DecodedCars2016 Scion tC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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 complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 59 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 2% worse than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 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 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 tC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 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 | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 342 |
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 tC.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Scion tC (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
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.
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.
Not every 2016 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Scion tC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 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 2016 Scion tC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other tC years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 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 →