IllustrationDURING COLD WEATHER, THE LATCH ON THE TRUNK OF A 2005 SCION TC WON'T STAY CLOSED, KEEPING THE HATCH OPENED UNTIL IT WARMS UP, THEN IT WILL CLOSE, BUT IF IT'S COLD OUTSIDE IT WILL STAY OPENED. *TR
2005 Scion Tc
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Tc years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Scion Tc are substantially higher than the model-year median of 25.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tc years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
420–25K
1925–50K
1350–75K
1675–100K
15100–150K
8150K+
113 reports with mileage · 42 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Visibility. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
25 crash reports3 fire reports24 injury reports
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
5 reportsHATCH HANDLE BROKE AS IT HAS ON MANY SCION TC'S. *TR
PURCHASED 2005 SCION TC NEW ON 12/29/2004 HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH INTERIOR TRIM AND PAINT. THEN LAST JUNE (2009) WHEN OPENING THE TRUNK (HATCH BACK) THE LATCH PLATE CAME OFF THE CAR IN MY HAND HANGING BY A CORD. THIS PLATE IS MADE OF VERY THIN PLASTIC AND ATTACHED TO THE CAR WITH THIN PLASTIC CLIPS. THE CLIPS ARE NOT STRO…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED 2005 SCION TC NEW ON 12/29/2004 HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH INTERIOR TRIM AND PAINT. THEN LAST JUNE (2009) WHEN OPENING THE TRUNK (HATCH BACK) THE LATCH PLATE CAME OFF THE CAR IN MY HAND HANGING BY A CORD. THIS PLATE IS MADE OF VERY THIN PLASTIC AND ATTACHED TO THE CAR WITH THIN PLASTIC CLIPS. THE CLIPS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO WITH STAND THE CONSTANT USE AND AMOUNT OF UPWARD PRESSURE IT TAKES TO RAISE THE HATCH. IN DECEMBER 2009 THE LEVER ON THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD TO ALLOW PASSENGERS IN THE BACK STUCK AND WOULDN'T MOVE. COUPLE DAYS LATER THE LEVER WOULD MOVE BUT DIDN'T WORK. THE SEAT BACK CAN ONLY BE MOVED NOW USING THE LEVER AT THE SIDE OF THE SEAT BOTTOM. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE TRUNK/HATCH PIECE BROKE OFF AND UNDER 60,000 MILES WHEN THE SEAT LEVER STOPPED WORKING. ALL THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECES THAT LINE THE HATCH WINDOW HAVE BROKEN OFF AND THEY ARE ALSO ONLY HELD IN PLACE WITH THESE VERY FLIMSY PLASTIC CLIPS. THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT PILLAR AIRBAG COVER HAS BEEN FALLING OFF SINCE THE 3-4 MONTH I OWNED THE CAR THE DEALER HAS "TRIED" TO REPAIR AND STILL WHEN YOU SHUT THE DOOR OR JUST DRIVING THE COVER FALLS OFF. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 SCION TC THAT I PURCHASE BRAND NEW FROM THE FACTORY. RECENTLY I HAD MY HANDLE LATCH BROKEN FROM NORMAL USE. I LIFTED IT LIKE YOU WOULD NORMALLY DO AND IT JUST SNAPPED (BROKE). I THEN REALIZED THAT IT WAS FRAMED OR MADE WITH THIN PLASTIC THAT WOULDN'T LAST LONG ON THE CAR ITSELF BECAUSE IF YOU APPLY NORMAL PRESSURE …
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2005 SCION TC THAT I PURCHASE BRAND NEW FROM THE FACTORY. RECENTLY I HAD MY HANDLE LATCH BROKEN FROM NORMAL USE. I LIFTED IT LIKE YOU WOULD NORMALLY DO AND IT JUST SNAPPED (BROKE). I THEN REALIZED THAT IT WAS FRAMED OR MADE WITH THIN PLASTIC THAT WOULDN'T LAST LONG ON THE CAR ITSELF BECAUSE IF YOU APPLY NORMAL PRESSURE BY OPENING IT, THE HANDLE IS NOT MADE TO HANDLE SUCH PRESSURE BY THE WEIGHT OF THE TRUCK AND GLASS. IT'S A HATCH BACK. I NOTICE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER SCION TC OWNERS ON SEVERAL BLOGS AND WEBSITES. I HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT BECAUSE I'M LOOKING AT PARTS ALONE $180 WITHOUT LABOR. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE'S ANYTHING I COULD DO BESIDES FILING A COMPLAINT. THANK YOU. *TR
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 SCION TC SINCE PURCHASE ON 7/16/2004. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE FRONT TIRE WAS SITTING ON THE RIM. TERRIBLE PROBLEMS WITH SCRATCHES IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU LOOK AT IT AND IT SCRATCHES AND THE PAINT IS PEELING AND BUBBLING ALL OVER, THE POWER LOCK BUTTON FELL INSIDE THE DOOR WITHIN THE …
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 SCION TC SINCE PURCHASE ON 7/16/2004. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE FRONT TIRE WAS SITTING ON THE RIM. TERRIBLE PROBLEMS WITH SCRATCHES IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU LOOK AT IT AND IT SCRATCHES AND THE PAINT IS PEELING AND BUBBLING ALL OVER, THE POWER LOCK BUTTON FELL INSIDE THE DOOR WITHIN THE 1ST WEEK I HAD THE CAR. HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 DIFFERENT TIMES CONCERNING THE SUNROOF MAKING TERRIBLE RATTLING NOISES AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE TOP OF THE CAR IS MOVING WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN, THEN AFTER IT RAINS, I LIVE IN FL AND NO VISIBLE WATER IS ON THE TOP, OPEN THE WINDOW AND WATER ON THE LIP OF THE SUNROOF LEAKS WATER ALL OVER YOU. THEY HAVE TOOK THE CAR APART FOR SUN ROOF AND CAN'T FIX, TORE OUT THE HEADLINER. ALSO THE INSIDE METALLIC PARTS SCRATCH EASILY, THE DEALERSHIP TECH DESTROYED THE PART AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT. MY CAR INSURANCE HAS DOUBLED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF ACCIDENTS I HAVE LESS THAN 9,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, HAVE MET WITH GM, AND EVERYONE THINKS YOUR CRAZY. THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE, THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP SAY OH YOUR THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PAINT PROBLEM , IT'S WEAR AND TEAR, YET WE HAVE ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE THAT GETS DRIVEN TO WORK EVERY DAY AND THE PAINT LOOKS BETTER THAN MY CAR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA AND I TRADED IN A TOYOTA TO GET THIS CAR, I GUARANTEE YOU I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SCION, I HAVE WONDERED WHY THEY ARE NOT ADVERTISED ON TV, NOW I KNOW WHY. I SPEND MY TIME GOING TO THE DOCTORS AND THE DEALERSHIP BEING TREATED LIKE AN IDIOT. THEY KEPT MY CAR 5 DAYS LAST TIME AND WANT IT AGAIN. IF YOUR CAR LEAKS LIKE MINE PLEASE REPORT IT AS THEY HAVE HAD AN OUTSIDE RAIN DOCTOR CHECK IT OUT AN IT SAYS IT'S DESIGNED THAT WAY, YAT IT DID NOT DO THIS IN THE BEGINNING. I HATE TO TRADE IT IN AND PASS THIS NIGHTMARE ON TO SOMEONE ELSE. I HAVE COME ACROSS TONS OF COMPLAINTS AND MANY SERVICE ADVISORIES.*JB
Official recalls
410V035000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: 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.
06V408000 · Air Bags:side/window
Oct 26, 2006
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SIDE IMPACT SEAT-BOLSTER AND CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY, THEY COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS THE DOOR THAT IS CLOSED WITH A HIGH RATE OF FORCE. UNTIL THE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A MINIMAL FORCE/SPEED BE USED TO CLOSE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OR CLOSING THE DOORS AFTER 90 SECONDS HAVE ELAPSED FROM TURNING THE IGNITION KEY FROM THE "ON" TO THE "OFF" POSITION.
Remedy: 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.
06V096000 · Air Bags
Apr 3, 2006
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 DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
05V483000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Oct 18, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME AND FALL UPON THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3PE06024 · Glass Moonroof Shatters
Opened Jul 7, 2006 · Closed Dec 6, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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 STONES OR ROAD DEBRIS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE OR DELAYED SHATTER INCIDENTS, DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE GLASS MOONROOF PANEL.THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDES THAT INCIDENTS OF MOONROOF SHATTER ARE RANDOM OCCURRENCES THAT RESULT PRIMARILY FROM IMPACT WITH SMALL STONES OR OTHER OBJECTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:body:roof And Pillars
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 STONES OR ROAD DEBRIS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE OR DELAYED SHATTER INCIDENTS, DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE GLASS MOONROOF PANEL.THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDES THAT INCIDENTS OF MOONROOF SHATTER ARE RANDOM OCCURRENCES THAT RESULT PRIMARILY FROM IMPACT WITH SMALL STONES OR OTHER OBJECTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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 STONES OR ROAD DEBRIS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE OR DELAYED SHATTER INCIDENTS, DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE GLASS MOONROOF PANEL.THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDES THAT INCIDENTS OF MOONROOF SHATTER ARE RANDOM OCCURRENCES THAT RESULT PRIMARILY FROM IMPACT WITH SMALL STONES OR OTHER OBJECTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THIS PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA05013 · Sun/moon Roof Wind Deflector Breakage
Opened Aug 26, 2005 · Closed Oct 26, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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 THROUGH JULY 21, 2005. BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
PE05021 · Sun/moon Roof Wind Deflector Breakage
Opened Apr 28, 2005 · Closed Aug 26, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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 WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR OVER TIME, AS THE POPULATION AND ON-ROAD EXPOSURE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES INCREASE.THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE FOR SUCH BREAKAGE, THE BROKEN GLASS PARTICLES AND FRAGMENTS MAY FALL DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS OF THESE VEHICLES.THESE OCCURRENCES MAY POSE A RISK OF DRIVER DISTRACTION AND PERSONAL INJURY.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-013) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS MATTER.