2015 Scion FR-S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Scion › FR-S › 2015
These records cover every 2015 Scion FR-S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2015 Scion FR-S. Newest first.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Owner complaints
14 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The valve spring for my 2015 FRS completely broke and this was a known issue and recalls for my car and it is available for inspection
- Steering
Steering wheel began clunking and locking up when turning. Had this issue on a previous FRS, Electronic Power Steering Motor Coupler had failed and needed replacement.
- Electrical system · Engine
Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined…
Defective engine/motor failure spark plug popped out of engine along with coil. The service technician and service manager were shocked at the spark plug broken internally. I paid for spark plug replacement totaling approximately $1,200. Upon inspecting other parts of the motor it was determined the engine bay has coolant inside mixed with oil. The tech mention of engine over heating however the temperature gauge never reached overheating readings. If the engine overheated the temperature gauge failed to alert me while I was driving at any point and expressed this to the service advisor. My vehicle motor failed while I was engaged in driving on the freeway and turn off and on in the middle of flight and travelling at freeway speeds. I originally purchased vehicle at Long Toyota USA in El Monte, CA with zero to 15 miles brand new in 2015 it is less that 10 years and I never experienced a defective motor/engine. Today is October 21, 2022 and my vehicle is still at the Culver City Toyota dealership. When: September 25, 2022, towed vehicle to Culver City Toyota a dealer of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc Where: Engine/Motor failure occurred in the middle of the 10 freeway at Robertson/Venice exit in Los Angeles, CA. I immediately was able to steer the car to the nearest exit there was a loud pop and then a very loud motor noise was heard. I paid the tow company to take the vehicle to the culver city Toyota to get it fixed. How: While driving. Preferred solution Assistance in replacing engine at no cost due to defects and failures and placing my life at risk while the car was in motion. I am not looking for monetary claims or any gains. I just want my car back fixed I already paid for the spark plugs as i mentioned above but this is a defective motor. All my services have been done through Toyota's trained service technicians I asked all the time for spark plug replacement and they always said it isn't due.
- Engine
I was driving 80 mph in the inner lane of a multi lane highway. Out of no where with no warning lights or sounds the car just lost all power, the steering felt like it locked and the car fell on it's face. I was almost hit by two different cars trying to get over to the shoulder and there was…
I was driving 80 mph in the inner lane of a multi lane highway. Out of no where with no warning lights or sounds the car just lost all power, the steering felt like it locked and the car fell on it's face. I was almost hit by two different cars trying to get over to the shoulder and there was white smoke pouring out of the exhaust making cars behind me swerve because they couldn't see. Had it towed to the Toyota dealership and they told me that basically the engine blew and that they have seen this on other Scion model years and those are recalled but mine isn't recalled
- Engine
While driving my vehicle, it started misfiring, throwing up a flashing check engine light, and it was rough to keep it running. Upon towing it to the dealership and having it investigated for the root cause, it was determined that the valve springs on a cylinder are failing. This issue IS identical to the issues that are occurring in safety recall J02, which affects 2013 models.
- Service brakes
The passager rear caliper malfunction cause the brake pad fly away from the right rear brake
- Power train
Reverse lockout on the stick shift does not function. during shifting the driver can accidently put the vehicle in reverse while moving forward or put the vehicle in reverse while trying to put it into first gear. this can happen at any time during the shifting process.
- Power train
I own a 2015 automatic scion FR-S. The car has a check engine light and downshifts are very jerky and hard. Upshifts are fine, but in both manual mode (paddle shifts) and in automatic mode, coming to a stop and downshifting through the gears results in hard, jerky violent movements and the car…
I own a 2015 automatic scion FR-S. The car has a check engine light and downshifts are very jerky and hard. Upshifts are fine, but in both manual mode (paddle shifts) and in automatic mode, coming to a stop and downshifting through the gears results in hard, jerky violent movements and the car fails to rev match. I've looked the issue up and many people are suffering from the same problem. It IS most likely a software issue, either with the ecu but most likely with the tcm, the transmission computer. My dealership denies the problem and reflashes the ecu only to have the problem resurface a week later. They have done an oil change and ive done a coolant flush but none of these things have solved the issue. The issue IS bigger than just maintenance and will most likely require a new tcm. Its a software bug, and toyta dealerships, at least where I am, refuse to awknowledge it.
- Engine
Vehicle started to stutter and having a loud knock from engine after sitting for 6 hours on a normal night, normal driving conditions, maintenance kept up including recent oil change... Started to drive the vehicle and it had loud pinging and knocking became louder when I tried to accelerate once…
Vehicle started to stutter and having a loud knock from engine after sitting for 6 hours on a normal night, normal driving conditions, maintenance kept up including recent oil change... Started to drive the vehicle and it had loud pinging and knocking became louder when I tried to accelerate once getting on the highway and the vehicle started to stutter. I had no check engine lights, no oil lights, nothing. My vehicle then started to stall out when I had large big rig trucks behind me while at a very busy intersection at night time with low visibility due to the time, I was nearly hit from behind by a semi-truck and was stuck, stalled out in the middle of the intersection, I had enough time before being hit and also having the red light turn on me in middle of a major intersection at lee road and north orange blossom trail, tried to start the vehicle multiple times, ended up starting but had to push it up to a gas station alone and almost struck by on coming traffic doing so. I have video of the issue and recorded audio. My vehicle IS still under warranty but central florida toyota won't even look at the vehicle.
- Seat belts
The seat belt latch sticks. doesnt easily press to unlatch seat belt. On drivers side.
- Air bags · Service brakes
Brake failure ABS not function
- Unknown or other
I was driving down the highway and my car broke down. I rolled to the shoulder and opened the hood to see flames are the engine.
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
Continued...it IS ridiculous of this iab@nypd.org to ignore complaints of such unsafe cars as this small little car that they use that I saw today with the nypd 101 or nypd 105 there that has regular lights on the top of the car and can be used for regular police work almost as stupid as the nypd…
Continued...it IS ridiculous of this iab@nypd.org to ignore complaints of such unsafe cars as this small little car that they use that I saw today with the nypd 101 or nypd 105 there that has regular lights on the top of the car and can be used for regular police work almost as stupid as the nypd hwy unit car there with no lights on the top of the vehicle there that could be used for chases also. I mean how many times IS the nypd going to be questioned or reported for having unsafe vehicles plus they ignore me at iab@nypd.org?????? Wow, I know the lapd uses that type of small car there for like bringing people around but the nypd as I saw with the car today with the nypd 101 or nypd 105 there on rockaway tnpk there can be used for regular police use there. Wow. A car that small can be used for regular police business??? That IS just as bad as the nypd hwy unit cars with no lamps on the top of the vehicles used for regular chases on highways.
- Unknown or other
I am writing to file yet another complaint about an unsafe nypd car I saw today on rockaway tnpk in lawrence, ny there of the 101 pct or the 105 pct. Yes, have any of you seen these small little cars like the lapd has? Yes, the lapd has small little vehicles like this but they are used to just…
I am writing to file yet another complaint about an unsafe nypd car I saw today on rockaway tnpk in lawrence, ny there of the 101 pct or the 105 pct. Yes, have any of you seen these small little cars like the lapd has? Yes, the lapd has small little vehicles like this but they are used to just transport people. The nypd again has another unsafe vehicle being the same type of vehicle but it IS used for chases and for like law enforcement. You should see it, it IS like a small two door very small car with scary looking scary enough lights like the regular nypd cars have. Oh, lord, you can not use that type of nypd car in like car chases or something, it has regular lights on the top of the car there. The lapd has them but the lapd says they are used just for like moving people around. Yes, the nypd car has this small car here and it has regular lights and all of that on the top of the car. Unsafe again of the nypd. The nypd can be contacted at 1-646-610-5000. One unsafe car after another with the nypd like the hwy patrol cars without the lights on top.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10200383Automatic/Continuously Variable Transmission Replacement Precautions
- 10200379Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10200376Pre Delivery Service Checklist
- 10185779TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10170191TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 20, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
- 10153260TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair. To improve customer satisfaction and repair A/C system leaks in one dealer visit, Toyota has developed a set of guidelines for evaluating A/C system components.
- 10150418TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10142496TSB: Some 2013 ? 2016 model year FR-S vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit an abnormal noise, such as a squeak, grind or groan type noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. APPLICABLE WARRANTY: This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date. Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.
- 10134472SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10134471SSB: Scion models equipped with the BeSpoke Premium Audio featuring Aha? require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB drive to update the map, points of interest, Gracenote, and system software. The SST is used with all vehicles to deliver the update, however a unique Activation Number is required for each vehicle. Activation Numbers are provided in an Activation Card Number (ACN) pamphlet available through the normal parts ordering system. Use the process described in this bulletin to perform the update. NOTE-Map data will be released annually through the shipment of a Special Service Tool USB drive to each dealer. The SST must be stored in the SST cabinet to ensure it can be easily found.
- 10134364TT: Customer may complain about an oil leak from the bottom of the oil pan. After a closer inspection you may find the leak is coming from the oil drain plug itself.
- 10134172TechTip: Condition: This document provides some clarification of the timing chain Removal and Installation. Use this procedure in addition to the Repair Manual.
- 10133758Customer retention and proper maintenance of vehicles has been a major focus for Toyota and Scion. To help remind customers that regular oil changes are essential to the proper maintenance of their vehicle, dealers are required to begin installing a first oil change reminder sticker prior to delivery. By doing this, customers will be reminded to return to your dealership for their first oil change. Your current oil change reminder sticker may be used. (See PDS Check Sheet item 9 of ?Final Inspection & Cleaning.?)
- 10133757Pre-delivery service check sheet
- 10133753Some 2015 model year vehicles are equipped with a Smart Key system, which allows the customer to enter and start the vehicle without using a mechanical key. To ensure the system is operating properly, the Smart Key functions (Smart Entry and Smart Start) should be inspected using the following procedure during Pre-Delivery Service (PDS).
- 10133701Customer retention and proper maintenance of vehicles has been a major focus for Toyota and Scion. To help remind customers that regular oil changes are essential to the proper maintenance of their vehicle, dealers are required to begin installing a first oil change reminder sticker prior to delivery. By doing this, customers will be reminded to return to your dealership for their first oil change. Your current oil change reminder sticker may be used. (See PDS Check Sheet item 9 of ?Final Inspection & Cleaning.?)
- 10133700Pre-delivery service check sheet
- 10133696Some 2015 model year vehicles are equipped with a Smart Key system, which allows the customer to enter and start the vehicle without using a mechanical key. To ensure the system is operating properly, the Smart Key functions (Smart Entry and Smart Start) should be inspected using the following procedure during Pre-Delivery Service (PDS).
- 10132861TSB: REVISION NOTICE October 14, 2016 Rev1: The Warranty Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
- 10132854TSB: Some 2013 ? 2016 model year FR-S vehicles may exhibit a high pitch chirp or squeak noise from the high pressure Fuel Pump Assembly when the engine is fully warmed-up and idling. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
- 10132785Tech Tip: This document provides some clarification of the timing chain Removal and Installation.
- 10132773TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132743Tech Tip: Starting with the 2010 Model Year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil including: Reduced friction and wear on engine surfaces, Improved fuel economy, Reduction in waste oil stream (in vehicles approved for 10,000 mile oil change intervals), Reduced maintenance cost (in vehicles approved for 10,000 mile oil change intervals). Due to the improved performance and durability of 0w20 synthetic oil, Scion has extended the oil change intervals to 10,000 mile for vehicles that require this oil (except the FR-S). With this change, the following should be noted: Only Scion vehicles in which 0w20 oil is mandatory have been approved for extended oil change intervals. Vehicles in which 0w20 is an option to 5w20 (or 5w30) will continue to require 5,000 mile change intervals, even if 0w20 oil is used. In the case of vehicles with 10,000 mile oil change intervals, the 5,000 mile service interval has not been eliminated. The traditional 5,000 mile maintenance procedures (such as tire rotation) will continue to be required, and the fluid levels (including engine oil) will need to be checked and adjusted at this time. If the vehicle operation meets the standard criteria for "Special Operating Conditions" such as: driving off-road, on dirt roads, towing a trailer, making repeated short trips under 32 degrees F, or extensive idling, the engine oil must be replaced at 5,000 mile intervals, regardless of oil used. exception is FR-S, where the oil must be replaced every 3,750 miles, under "Special Operating Conditions."
- 10132725TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132722TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
- 10132615TechTip: Condition: This document provides some clarification of the timing chain Removal and Installation. Use this procedure in addition to the Repair Manual.
- 10132574SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132573SSB: Scion models equipped with the BeSpoke Premium Audio featuring Aha? require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB drive to update the map, points of interest, Gracenote, and system software. The SST is used with all vehicles to deliver the update, however a unique Activation Number is required for each vehicle. Activation Numbers are provided in an Activation Card Number (ACN) pamphlet available through the normal parts ordering system. Use the process described in this bulletin to perform the update. NOTE-Map data will be released annually through the shipment of a Special Service Tool USB drive to each dealer. The SST must be stored in the SST cabinet to ensure it can be easily found.
- 101318292015 model year vehicles are equipped with driver?s side floor mat retaining clips to secure the floor mat in the correct position. In addition, some models may utilize retaining clips for passenger side floor mats as well. Follow the appropriate installation procedure to attach the driver?s side and passenger?s side (if applicable) floor mat to the vehicle carpet using the floor mat retaining clips during Pre-Delivery Service (PDS).
- 10131828Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extended vehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle?s systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.
- 10131756TSB: In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a direct injection fuel system, a Special Service Tool Set is required to properly install the seal onto the injector. As new vehicle configurations have been released, several injector seal tool sets have been distributed to accommodate these new vehicles. There are a total of two injector seal tool sets for Scion models, located in the appropriate SST cabinets. Each kit contains multiple pieces as shown in the diagram below. The individual pieces must remain together to ensure these tools are used correctly. Refer to the repair manual for the tool information to ensure the correct tool is used for the desired application.
- 10129974TSB: In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a direct injection fuel system, a Special Service Tool Set is required to properly install the seal onto the injector. As new vehicle configurations have been released, several injector seal tool sets have been distributed to accommodate these new vehicles. There are a total of two injector seal tool sets for Scion models, located in the appropriate SST cabinets. Each kit contains multiple pieces as shown in the diagram below. The individual pieces must remain together to ensure these tools are used correctly. Refer to the repair manual for the tool information to ensure the correct tool is used for the desired application.
- 10111570SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
- 10111511TT: The Scion FR-S Repair manual calls for the use Three Bond 1217G or equivalent (TB 1217H) when performing mechanical Engine repairs on the FR-S FA20 Engine. Toyota FIPG 1207B (Part# 00295-00103) is NOT compatible with TB 1217G or its equivalent. See recommendation below to purchase 1217H directly from ThreeBond.
- 10111447SSB: Some 2015 - 2016 model year FR-S vehicles may exhibit a condition where the engine idle speed fluctuates (typically 500 - 1000 RPM) only when the transmission is in the Park or Neutral shift position. This condition occurs after the vehicle has been driven about 25 miles or more at highway speeds. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) logic has been revised to address this condition. Use the following procedure for reprogramming the TCM.
- 10111396SSB: Some 2013 - 2015 model year Scion vehicles equipped with BeSpoke Premium Audio featuring Aha(version less than 14.1.0) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: * When using the navigation route guidance the arrival time at the destination is incorrect. The GPS indicated arrival time is off by one hour (issue connected to Daylight Savings Time.) * Phonebook entries could not be found on the head unit phonebook list due to an issue with upper case and lower case text entry. * Podcasts cannot be played back on Apple devices loaded with or upgraded to iOS 8, when in iPod audio mode ("Loading..." displayed on screen). BeSpoke Premium Audio featuring Aha? System Update 14.1.0 fixes the conditions listed above as follows: * Improvement in arrival time performance when GPS data is used for Daylight Savings Time calculation. The time calculation will take into consideration if a Daylight Savings Time change has occurred. * Phonebook sorting logic has been improved to better account for lower and upper case letters. The improvement will provide better access to entries with mixed upper and lower case text. * Apple device compatibility has been improved when iOS 8 is loaded. The improvement allows Podcast playback in iPod mode.
- 10111395SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111360SSB: On some vehicles, when Rapgard is removed, the paint may have a stained appearance. These stains appear to be under the clear coat (repainting this area is not necessary). The stain patterns are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard. These wrinkles sometimes trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces, such as the hood, roof, and trunk. Stains can be removed by heating the stained surface to remove the trapped moisture.
- 10111340TT: Some vehicles equipped with Display Audio may exhibit a condition where the touch screen is inoperative.
- 10111307TT: iPhone text messages do not appear on multi media display.
Every Scion FR-S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.