Model year guide

2012 Scion tC

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Scion tC is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 170 on record.

2012 Scion tC — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Scion tC at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints8
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$12,215

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Scion tC recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #18E091000 · 20/09/2018

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.

Fix: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began N…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #13V123000 · 09/04/2013

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Sc…

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Scion tC common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.

2012 Scion tC MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Scion tC worth?

Low
$10,100
Typical price
$12,215
High
$14,000

From 170 comparable 2012 Scion tC listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Scion tC costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,150
Total$19,400
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($12,215) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,088), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Scion tC trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl

2012 Scion tC vehicles on record

2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C76C3033122 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C7XC3027985 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C72C3027656 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C70C3026005 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C70C3029020 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C70C3029860 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C71C3032315 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C72C3026295 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C78C3039617 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C77C3034523 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C74C3025195 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C74C3025780 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C76C3044590 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C79C3030893 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C77C3030956 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C7XC3037867 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C71C3035599 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C77C3027443 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C70C3031219 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C7XC3042230 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C75C3030227 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C70C3023363 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C79C3038329 2012 Scion tC 2012 Scion tC BaseJTKJF5C76C3037400

Other Scion tC model years

2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2000

2012 Scion tC — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Scion tC have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Scion tC. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Scion tC?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, visibility/wiper, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Scion tC get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Scion tC at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2012 Scion tC worth?

Comparable 2012 Scion tC listings run roughly $10,100–$14,000, typically around $12,215 (from 170 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.