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2013 Scion FR-S problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Scion FR-S is engine and cooling, typically around 75,445 miles. It has 12.9 times the complaints of a typical FR-S model year.

Year to avoid12.9x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
180
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
166
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-28mpg
Typical repair
$6,400

The worst 2013 Scion FR-S problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    146
  • Transmission
    21
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Steering
    7
  • Airbags
    3
  • Wheels
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Scion FR-S

Knocking 75Stalling 44Engine failure 40Check engine light 32Loss of power 16Misfire 12Oil consumption 8Fire or smoke 6

Recalls 4

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported November 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 18V772000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported February 10, 2016 · 25,706 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 16V075000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported April 9, 2013 · 7,525 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 13V123000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manualReported June 5, 2012 · 1,156 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 scion fr-s vehicles manufactured from march 22, 2012, through may 14, 2012. The owner’s manual contains an inaccurate description of the actual operation of the front passenger occupant classification system. Other portions of the owner’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, “occupant crash protection.”
Risk
If a user reads and follows inaccurate owner’s manual information, this could lead to an increased risk of injury to a front passenger seat occupant under certain crash conditions.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and will mail corrected inserts for the owner’s manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 3, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑866‑707‑2466.

Recall number 12V255000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Scion FR-S 166

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 166 bulletins for the 2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylRWD22-2430-3325-28

What 2013 Scion FR-S owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · CA · crash · 1 injury

PETITION FOR RULEMAKING Request for Federal Automotive Safety Review — Brake Pedal Obstruction by Loose Objects To: Administrator, the federal safety agency 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, flashlights, and other rigid objects, can become trapped beneath the driver's brake pedal. During sudden braking or an initial minor collision, unsecured objects may move from the passenger seat or other areas into the driver's footwell. An object trapped beneath the brake pedal can prevent sufficient pedal travel and potentially result in the driver's inability to stop the vehicle, causing a much more severe secondary collision. I believe brake-pedal systems should be designed to remain functional despite foreseeable obstructions beneath the pedal. One potential solution would be a scissor-like or alternative articulated mechanism that can transmit braking force even when an object interferes with the pedal's normal downward travel. For existing brake systems, there should be a fairly easy modification to accomidate this safety feature. New cars can add a more automated safety feature. I recognize that this concept requires engineering evaluation and testing before its effectiveness can be established. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: 1. Review available accident and complaint data for incidents involving loose objects obstructing brake pedals, including possible secondary collisions. 2. Investigate the susceptibility of existing brake-pedal designs to obstruction by common passenger-compartment objects. 3. Evaluate alternative brake-pedal mechanisms, including articulate INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Engine · AR

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 (the federal safety agency 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 excess RTV sealant from reassembly clogs the oil pickup screen. My engine ran normally for years and failed within days of the recall repair. The recall repair caused catastrophic engine failure. No crash or injury has occurred; the vehicle is parked to prevent further damage.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Steering · FL · crash

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 power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Engine · FL

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

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Engine · GA

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.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Engine · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the recall could not be performed because the engine in the vehicle was not the OEM part. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine · 84,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 60 MPH, the engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a fractured engine valve spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine · NH

sometimes the car randomly stalls out during driving. usually off cold starts if i let it warm up for even 5 minutes it still will stall out sometimes. its not super common id say it does it once every 2 days maybe. the car is also misfiring and ive noticed a large loss of power from the car. it started back in june and i just havent really gotten it fixed yet. usually when im driving itll kind of just buffer and a check engine light is thrown on but it ends up going off after a couple drives.

Filed Nov 14, 2023 · Fuel system · PA

The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Transmission · 106,000 miles · PA

The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

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Questions about the 2013 Scion FR-S

Is the 2013 Scion FR-S reliable?

Owners have filed 180 complaints about the 2013 Scion FR-S, 12.9 times a typical FR-S model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2013 Scion FR-S year score?

The 2013 Scion FR-S scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Scion FR-S: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Engine and cooling, with 146 complaints, typically around 75,445 miles. Next is transmission (21).

How many recalls does the 2013 Scion FR-S have?

4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, electrical system and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Scion FR-S engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V772000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Scion FR-S get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Scion FR-S range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 22-24 city and 30-33 highway.

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