DecodedCars2015 Scion tC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,036 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints22 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 114 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Scion tC is a compact car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,036 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 1% worse than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 tC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 tC →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Hatchback | 176.8 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,036 lb | 63/37 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 342 |
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Scion tC.
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Scion tC (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Suspension › Rear · Apr 17, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V228000 · 114 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Scion tC vehicles manufactured December 3, 2014, to January 30, 2015 and equipped with accessory coil springs as part of an optional Release Series 9 trim package. During installation of these coil springs, the rear suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
- Risk
- If the rear suspension components were not properly tightened, the rear suspension arms may detach, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bolts, nuts, rear suspension arms, and rear suspension member sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Scion customer service at 1-866-707-2466.
Not every 2015 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Scion tC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,999 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Scion tC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other tC years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2014 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2013 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2012 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2011 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 14 |
| 2010 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2009 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 25 |
| 2008 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2007 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2006 tC | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 36 |
| 2005 tC | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →