2009 Scion Tc: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Scion Tc: 3 recalls, 60 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

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. 1 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (15): the most common themes are excess oil use (7), warning light on (2), electrical failure (2).
- Airbags (9): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Body & structure (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (8): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
The 2009 Scion Tc has 60 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 Tc model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 58). Complaints peaked in 2010 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 45,740 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (86 complaints, 3 recalls), 2010 (20 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | 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 2009 Scion Tc.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Scion Tc have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Scion Tc problems?
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (15), airbags (9), body & structure (8).
What gas mileage does the 2009 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 2009 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.