Looking for Scion FR-S repair in Phoenix? We work on Scion vehicles every day and cover the FR-S across model years 2013 to 2016, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help FR-S owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 201 owner complaints on file for the FR-S and 7 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (151), power train (24), steering (9).
Most-Reported Scion FR-S Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the FR-S (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 151 | 75% | |
| Power Train | 24 | 11% | |
| Steering | 9 | 4% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | 4% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 5 | 2% | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 1% | |
| Air Bags | 4 | 1% | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 1% |
Engine
151 of the 201 complaints (75%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Power Train
24 of the 201 complaints (11%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Steering
9 of the 201 complaints (4%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Scion FR-S Complaints by Model Year
The FR-S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2015, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 179 | |
| 2014 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 14 | |
| 2016 | 3 |
Scion FR-S Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the FR-S, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Scion.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your FR-S? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Scion FR-S Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the FR-S in these model years, most often involving equipment, engine and engine cooling, power train. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2018 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 18V772000): 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.
- 2016 recall, Power Train (campaign 16V075000): 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.
- 2016 recall, Equipment (campaign 16V420000): 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.
- 2016 recall, Tires (campaign 16V236000): Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016.
- 2014 recall, Equipment (campaign 14V828000): 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.
- 2013 recall, Equipment (campaign 13V123000): 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,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the FR-S, 4 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Scion FR-S Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Scion will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a FR-S that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for FR-S owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Scion FR-S, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Scion FR-S Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Scion FR-S repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Scion FR-S FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Scion FR-S?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Scion FR-S are engine (151), power train (24), steering (9). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which FR-S model years have the most complaints?
The FR-S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2015, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Scion FR-S?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Scion FR-S. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Scion FR-S have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Scion FR-S across model years 2013 to 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Scion FR-S in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Scion vehicles including the FR-S, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Scion FR-S?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Scion FR-S in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Scion Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.