Scion FR-S Problems by Year
NHTSA has 201 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Scion FR-S, across 4 model years (2013–2016). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (179). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Scion FR-S years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical FR-S year: 2013, 2015. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 FR-S: 179 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2015 FR-S: 14 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2014 FR-S: 5 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Scion FR-S problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 151 | 4 | 1 |
| Power Train | 24 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Scion FR-S problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All Scion FR-S model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 FR-S | 3 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2015 FR-S | 14 | 3 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 FR-S | 5 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2013 FR-S | 179 | 4 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Scion: all Scion models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Scion FR-S years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (179), 2015 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical FR-S year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Scion FR-S?
Engine, with 151 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Scion FR-S have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.