DecodedCars2016 Scion FR-S
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,758 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2016 minicompact car (22.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Scion FR-S is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,758 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 23% better than the 2016 minicompact car average of 22.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 FR-S — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 FR-S →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 166.9 in | 70.1 in | 50.8 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 2,758 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR-S | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +23% | $2,950 | 321 |
| FR-S | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +6% | $3,400 | 362 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Scion FR-S.
Similar 2016 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Scion FR-S (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Nissan 370z | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Fiat 500e | 84 mi | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jun 9, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V420000 · 4,253 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 22, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V236000 · 94 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Electrical System › Ignition · Feb 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V075000 · 25,706 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
Not every 2016 Scion FR-S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Scion FR-S buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Scion FR-S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other FR-S years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →