Scion FR-S Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 8, 2026 · 201 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

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
Scion FR-S. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Motohide Miwa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 179 complaints
2013: 17920131792014: 5201452015: 142015142016: 320163

n = 201 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

  1. 2013 FR-S: 179 complaints, 4 recalls
  2. 2015 FR-S: 14 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 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 areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine problems15141
Power Train2430
Fuel/propulsion System920
Steering921
Engine and Engine Cooling510
Air Bags422
Service Brakes421
Electrical System320
Seat Belts330
Wheels310
Structure220
Suspension220
Vehicle Speed Control210
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Exterior Lighting110
Fuel System, Gasoline110
Latches/locks/linkages110
Tires110

Scion FR-S problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Scion FR-S model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2016 FR-S33—Engine
2015 FR-S143—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2014 FR-S52—Engine
2013 FR-S1794—EngineFar 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.