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2012 Scion IQProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2012 Scion IQ, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints177 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage43kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Scion IQ has problems

17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure60
Engine40
Air bags43
Vehicle speed control21
Steering10
Seat belts10
Power train10
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2012 Scion IQ recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Air bags

Recall 12V-528 · Nov 8, 2012 · 11,153 vehicles

Risk. If the cable for the OCS becomes damaged, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Scion.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other IQ year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the IQ median. How we score

'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What IQ owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

PAINT IS COMING OFF OF CAR IN DIFFERENT PLACES & TO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION EVEN AFTER CHANGING EGR VALUE HAVE TO ADD OIL TO OFTEN.
Complaint 11315440 · Mar 1, 2020 · 590,000 miles
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE ENTIRE CAR. THE BODY SHOP SAID IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, MODEL & COLOR. WHY WON'T TOYOTA DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
Complaint 11173297 · Jan 31, 2019 · 43,000 miles
CLEANING FRONT OF CAR WITH A WET TERRY CLOTH...RUBBED PAINT RIGHT OFF THE FRONT NEAR HOOD EMBLEM. THANKS EPA FOR CRAP PAINT. *TR
Complaint 10479981 · Oct 13, 2012 · 5,000 miles

Own a 2012 IQ?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.