2013 Scion tC — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $7,000–$12,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Deciding between model years? Compare the 6 Scion tC years we've written up →
Kestrel Take
A sporty-looking coupe with Toyota Camry mechanicals underneath — which means it's durable and cheap to run, and it's slower than it looks. The 2.5L and conventional automatic are proven. The real risks are boy-racer abuse and modification history.
What we checked
Checked against public records, 2026-09-25
NHTSA holds 9 owner complaints for the 2013 Scion tC, and 1 recall campaign.
That is too small a record to read a pattern from, so we are not going to pretend otherwise — with numbers this low one owner moves the percentage by a lot. What has been filed is grouped under the brakes (3), the transmission and drivetrain (3), airbags (2). Treat those as things to look at, not as the vehicle's known weaknesses. A thin file usually means few of these were sold or few owners filed. It is not evidence the vehicle is trouble-free, and the issues below are our own research rather than a reading of this record.
One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2013 Scion tC
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
These attracted young buyers and heavy modification. Check for tunes, coilovers, and hard use that a Camry drivetrain was never abused with.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (3).
The 2.5L can consume oil on some examples and the water pump weeps with age.
Repair cost (estimate): $300-$900
Source: not yet checked against public records.
City-driven and enthusiast-driven manuals wear clutches.
Repair cost (estimate): $800-$1,400
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (3).
The large glass roof drains clog and leak.
Repair cost (estimate): $150-$600
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under glass, wipers and mirrors (2), the body and structure (1).
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Aftermarket tune, coilovers, or exhaust with no documentation
- ✗Oil consumption
- ✗Salvage title from a wreck
- ✗Worn clutch on a modified car
Good Signs
- ✓Stock, adult-owned example
- ✓Toyota drivetrain with documented maintenance
- ✓Healthy clutch and dry sunroof
Similar cars & sedans
Found a specific Scion tC?
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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