ES
Makes›Scion›tC›2008

2008 Scion tC

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Scion tC
Pictured: 2011 Scion tC -- NHTSA. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Overview

The 2008 Scion tC is a subcompact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 14% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 tC — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 tC →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
tC2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+14%$2,800370
tC2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+9%$2,900386
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2008 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Scion tC under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Scion tC (this car)24 MPGNot rated2
2008 Toyota Yaris32 MPGNot rated9
2008 MINI Clubman32 MPGNot rated0
2008 Scion xD29 MPGNot rated4
2008 Volkswagen Eos24 MPGNot rated0
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt29 MPGNot rated4
2008 Chevrolet Aveo27 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (2)

Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

33Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
120,965 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine18
Service Brakes3
Steering3
Suspension3
Air Bags3
Unknown Or Other3
Wheels2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/12: 216/01: 116/03: 116/04: 116/05: 116/08: 116/09: 116/10: 117/01: 217/03: 117/05: 117/08: 117/11: 117/12: 118/01: 118/02: 118/04: 118/08: 218/12: 119/02: 119/03: 119/06: 119/07: 125/02: 115/1216/0416/0917/0317/1118/0218/1219/06max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Scion tC buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,965 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Scion tC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other tC years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2016 tC26176.8 inNot rated26
2015 tC26176.8 inNot rated222
2014 tC26176.8 inNot rated020
2013 tC25174 inNot rated08
2012 tC25174 inNot rated15
2011 tC25174 inNot rated014
2010 tC24–Not rated210
2009 tC24–Not rated225
2007 tC24–Not rated237
2006 tC23–Not rated236
2005 tC23–Not rated119

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →