2013 Scion FR-S recalls and problems

The 2013 Scion FR-S has 4 safety recalls and 180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Scion dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
180
Crashes / fires
4 / 3
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Scion FR-S recalls

Recall 18V-772: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Recall 16V-075: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Feb 10, 2016 · 25,706 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.

Recall 13V-123: Equipment

Reported Apr 9, 2013 · 7,525 vehicles affected · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Problem: 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 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

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 1-800-301-6859.

Recall 12V-255: Equipment

Reported Jun 5, 2012 · 1,156 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 scion fr-s vehicles manufactured from march 22, 2012, through may 14, 2012. The ownerâ’s manual contains an inaccurate description of the actual operation of the front passenger occupant classification system. Other portions of the ownerâ’s manual, describing the air bag system, require clarification. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard (Fmvss) no. 208, â“occupant crash protection.â”

Risk: If a user reads and follows inaccurate ownerâ’s manual information, this could lead to an increased risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant under certain crash conditions.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and will mail corrected inserts for the ownerâ’s manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 3, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-866-707-2466.

2013 Scion FR-S problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine141
Power Train21
Unknown or Other9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Steering7
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Wheels3
Air Bags3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Service Brakes2
Electrical System2
Latches/Locks/Linkages1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Scion FR-S complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Oct 31, 2026
PETITION FOR RULEMAKING Request for Federal Automotive Safety Review — Brake Pedal Obstruction by Loose Objects To: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) From: [XXX] Subject: Request to Investigate Brake Pedal Obstruction and Establish an Obstruction-Resistant Braking Safety Standard Dear Administrator: I am submitting this petition under 49 U.S.C. § 30162 and 49 CFR Part 552 to request a formal safety review of automotive brake pedal designs. I am concerned that loose objects inside passenger vehicles, particularly thermos bottles, beverage containers…
Engine · reported Jun 8, 2026
On approximately May 27, 2026 I delivered my 2013 Scion FR-S (approx. 105,000 miles) to an authorized Toyota dealer for Safety Recall J02 (NHTSA 18V-772, engine valve spring replacement). I picked it up on June 3, 2026. Immediately the engine ran sluggish and the air conditioning, which had worked, stopped blowing cold. On June 7, 2026 - four days and only a few miles later - the engine spun a rod bearing and began knocking loudly. The vehicle is now inoperable. This recall requires removing and disassembling the engine and is widely documented to cause oil starvation and spun bearings when…
Steering · reported Dec 21, 2025
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric…
Engine · reported Dec 8, 2025
The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isn't covered. I
Engine · reported Apr 10, 2025
The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isnt covered.

Other Scion FR-S years

Compare all Scion FR-S years · All Scion models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Scion FR-S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S: 18V-772 (engine and engine cooling), 16V-075 (electrical system, power train), 13V-123 (equipment), 12V-255 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Scion FR-S?

Owners report engine problems most often (141 reports), followed by power train (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,000 miles.

Are Scion recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Scion dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.