Model year guide

2013 Scion tC

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Scion tC is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 71 on record.

2013 Scion tC — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Scion tC at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints9
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$13,737

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

2013 Scion tC recalls 1

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…

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.

2013 Scion tC common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2013 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 2013 Scion tC worth?

Low
$12,100
Typical price
$13,737
High
$15,300

From 71 comparable 2013 Scion tC listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,200
Total$20,450
Per mile$0.27

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 ($13,737) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,517), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Scion tC trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl

2013 Scion tC vehicles on record

Other Scion tC model years

2013 Scion tC — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Scion tC have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2013 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 2013 Scion tC?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, power train, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Scion tC get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Scion tC at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2013 Scion tC worth?

Comparable 2013 Scion tC listings run roughly $12,100–$15,300, typically around $13,737 (from 71 vehicles).

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