2008 Scion TC recalls and problems

The 2008 Scion TC has 3 safety recalls and 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Scion dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
86
Crashes / fires
15 / 2
Injuries / deaths
10 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Scion TC vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 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 10V-036: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Problem: Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.

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. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Recall 09V-223: Equipment

Reported Jun 15, 2009 · 27,080 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."

Risk: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

2008 Scion TC problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine23
Structure22
Air Bags13
Unknown or Other8
Vehicle Speed Control5
Visibility5
Latches/Locks/Linkages4
Suspension4
Electrical System4
Wheels3
Service Brakes3
Steering3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 3
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
  • Seat Belts › Front — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 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 2008 Scion TC complaints

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

Unknown or Other · at 155,000 miles · reported Jul 8, 2019
Sunroof / moonroof explosion. Driving 50 MPH on freeway and what sounded like a gun shot was my moonroof exploding. Nothing hit the vehicle, it just exploded on its own.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 100,000 miles · reported Mar 26, 2019
2008 - scion - toyota - burning oil, burning a quart of oil in less than every 800 miles. Car is up to date with all maintenance. Mechanic referred us to dealership. Toyota issued a TSB - 'some 2006 ' 2011 model year vehicles equipped with the 2az-fe engine may exhibit engine oil consumption. The piston assembly has been changed to minimize oil consumption.' and that 'p030# (Cylinder # misfire detected) dtc may also be set as a result of oil consumption.' however dealership refuses to even test or repair the vehicle. Saying we only had until aug 2017. We were never notified of such issues, no…
Engine · at 87,000 miles · reported Feb 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2008 scion tc. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, even between oil changes. The contact spoke with the manufacturer who stated that there was an unknown safety campaign that expired in june of 2015. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle used in june of 2015 and was not notified of the campaign. The manufacturer stated that the notice was probably mailed to the previous owner. The contact contested that this was not his fault. The manufacturer promised that they would research the matter, but they still would not cover the…
Suspension · at 101,000 miles · reported Dec 28, 2018
Takata recall. My front tires wearing fast. When I took to dealer for service & alignment, I was informed that my car has a row bar that is rusted and frozen and I will need to replace it ($2,000 estimated). When I drive it in the rain, the car flails all over the lane. I had to stop and let cars pass me, I could only drive at low speeds and I had to pull over 4 times before getting home safely. I felt like I was going to drive off the road. Very scared and dangerous. I can't drive my car on wet roads. Also, I'm having to buy new tires every 20,000 miles it seems and I've regularly had them…
Engine · at 172,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2018
Purchased this car for my teenage daughter 2 months ago. Car runs like a champ. Recently had to add a quart and a half of oil then changed the oil saturday and yesterday the car was 2 quarts low again. Have seen numerous complaints online about excessive oil use on these vehicles, same year yet toyota has not issued a recall, why? When reading complaints, apparently it's a common problem, defect, with the 08 tc in which involves the piston rings. This is a very expensive fix and toyota should be held accountable for the repairs.

Other Scion TC years

Compare all Scion TC years · All Scion models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Scion TC have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Scion TC: 10V-035 (equipment), 10V-036 (equipment), 09V-223 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Scion TC?

Owners report engine problems most often (23 reports), followed by structure (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 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.