I have a 2008 Scion tC, with 104K miles. I have had regular oil changes at 3,000 to 5,000 miles (usually closer to 3,000), along with other maintenance (fluid flushes, etc.). Just before my last oil change was due, my oil light started to come on every time I braked. I brought it to the lube place, and they told me I was almost out of oil. There were no leaks, the exhaust pipe had black smut, and they believed I was burning oil. I did some research on the internet, and found out this is a common problem with Toyotas and Scions, especially on cars with 100K or more miles.

I phoned Fred Haas Toyota, where I bought my car. I explained the problem, and they said it was common for cars with 100K miles to burn a quart of oil every 800 to 1,000 miles. Crazy! They said there is no recall for this problem, even when I said that the technical bulletin issued by Toyota to its dealers said that defective pistons were used to manufacture these cars. Why would I buy a brand new car with defective parts? Why should a manufacturer believe it's acceptable to make and sell cars with defective parts? Fred Haas Toyota advised me to change my oil every 3,000 miles. And to check my oil level after 1,200 miles and top it off if low.

The cost of replacing the engine is about $6,000 (about 25% the cost of a new vehicle) and appears to be the only solution to this problem. The fact that a manufacturer can get away with selling sub standard vehicles and basically stealing from people is disgraceful and immoral.

Purchased 2nd owner at 14k miles. Purchased extended warranty through Toyota (7 yrs/100k). This is my daughter's car who lives in another location from myself. When she visited I noticed oil was low (2012). I kept checking when visiting and noticed 1 qt. maybe each 2-3k. Contacted Toyota and basically told to pound sand. This car has 54k miles....that is right, 54k and unless there is a car fairy I do not believe this problem will get better.

I found the TSB and Toyota will not repair under extended warranty since car is not using more than 1 qt every 1200 miles. This is wrong on so many levels I do not need to explain further. I have contacted law firm that has filed class action lawsuit for this problem. This engine has 4 qts of oil in the engine, so to "loose" 1 - 2 qts between oil changes can not be good for engine long term. This will cost Toyota millions of dollars considering how many cars have this engine.

Update from Jun 7, 2014: Toyota paying for new short block....finally. Actual oil consumption never completely documented, but it was evident that car was burning over 1 qt every 2k. I believe their final justification was only 54k on the car. I need to pay for a valve job, which makes sense and no complaints since they are paying well over $3k for the short block + whatever labor will cost them. My heart goes out to all you who are dealing with this problem, but do not give up. I only hope this provides the longevity on this car. We expect at least 150k miles and/or 15 years.

I own a 08 tC with 85k and had oil consumption problems since it had 60k. I do my oil changes every 3k since I had this problem and I have to add 2.5qrts between oil changes. I use Mobil 1 0/20. I think Toyota should do something about this problem. I know a lot of tC's owners that have the same issue. Honda is already extending warranties on their newer v6's and l4 engines about oil consumption either by replacing short blocks or replacing piston and piston rings. I have gone to the dealership and the only solution they have is to replace my engine at my expense. Now my check engine light is on and I'm getting a p0420 for catalyst efficiency which is possible due to all the oil that my engine is burning.