in the state of California in June 2003, before expanding nationwide by February 2004. Sales peaked in 2006 with 173,034 units sold. In 2010, Scion expanded into Canada. However, Toyota's initial propositions of short product cycles and aggressive pricing based on low dealer margins became increasingly unsustainable as sales fell after the financial crisis of 2007–2008. Toyota abolished the Scion brand at the start of the 2017 model year in August 2016; the vehicles were either rebranded as Toyotas or discontinued.

History

In 1999, Toyota launched Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the Toyota marque in the United States. This project aimed to create a "marque within a marque" in sales and advertising strategy for compact and coupe models sold by Toyota. The effort, which included the introduction of the Toyota Echo economy car, along with late generation Toyota MR-2 and Toyota Celica models, was judged unsuccessful and cancelled in 2001. In response, Toyota chose to launch a separate marque, an effort called Project Exodus. A Los Angeles-based digital design company, Fresh Machine, was retained by Toyota to develop the brand, logo, and website. This project became known as Scion. Toyota had previously participated in a project in Japan with other Japanese companies who attempted to market products to younger buyers. Toyota manufactured three vehicles under the WiLL brandname, which were exclusive to Toyota Netz Store Japanese dealerships.

Scion was marketed as a youth brand and was first introduced in March 2002, at the New York Auto Show. There were just two concept vehicles, the bbX (which became the xB), and the ccX (which became the tC). The 2004 xA and xB were unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on January 2, 2003. They were available only in 105 Toyota dealerships in California at their initial launch on June 9, 2003. The subsequent rollout of the brand to the South, the Southeast, and the East Coast occurred in February 2004. Scion vehicles were available nationwide in June 2004, coinciding with the release of the 2005 tC. On December 16, 2006, Scion unveiled the next-generation xB, based on the t2B concept, and the new xD, successor of the xA, at an invitation-only, no-camera event in Miami. Both cars were then publicly unveiled on February 8, 2007, at the Chicago Auto Show. The xD, a five-door subcompact car that is sold in Japan as the second generation Toyota Ist, was based on the Yaris platform with the tenth-generation Corolla's engine.

In September 2010, Scion expanded into Canada, with vehicles offered at 45 selected dealers starting in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, followed by other cities. Launch models included the tC, xD, and xB. The first new Scions were shown in Canada at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show.

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Common 2012 Toyota Scion problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2012 Toyota Scion xB, several common problems have been reported:

Service Brake Issues:
- Some owners have reported a sudden loss of braking force due to brake hoses failing prematurely, causing a loss of brake pressure. A recall has been initiated to replace affected units with standard equipment brake kits.

Electric System Complaints - A/C Failure:
- The 'Variable displacement' AC compressor in the 2012 Scion xB can fail due to issues with the stroke control solenoid or the mechanical connection between the compressor shaft and the pulley. The solenoid issue can be fixed with a replacement, while the latter may require a new compressor.

Structural Complaints - Paint Issues:
- Paint peeling has been reported in several 2012 Scion xB vehicles, especially those with specific exterior finishes like "Blizzard Pearl" and "Super White." Toyota has extended the paint warranty on affected models, acknowledging the problem as a manufacturing defect.

Safety Complaints - Airbag Issues:
- Airbag inflator malfunctions are common in the 2012 Scion xB, with manufacturing defects causing potential explosions that can lead to critical injuries. Recalls have been issued for this specific model year to address the airbag inflator issue.

These problems highlight various issues that owners of the 2012 Toyota Scion xB have faced, ranging from engine-related concerns to safety issues with the brakes and airbags. It is essential for owners to stay informed about these common problems and take necessary actions to address them promptly.

How long do Toyota scions last?

The well-maintained Scion tC can last more than 250,000 miles. There are even reports of their Scion tCs lasting over 500,000 miles. As long as you're aware of the common problems of the particular vehicle you're planning to buy, you'll know what to look out for.

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!

What is the most common problems with Scion tC?

Is A Toyota 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.

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!

Is the Toyota Scion a reliable car?

The Scion xB is generally seen as a reliable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Scion xB has consistently scored well in the reliability category throughout its production years.

Are Toyota scions safe?

Scion FR-S Earns IIHS 'Top Safety Pick,' Giving Toyota the Most in Auto Industry.

Why did Scion fail?

However, market preference changes with time, and Scion found itself in trouble when its intended market lost its penchant for attention-grabbing cars. Suddenly, those young buyers grew up and had no interest in over-amplified sound systems, undercarriage neon lights, supercharger kits, or funky wheels.

2012 Toyota Scion complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Scion.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Scion problems:

I'll be buying a 2012 Scion tC. Anything to look out for when ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/SciontC/comments/188lwha/ill_be_buying_a_2012_scion_tc_anything_to_look/

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

https://www.yoursciontc.com/threads/common-problems.67147/

Nov 2, 2011 ... What are some common problems with tC's? The ... scion is made by toyota, pretty reliable :p ... 2012 Scion tC with 105,000 miles on it. Just ...

2012 Scion xB Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2012-scion-xb/problems

Top 2012 Scion xB Problems · Cable Adjustment Needed if AC Doesn't Blow Cold Enough · Excessive Oil Consumption · Rough Running Conditions and Smoke From Exhaust.

Scion tC Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...

https://www.carparts.com/blog/scion-tc-reliability-and-common-problems/

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 ...