2013 Scion iQ problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2013 Scion iQ have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 Scion iQ. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

Q: What gas mileage does the 2013 Scion iQ get?

The 2013 Scion iQ has a U.S. EPA estimate of 37 mpg combined (36 city / 37 highway).

Q: How much is a 2013 Scion iQ worth?

Comparable 2013 Scion iQ listings run roughly $8,400–$10,500, typically around $9,545 (from 19 vehicles).

2013 Scion iQ at a glance

Safety recalls1

Owner complaints5

Combined37 mpg

Typical price$9,545

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 Scion iQ recalls 1

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #12V528000 · 08/11/2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Scion IQ vehicles manufactured July 31, 2011, through October 12, 2012. The cable for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) may become damaged when sliding the passenger seat forward or backward.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 Scion iQ common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Structure

Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2013 Scion iQ MPG & running costs

Combined37 mpg

City36 mpg

Highway37 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$1,800

EPA size classMinicompact Cars

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Passenger volume74 cu ft

Cargo volume4 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2013 Scion iQ worth?

Low

$8,400

Typical price

$9,545

High

$10,500

From 19 comparable 2013 Scion iQ listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Scion iQ costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,000

Fuel only$9,000

Per mile$0.12

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length

120.1 in

Width

66.1 in

Height

59.1 in

Wheelbase

78.7 in

Curb weight

2,116 lb

Front track

58.3 in

Rear track

57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2013 Scion iQ. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 114

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 114.