IllustrationWHILE DRIVING 65 MPH A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED IT TO SHATTER. *NM
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
Visibility complaints
47 reportsWHILE DRIVING WITH THE SUN ROOF OPEN, THE FRONT DEFLECTOR OF THE ASSEMBLY SHATTERED, SPRAYING PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS I WAS HIT IN THE FACE AND HEAD BY GLASS. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AS A PIECE OF GLASS HIT MY SUNGLASS LENS, SAVING ME…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SUN ROOF OPEN, THE FRONT DEFLECTOR OF THE ASSEMBLY SHATTERED, SPRAYING PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS I WAS HIT IN THE FACE AND HEAD BY GLASS. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AS A PIECE OF GLASS HIT MY SUNGLASS LENS, SAVING ME FROM A POSSIBLE EYE INJURY. THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS LITTERED WITH SHARP, JAGGED PIECES OF GLASS AND THANKFULLY I WAS ALONE IN THE VEHICLE, SAVING A PASSENGER FROM POSSIBLE INJURY. I HAVE YET TO CONTACT A DEALER OR SCION BUT WILL DO SO AFTER THE WEEKEND. I AM AWARE OF OTHER REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS WITH REGARD TO THE SAME THING HAPPING TO OTHERS. SCION OBVIOUSLY ENGINEERED A FRAGILE PIECE OF GLASS DESIGNED TO STAND NEARLY PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION AND SUN ROOF OPEN. I HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ROOF INDICATING TO ME SOME SORT OF STRESS IN THE STRUCTURE. WHILE NOT INJURED DURING THE INCIDENT, I DID GET CUT CLEANING THE SHARP GLASS FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE I AM REPORTING IS A 2005 SCIN TC. I MIGHT ALSO NOTE THAT THE 888 PHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THIS PAGE IS NOT OPERABLE.*AK
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SUN ROOF OPEN THE GLASS DEFLECTOR BROKE COVERING THE CONSUMER IN GLASS. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. *JB THE GLASS DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE SAFETY GLASS BECAUSE IT BROKE INTO LARGE SHARP PIECES. THE CONSUMER'S EYE WAS SCRATCHED BY A PIECE OF GLASS. CONSUMER WANT THE MANUFACTURER TO INVESTIGATE TH…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SUN ROOF OPEN THE GLASS DEFLECTOR BROKE COVERING THE CONSUMER IN GLASS. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. *JB THE GLASS DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE SAFETY GLASS BECAUSE IT BROKE INTO LARGE SHARP PIECES. THE CONSUMER'S EYE WAS SCRATCHED BY A PIECE OF GLASS. CONSUMER WANT THE MANUFACTURER TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND CHANGE THE WAY THIS REFLECTOR IS CONSTRUCTED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OWNERS. *BF *NM
THE REAR WINDOW DOES NOT HAVE A WIPER. WHEN IT RAINS IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE REAR WINDOW. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER DURING HARD DOWNPOURS BECAUSE VISION BEHIND ME WAS AT 0.*AK
SCION ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMBINATION OF ACCESSORIES:1) AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR AND 2) SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS. WHEN THE MIRROR IS INSTALLED THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THE WIRING OBSTRUCTS THE AIR BAGS. THEY CLAIM A TSB WILL BE ISSUED BUT CAN GIVE ME NO TIME LINE FOR THE ISSUE OF A NEW WIRING HARNESS. DEALERS WILL NOT EVEN …
Read full complaint
SCION ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMBINATION OF ACCESSORIES:1) AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR AND 2) SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS. WHEN THE MIRROR IS INSTALLED THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THE WIRING OBSTRUCTS THE AIR BAGS. THEY CLAIM A TSB WILL BE ISSUED BUT CAN GIVE ME NO TIME LINE FOR THE ISSUE OF A NEW WIRING HARNESS. DEALERS WILL NOT EVEN PULL THE DRIVER'S "A" PILLAR TRIM TO SEE IF THE WIRING HAPPENS TO BE CORRECT. SO, WE JUST WAIT ... AND WAIT ... AND WAIT AND PRAY THAT THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE AIRBAGS TO FUNCTION. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE "LID" COVERING THE RADIO. IT FUNCTIONS WHEN IT WANTS - OFTEN TAKING MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET IT TO OPEN. ON THE OPEN ROAD THIS IS QUITE A DISTRACTION. WE ALL KNOW HOW MANY ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSE BY SUCH "MINOR" DISTRACTIONS AS TUNING THE RADIO, TALKING ON MY PHONE, ETC. *NM
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 70 MPH. I HAD THE SUN ROOF OPENED. WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND GLASS CAME POURING IN FROM THE SUNROOF OPENING. I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP BY MY HOUSE. THE FRONT PANEL THAT ANGLES UP WAS BROKEN ALL AROUND THE ENTIRE PIECE OF GLASS. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT SEE A POIN…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 70 MPH. I HAD THE SUN ROOF OPENED. WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND GLASS CAME POURING IN FROM THE SUNROOF OPENING. I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP BY MY HOUSE. THE FRONT PANEL THAT ANGLES UP WAS BROKEN ALL AROUND THE ENTIRE PIECE OF GLASS. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT SEE A POINT OF IMPACT WHERE SOMETHING MAY HAVE HIT. HE SAID HE COULD STILL HEAR IT CRACKING AS WE WERE STANDING THERE TALKING. HE SAID SINCE THERE WAS NO POINT OF IMPACT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. (I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR A MONTH.) I AM CURRENTLY AWAITING FOR THE PIECE TO COME IN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONE OTHER TIME THAT I'VE HEARD OF FROM A SCION WEB SITE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HADN'T DUCKED DOWN WHEN I HEARD THE CRACK. EVEN WITH DUCKING DOWN I HAD GLASS DOWN THE FRONT OF MY SHIRT, THE BACK OF MY SHIRT AND IN BETWEEN MY BACK THE THE SEAT OF THE CAR.*AK
A YOUNGSTER WEIGHING 140 LBS. LEANED ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IT SHATTERED. IT HAS BEEN 5 DAYS, AND WHEN CONTACTING MANUFACTURER'S HEADQUARTERS, THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD FOR FREE ON THE BASIS THAT THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IT WAS DEFECTIVE AFTER THE FACT! IT BOTHERS ME TO THINK THAT A 'PERFECTLY GOOD, SAFE' WINDSHIELD CAN …
Read full complaint
A YOUNGSTER WEIGHING 140 LBS. LEANED ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IT SHATTERED. IT HAS BEEN 5 DAYS, AND WHEN CONTACTING MANUFACTURER'S HEADQUARTERS, THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD FOR FREE ON THE BASIS THAT THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IT WAS DEFECTIVE AFTER THE FACT! IT BOTHERS ME TO THINK THAT A 'PERFECTLY GOOD, SAFE' WINDSHIELD CAN BE SHATTERED BY MERELY 'LEANING' ON IT! WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I CRASH? OR IF A PALM TREE BRANCH FALLS ON IT? I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO DIE OR GET INJURED TO FIND OUT! *AK
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.