MotorDeets

2008 Scion Tc: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Scion Tc: 3 recalls, 86 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
86owner complaints
15mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2008 Scion Tc
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Vehicle recall #09V223000 · 2009 · 27,080 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."

Why it matters: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on August 18, 2009.

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.

Equipment Vehicle recall #10V036000 · 2010 · 153,418 vehicles

What's wrong: 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

Why it matters: A driver May overload a vehicle which May increase the risk of a crash.

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. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Engine23
Body & structure22
Airbags10
Other / unknown8
Speed control / throttle5
Visibility (wipers, glass)5
Latches & locks4
Suspension4

What owners describe

The 2008 Scion Tc has 86 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 12 Tc model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 58). Complaints peaked in 2013 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (117 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (60 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212924Regular
2.4 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive202723Regular

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 2008 Scion Tc.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 Scion Tc manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 Scion Tc manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 Scion Tc have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Scion Tc problems?

Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (23), body & structure (22), airbags (10).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Scion Tc get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 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.

Other Tc years

200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016