2016 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.

Social links

Common 2016 Toyota Scion problems

The 2016 Scion iM has some unique and serious problems that potential buyers should be aware of. While the number of complaints is not high, they highlight some significant issues that can impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

One of the most concerning problems is the malfunctioning car horn. A complaint mentioned that the car’s horn stopped working, which the owner considered a safety manufacturer defect. This issue can create a safety hazard, particularly as the driver is unable to honk at other vehicles.

Another issue reported by an owner is a defective evaporator core. The owner reported buying a new Scion iM with a broken evaporator core, which appeared to have been crushed during manufacturing. This issue led to a claim under lemon law arbitration.

The Scion iM also experienced transmission problems. Some owners reported the transmission doing “quirky things,” such as getting stuck in high RPMs without upshifting, failing to accelerate adequately, and sometimes slipping. This erratic behavior was noted in the automatic CVT of the iM. There have been complaints regarding transmission slipping, particularly after servicing at Toyota dealerships. The clutch deteriorated quickly, making it difficult to drive the vehicle, especially on inclines. It struggles to transmit enough power and barely remains drivable. The recommended repair involves replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and resurfacing the flywheel. Some owners reported needing clutch replacements between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, which is unusually low for most vehicles.

Interior accessories also had some issues in the 2016 Scion iM. One such problem pertained to the seat armrest, which was reported to fold down on its own, particularly when traveling at highway speeds with all four windows open. Another notable complaint involved the material of the steering wheel flaking off, specifically in areas where drivers typically hold the wheel. This issue, reported at an average mileage of 18,210 miles, points to a potential quality concern with the materials used in the Scion iM’s steering wheel.

In summary, the 2016 Scion iM has some unique and serious problems that potential buyers should be aware of, including malfunctioning car horn, defective evaporator core, transmission problems, and issues with interior accessories. While not numerous, these complaints highlight some significant issues that can impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

How reliable is a 2016 Scion?

The 2016 Scion iA sedan is an excellent choice in the subcompact car class, especially if you're a city dweller. The iA features great fuel economy, well-tuned steering and suspension, a high-end interior, and some of the best safety and reliability scores in the class.

How reliable is the Toyota Scion?

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.

What is the most common problems with Scion tC?

Are scions long lasting?

Typically, a Scion iQ with excellent care and maintenance will survive around 200,000 miles, with the high mileage point at 150,000 miles and the good mileage point at 125,000 miles. The better you care for the system and drive well, the longer your Scion iQ will be able to survive on the road.

How reliable is a 2016 Scion?

How reliable is the Toyota Scion?

Are Toyota scions safe?

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

What is the most common problems with Scion tC?

2016 Toyota Scion complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Toyota Scion.

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

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Toyota Scion problems:

I'm starting to hate my ia | Scion IA Forum

https://www.scioniaforum.com/threads/im-starting-to-hate-my-ia.3930/

Oct 8, 2016 ... 2016+ Scion iA / Toyota Yaris iA General... Sterling2 Jan 23, 2016 · Manual iA 1st 2nd start. Bought new silver iA manual. So far so good. Love ...

The Scion iA Years To Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/scion-ia-years-to-avoid/

Aug 22, 2023 ... How Reliable Is The Scion iA. The Scion iA's overall reliability is considered good, even with only a single model year, the 2016 model, the ...

iA Issues And Problems | Scion IA Forum

https://www.scioniaforum.com/forums/ia-issues-and-problems.105/

iA Issues And Problems · 2016 IA rough start, no acceleration · 2016 Scion IA TPMS Malfunction · 2016 Transmission failure causing injuries · 2017 yaris ia fuel ...

Any specific problems for the 2016 models? : r/SciontC

https://www.reddit.com/r/SciontC/comments/17z8rrw/any_specific_problems_for_the_2016_models/

Nov 19, 2023 ... I want to plan ahead for any issues and probably stock up on maintenance parts (Basics when you buy a used car) ahead of time and I wanna see if ...

2016 Scion iA Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/scion/ia/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Scion iA? See the most common ... Car Recalls · Maintenance Pricing · Find an Auto Shop ... Better get it checked out! See More. 2016 Ia ...