2013 Scion FR-S

Routine

Owners filed 179 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
69,000 milesMedian miles at failure

148 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2013 Scion FR-S problems

140 of the 179 complaints (78%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine135
120
Power Train · transmission11
000
Steering5
100
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine5
000
Wheels3
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Air Bags · airbags3
101
Service Brakes · brakes2
010
Electrical System2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine18V772000
Filed Nov 1, 2018165,534 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Electrical System › Ignition16V075000
Filed Feb 10, 201625,706 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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 being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

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.

Equipment › Other › Labels13V123000
Filed Apr 9, 20137,525 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. 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 Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

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.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual12V255000
Filed Jun 5, 20121,156 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNER’S MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNER’S MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, “OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.”

Risk. IF A USER READS AND FOLLOWS INACCURATE OWNER’S MANUAL INFORMATION, THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO A FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy. TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED INSERTS FOR THE OWNER’S MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 3, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-866-707-2466.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2026AR

On approximately May 27, 2026 I delivered my 2013 Scion FR-S (approx. 105,000 miles) to an authorized Toyota dealer for Safety Recall J02 (NHTSA 18V-772, engine valve spring replacement). I picked it up on June 3, 2026. Immediately the engine ran sluggish and the air conditioning, which had worked, stopped blowing cold. On June 7, 2026 - four days and only a few miles later - the engine spun a rod bearing and began knocking loudly. The vehicle is now inoperable. This recall requires removing and disassembling the engine and is widely documented to cause oil starvation and spun bearings when excess RTV sealant from reassembly clogs the oil pickup screen. My engine ran normally for years and failed within days of the recall repair. The recall repair caused catastrophic engine failure. No crash or injury has occurred; the vehicle is parked to prevent further damage.

SteeringCrash
Filed Dec 21, 2025FL

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2025FL

The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isn't covered. I

Engine
Filed Apr 10, 2025GA

The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isnt covered.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 20, 2025OH

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the recall could not be performed because the engine in the vehicle was not the OEM part. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 3, 202484,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 60 MPH, the engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a fractured engine valve spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2024NH

Sometimes the car randomly stalls out during driving. usually off cold starts if i let it warm up for even 5 minutes it still will stall out sometimes. its not super common id say it does it once every 2 days maybe. the car is also misfiring and ive noticed a large loss of power from the car. it started back in june and i just havent really gotten it fixed yet. usually when im driving itll kind of just buffer and a check engine light is thrown on but it ends up going off after a couple drives.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 14, 2023PA

The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.

Power Train
Filed Aug 29, 2023106,000 milesPA

The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Engine
Filed May 30, 2023NC

The engine suffered catastrophic failure 2,988 miles after the J02 Saftey recall was performed by Preston Toyota of New Castle, PA. I was travelling at highway speeds when the engine died and would not turn on. I lost all power brakes and could have wrecked and injured myself, others or worse, caused a fatality. The car was towed to a toyota dealership that confirmed the issue was due to the work performed during the recall on the car. The oil light flashed a few times then shut off and then a few seconds later the engine died.

Engine
Filed May 21, 2023OR

Vehicle suffered engine failure in line with previous recalled, and subsequently repaired parts. Both Toyota & Subaru have refused to repair. Vehicle is under 100,000 miles.

EngineCrash
Filed May 8, 2023CA

Engine stalled won't crank over or run anymore. Mechanic said it was a valve spring issue and vehicle had a recall that entitled engine to be replaced by Toyota.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 2, 2023TX

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting the parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that once the parts for the repair were available, the mechanic informed her that the manufacturer would not be covering the repairs on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Steering
Filed Jan 18, 2023FL

Steering locks and binds up and clunks while driving, makes steering. Creates dangerous situations as you cannot steer when this occurs. Diagnosed as a failed electric steering damper, repair performed by owner as dealer quoted over $900 for the repair to replace the entire electric power steering motor. This should be a recall as it affects the steering of the car. This failure occurs so commonly on these cars that owners are repairing it themselves with no manufacturer help. See: https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133606

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2023NJ

Engine failure. My safety is compromised by car leaving me stranded at an unpreditable time. Serviced center fixed vehicle twice unsuccecfully because different engine brand but joint partnership. No warning lamps were present before or after failure of engine.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 9, 2022115,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check oil warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was decelerating. The contact drove into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve spring had fractured. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that 115 miles after the repair there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle began to run rough. While driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to feel as if it was decelerating with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was coming from the bottom of the engine. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 11, 2022FL

Under normal driving conditions, a well maintained 79k car, the joint that holds up cylinder #2 failed, totalling the engine. Thankfully the rod did not kill me.

Engine
Filed Nov 8, 2022CT

It is my belief that the valve spring on the engine broke, even after the recall work had been done. I was getting out of my car and heard, what sounded like, metal under tension popping really loudly. After that the engine made a rattling noise. In hindsight I should have known something was wrong, but I had an oil change at the dealer in 2 days and thought they would hear it. After the oil change they didn't say anything so I felt it was ok. On my way home from work the following day, less than 40 miles after the oil change, the car suddenly completely shut off while I was driving home on the highway. What saved my life was that I was getting off the highway in the right lane and was able to roll the car slightly off the highway. Had this been in any other lane I might have been in an accident. Trying to restart the car on the side of the road it had a terrible knocking noise and sounded like something was spinning freely. I had it towed to the dealer as they had just changed the oil thinking that was it. They "looked" at it a couple days later and said it was a spun bearing and that it was normal wear and tear. The car only has 103,000 miles on it and was driven normally, with regular maintenance. Upon retrieving the car the tow truck driver stated that's not normal to happen, and I noticed the car was in the same place as where I had it towed originally. The dealer never actually inspected or looked at the car and just made the spun bearing assessment without trying to st

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 2022CA

The day before the incident, took the vehicle for an oil change at dealership. Driving in a Interstate 8 under construction and vehicle had engine malfunction turning off and also turned off power steering creating difficulty steering, could have created accident on freeway jeopardize my safety and of others. The engine malfunction started by making a rattling sound and turning off the engine. Since my vehicle is Standard/Manual transmission, I stepped on the clutch and the rattling stop making me coast with the moment it had. I removed the clutch to turn on the vehicle and the rattling continued so I put it in neutral, waited to slow down to push the vehicle onto an emergency lane (since the freeway was under construction and the lanes had Jersey Barriers). The problem hasn't been able to reproduce because the vehicle cannot restart, contact local dealership and rejected to perform recall unless I put down $2,000 (November 2018). Sent out to a local shop but didn't have workers with Boxer engine knowledge. Contact DMV for guidance about rejection on recall (which happened again on March 2022) and made another appointment at local dealership. They rejected me again without inspecting recall component and commented that "It was suspicious that you haven't had the recall done on it". There wasn't any check engine light nor abs or any message prior to the failure.

Engine
Filed May 15, 2022CA

Was going down the road. To a fast food place. As soon as I turned. A pop happens and the whole car started to shake. All the maintenance was done every 6k miles. Got the car at 32k miles Went to Toyota. And they called and said it was engine failure “mechanical failure” then they called back and said there was no coolant. In my eyes I feel it’s to cover their end to not do a recall.

Power Train
Filed Apr 18, 2022CA

2013 SCION FR-S Valve spring recall notice was received in the mail. Recalled valve spring replacement caused engine to seize twice. The first time the engine seized Tustin Toyota admitted fault, noting issue was from recall fix and repaired the engine at no cost. The second time the engine seized Toyota denied responsibility and wanted to charge $5000

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2022NE

After completing the valve spring recall I got my car back and not 200 miles later the engine started to have rod knock. The Toyota dealership told me that there was now metal in my oil pan and I would need a new engine. This is not a unique issue, it has been happening to hundreds of other cars going through this exact recall, for years now.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 16, 2021WA

My issue is that I was never notified and I just so happened to look up out of curiosity and I’m upset that something bad could have possibly happened.

Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2021CA

Toyota of El Cajon performed the J02 recall for engine valve springs on August 13, 2020 at 98, 448 mileage. Toyota of El Cajon performed service oil/filter change, coolant change, and multipoint inspection June 2021 (work order 356309). The engine of my 2013 Scion FR-S malfunctioned with a rod knock on July 13, 2021 at 105k mileage, eleven months after J02 recall performed. There were no warnings lamps, oil lights, or any messages prior to failure. The only symptom was the engine rod knock when the car starts. Toyota of El Cajon technician and shop floorman do not know the cause, yet they attempt to deny that this issue relates to the J02 recall. They said it would cost a "couple thousand" to take apart the engine to investigate the cause. They said it would be $9k out of my pocket to replace the short block and would be "terribly expensive". I towed my unfixed vehicle home through my insurance. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. I am contacting Toyota Corporate to create claim #. Engine failure after J02 recall is a well-known issue. There are several other cases of this happening and a Class Action lawsuit due to workmanship error and sealant. This issue should be fixed by the dealership/manufacturer without cost to consumer. The safety, reliability and reputation of the vehicle depends on it. Do the right thing!

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2021TN

I was driving down the road and felt the car lose power. Shortly, after the traction control and check engine light came on. I pulled over and a I slowed the engine died on me. It took several tries and it finally started and I made it home going about 45. The next day I went to town and as I pulled into a parking lot the engine completely died again. I went to the parts store right next door and the code read can shaft sensor fault. I then slowly drove to a family members house and where we replaced those sensors. This didn't fix anything. I then took it too my mechanic who proceeded to tell me I needed a new engine. There were multiple codes showing with his code reader. I only remember low oil pressure but the oil was full. Tried to drive it back to family members (less than 2 miles)but it didn't make it and I had to have it towed home.i had the valve spring recall repaired in the summer of 2020. My car has 103,000 miles and has had every oil change and had a tune up when I took it to the dealership for the recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 21, 2021CA

I started my car and immediately hears a knocking noise and I as drive or stay idled and rev my engine a bit I can hear the knocking noise as well.

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 202182,900 milesCT

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of an unknown recall. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer and the engine was replaced. The contact then stated while driving the vehicle two months later, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the oil valve needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred two years later. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the warranty coverage being expired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,900.

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 202121,003 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 SCION FR-S. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,003.

Engine
Filed Apr 20, 202182,500 milesCA

THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A ROAD TRIP. DURING THE TRIP THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING EXCESSIVELY. UPON PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE WE INSPECTED THE ENGINE TO SEE A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE UPON FURTHER INSPECTION.

Engine
Filed Mar 26, 202173,000 milesWA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD NEAR MY HOUSE AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE SO I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS FINE SO I KEPT DRIVING AND IT STARTED GETTING WORSE SO I HAD TO TOW THE CAR HOME

Power Train
Filed Mar 14, 2021TX

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHICH WITH TIME I BELIEVE IT'S GOING TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 202145,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION FR-S. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS NOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2021111,000 milesCA

AFTER SEEING NUMEROUS TOYOTA J02 (2018) VALVE TRAIN RECALL CATASTROPHES, I DECLINED THE SERVICE. WHEN THE CA DMV REQUIRED IT FOR REGISTRATION RENEWAL, I WAITED UNTIL THE DEADLINE SO THE TOYOTA MECHANICS WOULD GET MORE PRACTICE ON OTHER CARS BEFORE SERVICING MINE IN JANUARY 2020 WITH 98K MILES ODOMETER. I THOUGHT THE STRATEGY WORKED, UNTIL NOVEMBER 2020 AT 111K MILES ODOMETER. ON MY DAILY FREEWAY COMMUTE, WITH A CLATTER AND THEN A BANG, A HOLE WAS BLOWN IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE, OUT OF WHICH OIL SPRAYED ONTO THE CAT PRODUCING BILLOWING SMOKE, CEL'S, AND THEN A LOW OIL ALERT. BY THE TIME I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE STILL RAN BUT WAS KNOCKING. PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA RECOVERED A ROCKER ARM THAT HAD SOMEHOW DETACHED ITSELF FROM ITS SWIVEL, THRASHED AROUND INSIDE THE VALVE CASE, AND THEN GOT EJECTED OUT THROUGH THE VALVE COVER. THEY INSISTED THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR SERVICE WARRANTY, WHICH WAS 12-MONTHS UNLIMITED MILES IN PRINT, FOR DEPRAVED REASONS THEY ADDITIONALLY REFUSED TO PUT IN WRITING. THEY, AND OTHER LOCAL SHOPS, ATTEMPTED TO QUOTE ME TO SWAP IN A USED ENGINE, BUT NOW THERE'S COINCIDENTALLY A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF THESE ENGINES, TURNING MY CAR, WHICH HAD RUN 98K MILES FLAWLESSLY, INTO A TOTAL LOSS. THE NHTSA FAILED THE PUBLIC FOR FORCING AND THEN NOT RESCINDING A RECKLESS RECALL DECISION, WHERE THE HAZARDS OF A SPECIALIZED ENGINE SERVICE PERFORMED BY UNSPECIALIZED DEALERSHIP MECHANICS DWARFED THE HAZARDS OF TAKING NO ACTION. IN TRYING TO PREVENT DOZENS

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 202140,000 milesCA

I'LL BE DRIVING AND RPM WILL DIP SO FAST SOMETIME CARS DIES BUT HAPPENS EVERY NOW AND THEN. SOMETIMES IN START UP AND OR JUST JUST A STOP LIGHT

Power Train
Filed Jan 11, 202150,720 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION FR-S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DROVE HOME AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO EXPRESSWAY TOYOTA (700 MORRISSEY BLVD, BOSTON, MA 02122) WHERE AN ESTIMATE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,720.

Engine
Filed Jan 6, 202195,740 milesCA

2013 SCION FR-S HAD A VALVE SPRING RECALL. WHILE DRIVING, AS SOON AS I APPROACHED A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE STALLED. SOON AS I RE-IGNITED THE ENGINE I HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. MY VEHICLE WAS ONLY GOING 10-15 MPH WITH THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE GETTING LOUDER. THIS EVENT OCCURRED A YEAR/8000MILES AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WAS CONTRIBUTED BY THE THE RECALL SERVICE. Consumer stated J02 recall was serviced May 22, 2019 at 87705 miles. Incident happened again on June 5th,2020 at 95745 miles.

Engine
Filed Dec 17, 2020145,000 milesCA

J02 RECALL DONE IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR FOR REGISTRATION, DID AN OIL CHANGE AND FOUND METAL SHAVING AND THEN THE ENGINE GAVE OUT IN APRIL. CORPORATE WASN'T ANY HELP, EVEN AFTER FINDING FIPG IN OIL PICK UP. PAID FOR REBUILT, AND THE CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE ON COLD START. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK 3 TIMES. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AND SAID FIPG WAS FOUND IN OIL PICK. AND TESTED EVERYTHING. REBUILT WASN'T DONE RIGHT FROM FIRST DEALER. FIRST DEALER ALSO DAMAGED THE HOOD DURING THE REBUILT. THE HOOD HASN'T BEEN PROPERLY FIXED. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE OR POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 202088,600 milesPA

ONE YEAR AFTER REQUIRED J02 RECALL, I SPUN A ROD BEARING ON CYLINDER 4. CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND THE OIL LEVEL WAS FULL AT TIME OF FAILURE. I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK AND DIED SHORTLY AFTER. CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART, I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER AND GET TOWED. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL IS DENYING IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE WARRANTY AND IS REQUIRING THAT I USE AN AFTERMARKET WARRANTY TO GET A USED ENGINE FORM ANOTHER CAR.

Engine
Filed Nov 10, 2020130,000 milesCA

ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THE J02 RECALL WORK WAS DONE THE ENGINE DIED COMMUTING IN TRAFFIC WHILE ON THE HWY TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPORT A SPUN BEARING DUE TO OIL STARVATION, YET THE CRANKCASE IS FULL WITH OIL (PER THEIR OWN INSPECTION) WITH ABOUT 25% LIFE BEFORE HAVING TO CHANGE OIL. I SUSPECT EXCESS RTV FROM THE RECALL WORK HAS CLOGGED THE PICKUP SCREEN OR AN OIL GALLEY. DEALERSHIP DENIES THAT EITHER OF THOSE 2 THINGS ARE THE CASE AND WON'T FIX VEHICLE, YET THEY CANNOT EXPLAIN THE "OIL STARVATION" IF THE CRANKCASE IS FULL OF OIL AND YOU QUOTE OIL STARVATION, THEN SOMETHING SOMEWHERE IS CLOGGED. YET THEY WONT ACCEPT RESPONSIBVILITY DESPITE THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE AT TOYOTA. PLEASE HELP!

Engine
Filed Oct 12, 202060 milesPR

MY 2013 FRS TOYOTA SCION ENGINE FAILED DURING A TRIP IN THE HIGHWAY AFTER A TOYOTA DEALER PERFORMED A J02 RECALL. ENGINE START TO FAILED WITH AN ENGINE NOISE; THEN ENGINE STOP AT THE HIGHWAY.AFTER 2,000 MILES AFTER RECALL PERFORMED. ENGINE BROKE TWO TIES THE ENGINE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR NEVER FEEL LIKE BEFORE , SOMETIME HAPPENED DURING THE REPAIR THAT THE CAR START FAILING. THE HISTORY OF CAR WAS CLEAN NEVER FAILED WITH 40,000 MMILES WITHOUT ANY FAILURES. AFTER THAT SOMETHING HAPPEN WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLU WAS RUNNING AT 65 MH WHEN THE FAIL OCURRED.IT IS A LOCAL CAR USE ENOW WITH 44,000 MILES. WITHOUT ANY FAILURES BEFORE.

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 202084,000 milesKS

I DROVE MY AUTO TO A NORMAL ERRAND TRIP, THERE WERE NO ISSUES, WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES, NOTHING, NEXT MORNING I GET IN START UP AND IT'S MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WITHIN THE MOTOR, STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS, ALL GAGES ARE READING NORMAL, I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA SERVICE AND THEY TELL ME MY CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE, POSSIBLY BEARINGS IN CRANK SHAFT HOUSING, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN , IF IT WERE IT'S WITH WEAR OUT OF EXCESS OF 300,000 PLUS MILES. MY CAR HAS 84,000 MILES I AM THE 1 AND ONLY OWNER, I HAVE DONE ALL MAINTENANCE ( OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATION, ETC) AND RECALL THRU TOYOTA, I USE ONLY BEST GASOLINE, OIL. THE ONLY RECALL WAS ENGINE VALVE SPRINGS REPLACEMENT. WHEN TAKEN IN TO TOYOTA FOR ESTIMATE OF THIS PROBLEM, THEY STATED THAT TO THE ENGINE- COMPUTER THREW NO CODES, THERE WERE NO WARNING EMBLEMS, OR WARNING SIGNS. WHICH IN ITSELF IS FAULTY. I PLAN TO REPAIR MY AUTO BUT STRONGLY FEEL THIS WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL AND SHOULD BE AT MANUFACTURES COST . AS I AM IN REPLACEMENT PROCESS I HAVE NO DOCUMENTS EXCEPT FOR ESTIMATE. THANK YOU. PLEASE HELP ME.

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 202062,000 milesCA

BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR THE J02 RECALL AS MANDATED BY CALIFORNIA DMV. I EXPRESSED CONCERNS OVER THE RECALL REPAIRS BEFORE WORK WAS DONE, DUE TO THE ALARMING NUMBER OF DEALERSHIP ISSUES AND THIS RECALL. THE SERVICE AGENT ASSURED ME THEY UNDERSTOOD THE COMPLEXITY OF THE REPAIR AND THAT THE TECHNICIANS WERE ADEQUATELY TRAINED. PICK UP MY CAR A WEEK LATER, AND HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS WITHIN 30 MILES. BROUGHT IT BACK IN AND TOLD THEM WHAT THEY WOULD FIND IN THE OIL SUMP BEFORE THEY OPENED IT (METAL SHAVINGS AND SILICONE). I KNEW THIS BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER FRS OWNER ISSUES. SURE ENOUGH THEY FIND EXACTLY THAT IN THE OIL SUMP/PICKUP SCREEN. DEALER CLAIMED THAT WAS THEIR PREVIOUSLY AND NOT FROM THEIR WORK, BUT ASSURED ME THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FIND WITH GOOD OIL PRESSURE. I EVEN ASKED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I HAD THOSE PROBLEMS AGAIN, I WAS TOLD WE WILL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE GET THERE. SO I DROVE IT TO WORK, AND HAD ENGINE FAILURE BEFORE I EVEN GOT INTO THE PARKING LOT. HAD TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK TO GET IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CHARGED ME A 1200 DOLLAR DEPOSIT TO EVEN DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM ONLY TO LATER TELL ME THAT CORPORATE TOYOTA NOR THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I WAS TOLD I EITHER CAN TRADE IT IN (MINUS THE 3600 DOLLARS FOR ENGINE DISASSEMBLY WHICH I WAS FORCED INTO, DID NOT SIGN ANYTHING). I WANTED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND GET IT REPAIRED ELSE WARE BUT WAS TOLD I CANNOT HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK EITHER. I AM OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MY TRANSPORTATION TO

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 202099,860 milesCA

SO I'LL JUST TO GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. I HAVE A 2013 SCION FR-S THAT LITERALLY THIS PAST MONDAY I TOOK IN FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS REQUIRED FOR ME TO GET MY REGISTRATION. THE DAY I TOOK IT IN WAS JULY 26 2020 WITH 99630 MILES. I RECEIVED IT YESTERDAY AT 5PM FROM THE DEALERSHIP AS THEY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DONE AND READY AND THAT IT WAS HEALTHY. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO MY PARENTS WHICH WASN'T TOO FAR AND THEN LATER ON AROUND 8:30 I WENT HOME. SOON AFTER I WAS PLANNING ON MEETING A FRIEND AND AFTER PICKING THEM UP I HEARD A WEIRD NOISE AND MY VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WOULDN'T TURN ON. MY VEHICLE ONLY LASTED EXACTLY 50 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM WHEN I PICKED IT UP. MY ODOMETER NOW READS 99680 ON THE DOT. THERE IS NO WAY THAT I'M AT FAULT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS RUNNING PERFECT WITH NO ISSUES AND THEN I LEAVE IT WITH TOYOTA FOR 3 DAYS AND GET IT AND IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS IT TURNS OFF WITHIN ONLY 5 1/2 HOURS OF RECEIVING MY VEHICLE. I WILL UPDATE LATER WHEN I RECEIVE WORD FROM TOYOTA ON THE ISSUE. ALSO TO MENTION I HAVE A CODE READER AND HAD 17 CODES THAT READ EVERYTHING INVOLVING FROM THE KNOCK SENSOR TO THE CAM POSITION SENSORS AND THE ANGLE POSITION SENSORS. ALL BRAND NEW CODES DUE AFTER MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF. ALSO TURNS OUT THERE'S HISTORY ON THE COMPUTER THAT I NEVER HAD WHEN I FIRST HAD MY SCAN TOOL.

Engine
Filed Jul 25, 20204 milesCA

TOOK MY CAR TO THE JOHN ELWAY CROWN TOYOTA FOR THE J02 RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP HAD EXAMINE THE ENGINED AND STATED THAT IT WAS IN GOOD SHAPE AND ABLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THE RECALL. AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE IT WENT GREAT; HOWEVER LESS THEN TWO MONTHS MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AT NIGHT TIME. I WAS ALMOST HIT BECAUSE OF THIS. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS. THIS WAS INFORMED TO ME YESTERDAY. NOW, THE DIRECTOR JOSH DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY INTO THIS AND SAYS IT COULD HAVE BEEN "WEAR AND TEAR." PRIOR TO DOING MY RECALL MY ADVISOR ALEXIS GAVE ME A CALL TO LET ME KNOW MY ENGINE WAS IN GREAT CONDITION (JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR.) METAL SHAVINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DETECTED WHEN DRAINING THE OIL FOR THE REPAIR, IF THE PROBLEM WAS THERE BEFORE THE RECALL LIKE THEY TRY TO EXPLAIN TO ME. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CASE AND MANY MORE SCION FRS OWNERS FACE THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM I AM FACING BECAUSE OF THE RECALL AND DEALERSHIPS DO NOT WANT TO OWN UP TO IT.

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2020138,500 milesNM

I'M A OWNER OF A 2013 SCION FRS AND HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE AFTER THE RECALL WAS MADE ON APRIL OF 2019. ON JULY 6 I WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT FROM LAS CRUSES TO EL PASO TX I WAS GOING 70 AND STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE I PULLED UP IMMEDIATELY AND CAR DIDN'T WANT TO START. I IMMEDIATELY TOWED IT TO MY HOUSE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON JULY 11 I HAD TO RENT A U-HAUL TO GET IT TOWED. I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT EVERYBODY IS FACING AFTER THE RECALL WAS MADE. ENGINE HAS ONLY 138K MILES AND ITS A SHAME THAT THIS HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. I HOPE THEY COME TO THEIR SENSES AND HELP ALL OF US THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AFTER THE RECALL WAS MADE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT HAVEN'T HAD A CALL OR MESSAGE FROM THEM. STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE.

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2020112,000 milesCA

AFTER THE J02 RECALL WAS DONE ON MY CAR, IT FELT SLOW AND WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WOULD STALL OUT WITHIN A SPAN OF 6 MONTHS FROM THE RECALL WAS DONE ON MY CAR. I MAINLY USE MY CAR JUST FOR WORK, AND ONE DAY I DECIDED TO TAKE A SMALL TRIP ON MY LOCAL MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY FOR A DAY OF SIGHT SEEING. WELL ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR FELT VERY UNRESPONSIVE SO I HAD DECIDED TO PULL OVER AND SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR HAD DIED ON ME RIGHT AS I MADE TURN, LEAVING ME STRANDED AFTER A BLIND CORNER, LEAVING ME EXPOSED FOR A CAR TO ALMOST HITTING ME FROM BEHIND. LUCKILY SOME GOOD FOLKS HELPED ME OUT BY STOPPING TRAFFIC BEFORE THE CORNER AND PUSHING MY CAR OUT OF THE WAY. I THOUGHT MY CAR HAD OVER HEATED SO I LET MY CAR REST FOR A HOUR, AND I TURNED ON MY CAR AND JUST HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SO I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF MY CAR. WHEN I GOT MY CAR HOME THROUGH A TOW TRUCK, I DRAINED MY OIL AND FOUND METAL PIECES IN MY OIL.

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 202035,000 milesMI

MY VEHICLE HAD THE J02 RECALL PERFORMED ON 1-22-2019. SIX MONTHS LATER (ONLY 2,000 MILES LATER ON THE CAR) THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES COMING ON, KNOCKING SOUNDS FROM ENGINE, ROUGH IDLE, CAR IS STALLING. THE TOYOTA SERVICE TECHS HAVE NO REAL ANSWER FOR THE PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD ANOTHER FEW MONTHS AND THEIR IS METAL FRAGMENTS IN THE OIL!!! THE DEALERSHIP THEN STATES THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE!!! THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WITHIN ONLY 5,000 MILES OF HAVING THE RECALL DONE. THE CAR WAS PERFECTLY FINE BEFORE THE RECALL. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES AT THE MOMENT. CLEARLY THE RECALL HAS LED TO NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS. US OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PURCHASE NEW ENGINES FOR OUR VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THIS. PLEASE HELP US!!!! MY VEHICLE NO LONGER FEELS SAFE TO OWN OR DRIVE!!!!!!!

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 29, 202077,615 milesSC

ON JUNE 28TH I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A RAINY DAY. WHILE TAKING A CURVE THE CAR LOST TRACTION CAUSE THE TRACTION LIGHT TO COME ON AS WELL AS THE ABS LIGHT. A FEW MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED BRAKING WITHOUT ME EVEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE BREAK.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 22, 2020169,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION FR-S. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF REDLANDS (921 NEW YORK ST, REDLANDS, CA 92374, (866) 611-5911) TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 80 MILES THE ENGINE CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 169,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 18, 202058,150 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION FR-S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL TAPPING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHN ELWAY'S CROWN TOYOTA (1201 KETTERING DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE DEBRIS FROM THE CRANKSHAFT WAS FOUND IN THE OIL PAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MONTHS PRIOR TO FAILURE, HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE INTO THE SAME DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE ENGINE SPRING VALVES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT IF IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WAS LINKED TO THE RECALL, THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE WOULD BE COVERED HOWEVER, IF THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,150.*DT*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 179, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20163300Routine
201514310Routine
20145200Routine
2013 — this page179430Routine

Compare every FR-S year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 1, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.