2005 Scion TC
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Scion TC is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.
2005 Scion TC at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2005 Scion TC recalls 4
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SIDE IMPACT SEAT-BOLSTER AND CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS MAY INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR IF THE DOOR FOR THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CLOSED WITH A HIGH RATE OF FORCE WHILE THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION OR WITHIN 90 SECONDS OF TURNING THE IGNITION KEY FROM THE "ON" POSITION TO THE "OFF" POSITION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SENSORS AND INSTALL A URETHANE PAD IN THE FRONT DOORS, IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-866-548-1851.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED…
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A GLASS WIND DEFLECTOR, THE DEFLECTOR, IF IMPACTED BY A PROJECTILE, SUCH AS ROAD DEBRIS, WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WIND DEFLECTOR IN THE UPWARD-TILTED POSITION AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS, MAY SHATTER AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE LAMINATE TO THE WIND DEFLECTOR TO PREVENT PIECES OF GLASS FROM SEPARATING FROM THE WIND DEFLECTOR FRAME. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-866-707-2466.
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.
2005 Scion TC common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2005 Scion TC MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2005 Scion TC costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
GLASS MOONROOF SHATTERS Closed
ODI'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SUSTAIN MOONROOF SHATTERING AND/OR DAMAGE AT RATES COMPARABLE TO THOSE FOR MOST OTHER SIMILARLY EQUIPPED VEHICLES. THIS REVIEW ALSO DISCLOSES THAT SUCH INCIDENTS OCCUR IN MOST VEHICLES WITH MOONROOFS AND THAT WHILE TEMPERED GLASS PANELS COMMONLY USED IN MOONROOF FABRICATION ARE SHATTER-RESISTANT, SOME CATASTROPHIC FAILURES DO IN FACT OCCUR. IMPACT WITH SMALL STO…
NHTSA #PE06024 · Structure, Visibility · opened Jul 2006 · closed Dec 2006SUN/MOON ROOF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE Closed
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 17, 2005, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED. NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NO.05V-483 TO THE RECALL. THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING A PLASTIC FILM TO THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR GLASS. THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE PERFORMED ON APPROXIMATELY 71,400 MY 2005 AND 2006 SCION TC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED DURING THE PERIOD OF MARCH 12, 2004 THROU…
NHTSA #EA05013 · Visibility · opened Aug 2005 · closed Oct 2005SUN/MOON ROOF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE Closed
THE MANUFACTURER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF DEFICIENCIES IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, OR ASSEMBLY OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR THAT MAY ACCOUNT FOR THE INCIDENTS REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO BELIEVES THAT IMPACT OF AIRBORNE ROAD DEBRIS WITH THE WIND DEFLECTOR IS THE PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE INCIDENTS REPORTED. ODI'S ANALYSES OF THE WARRANTY DATA INDICATE THAT INCIDENTS OF WIND DEFLECTOR BREAKAGE WHILE DRIVING W…
NHTSA #PE05021 · Visibility · opened Apr 2005 · closed Aug 2005An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 83
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 83.
SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techst…
Bulletin S-SB-0015-14 Rev · Equipment · May 2015SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techst…
Bulletin S-SB-0015-14 Rev · Engine · May 2015SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
Bulletin S-SB-0005-15 · Equipment · May 2015SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
Bulletin S-SB-0005-15 · Equipment · May 2015SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…
Bulletin S-SB-0023-11 Rev · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2015SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…
Bulletin S-SB-0023-11 Rev · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2015TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see S-SB-0024-14.
Bulletin S-SB-0020-11 Rev · Power Train · Oct 2014Automatic/Continuously Variable Transmission Replacement Precautions
Bulletin S SB 0024 14A · Power Train · Oct 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause dam…
Bulletin S-SB-0003-11 Rev · Wheels, Power Train · Oct 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON," shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an a…
Bulletin S-SB-0024-14 · Power Train · Oct 2014Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the TC. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Scion TC
The Scion tC is a compact car manufactured by Toyota under its Scion brand from 2004 to 2016 over two generations: ANT10 (2004–2010) and AGT20 (2011–2016). Both generations were built in Japan. The tC was introduced first in the United States for the 2005 model year and then, beginning with the second generation in the 2011 model year, in Canada as well. The tC was Scion's best-selling model, constituting almost 40% of total Scion sales.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.