2012 Scion TC
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2012 Scion TC. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Scion TC. Newest first.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Owner complaints
8 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
I was driving on 60 freeway when my sunroof window exploded/shattered. I'm doing some research and its happening on this make and model frequently. I went to toyota and talked to them regarding if there IS recall about it because looks like its a manufacturer defect. I ended up paying for it via my…
I was driving on 60 freeway when my sunroof window exploded/shattered. I'm doing some research and its happening on this make and model frequently. I went to toyota and talked to them regarding if there IS recall about it because looks like its a manufacturer defect. I ended up paying for it via my insurance. how can I as a consumer be protected if this a manufacturer defect? It seems they don't have a program about it. *tr
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
I have a safety recall on my vehicle. *tr
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2012 scion tc. While the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the sun roof exploded without warning or impact. Priority toyota chesapeake (1800 greenbrier pkwy, chesapeake, va 23320, (757) 213-5000) was contacted and advised the contact to call the insurance company. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 scion tc. While the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the sun roof exploded without warning or impact. Priority toyota chesapeake (1800 greenbrier pkwy, chesapeake, va 23320, (757) 213-5000) was contacted and advised the contact to call the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The insurance company was called and informed the contact to submit a claim. The failure mileage was 63,200.
- Visibility/wiper
I was driving to work at 55 mph. my sunroof was close, air conditioner was on and windows up because it was raining. while driving heard a loud noise thought it was someone that had an impact by other car. when I looked up my sunroof was all of the something gone. I looked in the driveway by my…
I was driving to work at 55 mph. my sunroof was close, air conditioner was on and windows up because it was raining. while driving heard a loud noise thought it was someone that had an impact by other car. when I looked up my sunroof was all of the something gone. I looked in the driveway by my mirror and it was flying like a "freeze biz" for no reason. I try to make a claim with the dealer and they didn't want to cover me. I also made a claim with my insurance company mapfre and told me it wasn't an accident so they didn't cover me. they mvp toyota dealer IS charging me $4,359.25 for fixing it.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
On my way home on I-10 there was no traffic near me, windows up sunroof closed ac on, my roommate with me we hear what sounded like a gun shot than a shower of glass. We pulled over to find the glass panel in the roof had shattered there was no impact mark(s) I drove straight to the place I got the…
On my way home on I-10 there was no traffic near me, windows up sunroof closed ac on, my roommate with me we hear what sounded like a gun shot than a shower of glass. We pulled over to find the glass panel in the roof had shattered there was no impact mark(s) I drove straight to the place I got the car(new) (philpot motors in nederland tx) where I was told that they had two cars on the lot that did the same thing, but completely refused to do anything about this issue. I called my insur, co. About it and that told me that should be warranty deal. No one had any information to help me, and I had searched and found many other people that have had this issue, and toyota refused to offer any help. Toyota needs to make this right to all the people with this car...
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Driving to work in california, partly cloudy, around 60 degrees. All windows up, ac off, sunroof closed and visor shut. I am driving in the right lane at 65mph when I hear what sounds like a gunshot in my car followed by glass shattering and spraying over my car. I pullover to see that my sunroof…
Driving to work in california, partly cloudy, around 60 degrees. All windows up, ac off, sunroof closed and visor shut. I am driving in the right lane at 65mph when I hear what sounds like a gunshot in my car followed by glass shattering and spraying over my car. I pullover to see that my sunroof had exploded from the inside outward. The whole in my sunroof IS about 1FT 6IN long and about 8IN wide. The glass was shattered all the way around the perimeter of the sunroof and the middle appeared to look like pressure blew out the center. Lucky for me my visor was closed so the glass remains in there. Toyota refuses to have heard of this problem before but it took me 30 seconds to find plenty of evidence. This issue could cause serious injury to drivers and other motorists. No vehicle that has windows exploding spontaneously IS safe to drive. I ask that toyota take responsibility now before it happens again and causes serious injury. *tr
- Electrical system
To date, I have had my vehicle repaired three times for the same malfunction. I worked with manufacturing and sales organizations and I have failed to receive substantiation beyond your organization's due diligence that my vehicle IS safe for my family. These organizations have failed to diagnose…
To date, I have had my vehicle repaired three times for the same malfunction. I worked with manufacturing and sales organizations and I have failed to receive substantiation beyond your organization's due diligence that my vehicle IS safe for my family. These organizations have failed to diagnose the specific malfunction with my vehicle (electrical) and subsequently have been gutting my vehicle piece by piece devaluing it.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 scion tc. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 to 15 mph, he lost control of the vehicle swerved and crash head on into a telephone pole. Upon impact the air bags failed to deploy. The driver received injuries to his head, neck and back. A police report…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 scion tc. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 to 15 mph, he lost control of the vehicle swerved and crash head on into a telephone pole. Upon impact the air bags failed to deploy. The driver received injuries to his head, neck and back. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was pending an investigation. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 841.
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
- 10200375Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup
- 10200374Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup
- 10185779TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10178780DL: Toyota plans to send Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices for the above referenced campaigns to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
- 10152156TSB: REVISION NOTICE August 23, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2015 ? 2016 model year tC vehicles, and 2016 model year iM vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Introduction. Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip.
- 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.
- 10133952Some 2011 ? 2012 model year Scion tC vehicles may exhibit excessive wind noise with the moon roof in the ?Full Open? position. This condition typically starts at 45 mph and increases with speed. New Sliding Roof Guide Rail Sub-Assemblies have been developed to improve this condition.
- 10133921Scion vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10133920Some 2011-2013 Scion tCs may exhibit the following conditions; speedometer inoperative or speedometer needle caught/stuck, while all other meter functions work normally.
- 10133919Starting with the 2010 model year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil.
- 10133905Flash 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 reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
- 10133902When 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 rick of further damage to electrical components.
- 10133844Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2011 ? 2012 model year vehicles equipped with the 2AR-FE engine may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition.
- 10133843Some customers may inquire about the frequency and power output of the Smart Key/Smart Entry systems used on various models. The Smart Key/Smart Entry systems conform to all applicable FCC rules. This bulletin details the applicable specifications for these systems.
- 10133842Some 2011 ? 2013 model year Scion tC vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a growling or rattle noise from the transmission area when the clutch pedal is released. Changes have been made to the input shaft rear bearing. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
- 10133798Some 2012 model year Scion tC and xB vehicles may set SRS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that are not listed in the Repair Manual. Refer to the chart in this bulletin to diagnose these DTCs.
- 10133759Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip. Follow the procedures in this bulletin for proper handling and installation of this optional service part.
- 10133702Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX Tip) is now available to help minimize future occurrences of this environmental condition. For some models, a new drain hose is required to properly fit the ARINIX Tip. Follow the procedures in this bulletin for proper handling and installation of this optional service part.
- 10132900TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 10, 2016 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year xB vehicles, 2016 model year iM vehicles, and 2015 ? 2016 tC vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2008 ? 2016 model year Scion vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
- 10132774TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 6, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 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.
- 10132724TSB: Some 2011 ? 2014 model year tC vehicles may exhibit a condition where water is leaking from the HVAC system. This can be caused by the HVAC drain tube becoming clogged with debris.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10132321Starting with the 2010 model year, Scion began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil.
- 10132298If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top of the windshield, the source of the noise may be the two windshield stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield area.
- 10132272Tips for writing a DPR (Dealer Product Report) on manufacturing issues for windows and windshields.
- 10132271Certain service publications, Technical Service Bulletins, Service Campaign Technical Instructions and Service & Parts Operation Communication Bulletins may reference specifically required adhesives and sealants
- 10132270Prior to tire rotation use the quick reference chart below to verify the size of the lug nut and the lug nut torque specifications. The quick reference chart is applicable to current generation vehicles only.
- 10132250Some 2011 ? 2013 model year tC vehicles may exhibit a condition where water is leaking from the HVAC system. This can be caused by the HVAC drain tube becoming clogged with debris.
- 10132174Some 2008 ? 2016 model year Scion vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
- 10132166Some customers may complain of a loose windshield molding or noise while driving as a result of a loose molding.
- 10132165To receive satellite radio functions after the initial trial period has expired, the customer must enter into a contract with XM Satellite Radio Inc. After entering into a contract, registration of an 8-digit XM Radio ID is required. This 8-digit XM Radio ID is found by turning to channel ?0? of the satellite radio.
- 10132141The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
- 10132138Due to the improved performance and durability of 0w-20 synthetic oil, Scion has extended the oil change intervals to 10,000 miles for vehicles that require this oil (except for FR-S). With this change, the following should be noted
- 10132105The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
Every Scion TC model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.