2005 Scion TC recalls and problems

The 2005 Scion TC has 4 safety recalls and 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Scion dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
155
Crashes / fires
25 / 3
Injuries / deaths
35 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Scion TC vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Scion TC recalls

Recall 10V-035: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Problem: Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

Recall 06V-408: Air Bags

Reported Oct 26, 2006 · 29,542 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the side impact seat-bolster and curtain side airbags may inadvertently deploy. This condition can occur if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed with a high rate of force while the vehicle's ignition is in the "on" position or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the "on" position to the "off" position.

Risk: If the side impact seat-bolster and curtain side airbags inadvertently deploy, they could cause personal injury if an occupant is seated on the same side of the vehicle as the door that is closed with a high rate of force. Until the repair has been performed, it is recommended that a minimal force/speed be used to close the driver and passenger doors or closing the doors after 90 seconds have elapsed from turning the ignition key from the "on" to the "off" position.

Fix: Dealers will replace the two side impact airbag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on november 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-866-548-1851.

Recall 06V-096: Air Bags

Reported Apr 3, 2006 · 133 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash.

Risk: This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Recall 05V-483: Visibility

Reported Oct 18, 2005 · 71,392 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a glass wind deflector, the deflector, if impacted by a projectile, such as road debris, while driving with the wind deflector in the upward-tilted position at highways speeds, may shatter and separate from the frame.

Risk: Pieces of the wind deflector glass may separate from the frame and fall upon the vehicle occupants causing driver distraction and/or injury.

Fix: Dealers will install a protective laminate to the wind deflector to prevent pieces of glass from separating from the wind deflector frame. The recall began october 27, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-866-707-2466.

2005 Scion TC problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility47
Structure32
Air Bags20
Tires12
Unknown or Other11
Engine9
Vehicle Speed Control8
Power Train8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Equipment6
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Seat Belts5

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 32
  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Visibility › Windshield — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 41,465 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Scion TC complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Sep 10, 2025
Never had a problem with car before went on freeway to get up to speed n the speedometer was dropping so I pull to side of freeway shut car off turn car back on here clunk clunk shut car off no check engine light was on or has been on no oil light was on nothing get car towed back to safe place well check fluid n oils bone dry cars engine blows just started reading n I guess 2005 goes. Threw oil way fast why isn't that noteted anywhere so messed up just did oil change week before this so shocked now I have to try to fix my blown engine single mom not able to make ends meet now this idk what to…
Air Bags · reported Nov 15, 2021
1. I believe my airbags deployed pre-maturely with a soft impact to another vehicle. There was no damage to the other vehicle and no police report needed to be filed. There is a minor damage to my front bumper. 2. The airbags inflated on me, but no medical attention was required. 3. I have not confirmed or reproduced this problem with a professional. 4. My car has not been inspected nor reported to my insurance agency as my coverage only covers liability. 5. No symptoms prior to airbags deploying pre-maturely *Because of the pre-mature deployment of my airbags I am unable to afford the airbags…
Air Bags · at 91,400 miles · reported Dec 13, 2019
The contact owned a 2005 scion tc. While the contact was accelerating from a traffic light, her vehicle was t-boned by another vehicle that ran a red light. The entire driver's side of the vehicle was smashed in and the vehicle was totaled. There were no injuries. The side curtain air bags and driver's side air bag did not deploy. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was contacted and reminded by the contact that there was an unknown recall for the side air bags for which the vehicle was repaired for in 2006. The manufacturer responded with a…
Air Bags · at 2 miles · reported Jul 25, 2019
Takata recall?? Airbags failed, during accident. After being cutoff and going down route x. Lost control hiding concrete. Car flipped, was dragged a few feet's - no airbags. Passenger still has anxiety when getting into vehicles-the one thing you'd think would respond didn't. How do we ever get the sense of security back.
Power Train · at 166,367 miles · reported May 29, 2019
The contact owns a 2005 scion tc. While the driver was at a stop light, the clutch pedal failed and traveled to the floorboard. Prior to the failure, the clutch pedal was sticking. The driver had to pull the clutch pedal up with her left foot. The vehicle was pushed over to the side of the road and later towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic came to his residence and diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,367.

Other Scion TC years

Compare all Scion TC years · All Scion models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Scion TC have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Scion TC: 10V-035 (equipment), 06V-408 (air bags), 06V-096 (air bags), 05V-483 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Scion TC?

Owners report visibility problems most often (47 reports), followed by structure (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 41,465 miles.

Are Scion recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Scion dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.