2005 Scion Tc: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Scion Tc: 4 recalls, 155 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #05V483000 · 2005 · 71,392 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Pieces of the wind deflector glass May separate from the frame and fall upon the vehicle occupants causing driver distraction and/or injury.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V096000 · 2006 · 133 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This May increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V408000 · 2006 · 29,542 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #10V035000 · 2010 · 271,417 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not meet the standard requirements.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 35 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (47): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9).
- Body & structure (31): the most common themes are door / lock issues (7), noise or vibration (7).
- Airbags (20): the most common themes are fails to deploy (10).
- Other / unknown (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2005 Scion Tc has 155 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 Tc model years for complaints (2.7× the average Tc year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (34 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 41,465 miles. Neighboring years: 2006 (161 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Scion Tc.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2005 Scion Tc have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Scion Tc. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Scion Tc problems?
Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (47), body & structure (31), airbags (20).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Scion Tc get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Scion Tc repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.