Is the Scion Fr-S reliable?

The Scion Fr-S has 235 NHTSA complaints, or 103.3 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is ENGINE. Source: VinItel

What Scion Fr-S years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2013 model year of the Scion Fr-S — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2013 model year alone has 209 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Scion Fr-S?

Among Scion Fr-S model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2016 (3 complaints), 2014 (5 complaints), 2015 (18 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Scion Fr-S problems?

The most common Scion Fr-S problems reported to NHTSA are: ENGINE (150 complaints, 0.7% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (24 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); STEERING (9 complaints, 11.1% crash rate); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints, 0.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Scion Fr-S?

Used Scion Fr-S buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2016, 2014, 2015. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Scion Fr-S Reliability by Year

235 NHTSA complaints (2013–2016). Complaint rate: 103.3 per 1,000 vehicles.

Scion Fr-S reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 235 NHTSA complaints (2013–2016), the most problematic years are 2013, with high complaint volumes linked to engine problems. Better choices include 2016, 2014, 2015, which show significantly fewer reported problems.

Why these years are worse

The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:

engine problems — 150 complaints (0.7% involved a crash)
transmission issues — 24 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
unknown or other — 10 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
steering defects — 9 complaints (11.1% involved a crash)
fuel system issues — 9 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)

Severity Score

123.1

Complaints

235

Crash Rate

2.1%

Fire Rate

1.7%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2013 Scion Fr-S. The 2016 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE.

Avoid These Years

2013

~209/yr complaints · 3 crashes

Average

2015

~18/yr complaints

Better Years

2016

~3/yr complaints

2014

~5/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Scion Fr-S?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Scion Fr-S — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2013 (209)

Common Scion Fr-S Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
ENGINE	150	0.7%
POWER TRAIN	24	0.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	10	0.0%
STEERING	9	11.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	9	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	5	0.0%
AIR BAGS	4	50.0%
SERVICE BRAKES	4	25.0%
WHEELS	3	0.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3	0.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2013AVOID	—	209	3	3	View →
2014GOOD	—	5	0	—	View →
2015	—	18	2	1	View →
2016GOOD	—	3	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Scion Fr-Saccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Scion Fr-S?

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