NHTSA — Structure: Body Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,612 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Scion tC body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Scion tC Owner Comments

problem #15

Dec 082015

tC

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving at highway speed on an approximately 40 degree dry day with no extreme weather conditions. Heard a shotgun like noise at which point the sunroof shattered and glass fell into the drivers side and passenger side areas. Sunroof and wind shield were closed, screen was open. Pain resulted in ears and head however no lacerations were obtained. Falling glass onto driver and behind the car could have resulted in an accident with another vehicle. Cause unknown, no debris was seen or heard resulting in the shattering of the glass. Driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. Glass shattered around the edges and near the center of the sun roof, wind shield was open after incident, not prior.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #14

Dec 242013

tC

  • 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Scion. The contact stated that while loading items into the rear lift gate, the lift gate fell and struck the contact in the face. The contact sustained a fractured nose bridge and injuries to the face. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the lift gate and advised that the hydraulic system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #13

Dec 172013

tC 4-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
05 Scion Tc collided with another vehicle on the highway. After impact Scion spun out of control and hit guard rail. Air bag in 05 Scion did not deploy, driver of Scion had an injured neck, bruise on left thigh and lump on forehead from hitting it in on steering wheel. Driver of Scion was taken to the hospital, and has to undergo physical therapy due to neck injury.

- Deer Park, NY, USA

problem #12

Aug 312013

tC

  • 54,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Scion Tc. The contact stated that he attempted to open the rear hatch and the handle mechanism fractured and became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 54,000.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

problem #11

Jan 012011

tC

  • 1,500 miles
The rear trunk hatch molding panel broke off and the electrical cord with latch release is unsecured and dangling. It has to be secured to car with tape but that covers brake light. I've been pulled countless times here in Texas and most troopers inform me that it "is a safety hazard and unsafe". there are thousands of Scion tx and xbs from 2005-2011 with the same problem as seen in this facebook page and petition for recall. www.facebook.com/pages/Scion-Tc-and-xb-defective-trunk-hatch-handle I have visited multiple Scion Toyota service centers and contacted customer service by phone. Scion will not replace part with the re-engineered/ improved Scion part or cover the cost of repair/instillation unless you qualify for "customer loyalty" and have serviced your vehicle at Scion dealership service center. They will not make a recall; denying it is a safety issue which is contrary to what the Texas police department says.

- Montgomery, TX, USA

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problem #10

Jun 072013

tC 4-cyl

  • 138,500 miles
While driving down the road at about 10-15 mph (going very slowly because it was a dirt road), I heard an extremely loud pop which sounded like a gunshot. Immediately stopping to inspect, I discovered that the moonroof had shattered completely. The webbing of the broken glass was more clearly visible from the inside than the outside. There was absolutely no sign of any impact. No other cars were around anywhere and nothing that could have hit the glass. As I continued to drive home, the pieces began to fall into the back passenger seat and finally the whole thing started to fall inside. I called a local Toyota dealership and they told me a glass replacement would be $1158. I had previously noticed that in my daily driving, whenever the car structure flexed in any way (as in on uneven terrain and sometimes even on highway or interstate driving), I would occasionally hear popping sounds as if there was some type of strain on the frame. I suspect some type of manufacturer defect, especially since I see that other people have experienced the same type problem with the moonroof or sunroof exploding without cause. On a different note, the rear hatch lift keeps falling off. In calling Toyota to complain about the moonroof issue, I was informed that they did issue a warranty enhancement for the hatch lift. I had received no information in the mail about the enhancement, but the representative said it must be because the vehicle was still registered under the previous owner in their system. Don't know how that happened since we purchased from a dealership and have the title.

- Warm Springs, GA, USA

problem #9

Feb 222013

tC

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I love my Scion however I bought brand new from expressway Toyota in dorchester MA in 2005 and with all the recalls I see on here I've only done one, and that the glass windshield. Every other time I go the dealer and tell them that there are recalls, they ignore me and say that there isn't. I have some rattling noise going on under my car...I fixed once at the dealer and it came back again but now the dealer wants me to pay again to fix it and I think it's a safety concern in the car, the tires are also uneven, I keep having to change tires too often, the hatch lift in the back keeps breaking...major failing and cheap. It feels like it was glued on. I would an answer from the dealer where I bought the car as to why they keep denying my visits on the recalls and why in being charge the same safety work that I've paid once to get fix and now the same rattling noise keeps coming. I never get any information in the mail from my dealer either informing me of these recalls. I guess they are refusing to fix them.

- Medford , MA, USA

problem #8

Feb 042013

tC 4-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
My 2005 Toyota Scion Tc turned off while I was driving. I put vehicle in park and re started it. Moments later the brakes failed and I turned into a plaza. At that point the steering failed. I did not know the vehicle was on fire until this point. I had no control of the car so I reached back and grabbed my two year old who was strapped in her car seat. Right before we jumped out the car stopped completely ( tires melted), the flames were visible in front of me and the car filled with smoke. We jumped out and ran. Moments later the entire car was in flames. Witnesses told me that I was on fire for a while and they turned around to get my attention. No injuries or fatalities were suffered with this fire but it was way too close for comfort.

- Wellington , FL, USA

problem #7

Jun 012012

tC 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Back hatch door handle garnish just came off the vehicles rear hatch handle has a design flaw which makes the part fail. The rear hatch handle is fastened to the trunk/hatch with plastic clips. When the release button for the hatch is pressed, it only unlocks the hatch door. It does not spring upward like other vehicles. In the manual it shows to hold the release button and lift with the hatch handle. Because there are no springs to help lift it applies lots of pressure to the clips which weaken them. Eventually, they just snap. They are also known for snapping when the hatch is locked, in cold weather, and there are even reports of the release button melting. Replacement costs for this particular piece from the dealer is $170 for the handle and upward $200+ for labor. This price does not guarantee a permanent fix. This is the cost for the same faulty part. Because Scion owners are aware of this, many have resorted to their own means of fixing which is where the safety issues arise. Scion calls this part an exterior garnish which implies it is for decorative purposes only and is not covered by warranty, but it is not just for looking at. This piece is a housing compartment for some vital components. Because Scion knows about this, they should be held liable for putting their consumers at risk. Sign the petition to recall Scion defective rear hatch handles and improve our safety.. I have heard this is a class action lawsuit going on for this classactionlawsuitsinthenews.com/class-action-lawsuit-complaints/Toyota-Scion-xb-Tc-class-action-lawsuit-complaint-filed-over-alleged-rear-hatch-door-handle-defect/

- Santa Fe, NM, USA

problem #6

Jun 022008

tC 4-cyl

  • 11,121 miles
The rear trunk hatch molding panel broke off and the electrical cord with latch release is unsecured and dangling. It has to be secured to car with tape but that covers brake light. I was pulled over today by a California police officer, who informed me that it "is a safety hazard and unsafe". there are thousands of Scion tx and xbs from 2005-2011 with the same problem as seen in this facebook page and petition for recall. www.facebook.com/pages/Scion-Tc-and-xb-defective-trunk-hatch-handle I have visited multiple Scion Toyota service centers and contacted customer service by phone (including 1-18-2012). Scion will not replace part with the re-engineered/ improved Scion part or cover the cost of repair/instillation unless you qualify for "customer loyalty" and have serviced your vehicle at Scion dealership service center. They will not make a recall; denying it is a safety issue which is contrary to what the California police department says.

- Glendale, CA, USA

problem #5

May 192012

tC 4-cyl

  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Moonroof deflector shattered with a pop sound at speeds 55 with all windows closed. Later inspection that it was cracked around all the edges about 1/2 ~ 1 inches into the center.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #4

Dec 292004

tC

  • 15 miles
My 2005 Scion Tc purchased new had several swirl marks in the paint I was told it was from the porter washing the car to deliver to me. I said I refused to accept the car with the paint like that. They said I could bring it back and they would have it buffed out. I should have known then that there was a problem with the paint. This is my 6th new car 2nd new Toyota I have never seen paint scratch, chip and bubble like this not to mention on a new car. My best friend owns body shop for high end cars and has cars shown at the concourse level he said that the problem is insufficient layers of paint and poor quality clear coat. My car is washed only by hand with the best available products and waxed the same way. I live in southern California several miles from the beach drive on city and freeway roads there is nothing in my driving habits that would cause the amount of paint damage I am experiencing. I even picked my car up from being serviced at the dealership and there were many scratches down to the metal and the dealership won't acknowledge them. I am on the phone with Scion customer experience at least once a month over this car. There are so many complaints filed with the NHTSA for paint issues, this problem will never be a safety issue but it is an issue and I don't know who else to contact that has the ability to make the manufacture/dealership correct this for all the current owners and future buyers. My side view mirrors look like they have been sitting out in the desert for years the paint is completely cracked and faded. The slightest piece of road dirt hits and the paint is chipped all the way to the bare metal. This is not normal. Cars that cost less and are years older have better looking paint. This is an expensive problem to fix but that expenses shouldn't be the consumers that trusted the reputation of Toyota and spent hard earned money for the privilege of owning a new car. Its unfair to the consumer, unjust and beneath Toyota.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #3

Oct 012005

tC 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
Paint is chipping, was informed by dealership this is normal ware. I look at other vehicles that drive the same routes that I do and do not see chips on their cars. I would like for this to be investigated. There seem to be many complaints regarding this matter.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #2

May 012005

tC 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Automatic transmission hesitates to shift gears everyday. Dealer states they cannot duplicate the issue. This started about a month ago (11/05). Paint chips on front of vehicle as well as scratches in the paint. Only drive on paved roads and highways. Noticed this within three months of having vehicle (05/05).

- Loudon, TN, USA

problem #1

Jul 182004

tC 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45 miles
I have had numerous problems with my 2005 Scion Tc since purchase on 7/16/2004. The day after purchase the front tire was sitting on the rim. Terrible problems with scratches it seems as though you look at it and it scratches and the paint is peeling and bubbling all over, the power lock button fell inside the door within the 1st week I had the car. Have been to dealership 3 different times concerning the sunroof making terrible rattling noises and it sounds like the whole top of the car is moving when you make a turn, then after it rains, I live in fl and no visible water is on the top, open the window and water on the lip of the sunroof leaks water all over you. They have took the car apart for sun roof and can't fix, tore out the headliner. Also the inside metallic parts scratch easily, the dealership tech destroyed the part around the gear shift. My car insurance has doubled since I bought this car because of accidents I have less than 9,000 miles on this car, have met with GM, and everyone thinks your crazy. This is the worst car I have ever purchased and it has been nothing but a nightmare, the people at the dealership say oh your the only one with the paint problem, it's wear and tear, yet we have another new vehicle that gets driven to work every day and the paint looks better than my car. I am very disappointed with Toyota and I traded in a Toyota to get this car, I guarantee you I will never buy another Scion, I have wondered why they are not advertised on tv, now I know why. I spend my time going to the doctors and the dealership being treated like an idiot. They kept my car 5 days last time and want it again. If your car leaks like mine please report it as they have had an outside rain doctor check it out an it says it's designed that way, yat it did not do this in the beginning. I hate to trade it in and pass this nightmare on to someone else. I have come across tons of complaints and many service advisories.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

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