2008 Toyota Scion tC problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 7 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2008 Toyota Scion tC has 7 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 5 complaints, typically surfacing around 155,500 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Scion tC | 9 | 0 |
| 2008 Scion tC (this page) | 7 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 7 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Uses too much oil between oil change. 1quart low at 2000 miles. Should not burn this much oil. I have researched other vehicles having this same issue and this needs to be fixed. I checked Toyota website but it doesn’t show a recall for this car and it is have an issue that…
My tc has very high oil consumption. Starting day one from oil change, I have to add at least 2 quarts of oil to engine during the 5000 miles oil change. This car is very high oil consumption, I brought to dealer and have it tested twice, but dealer said not qualified. First…
I have newish wheels and tires. Last year I took my car into les schawb to get an alignment done on my car thinking that is what the problem was. The guy afterwards told me he fixed it as well as he could but wondered if I had hit something in the back and that's all he told me.…
The contact owns a 2008 Scion TC. The contact stated that the trunk rubber seal had melted onto the bumper, causing the battery to drain and the electrical system to fail with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the…
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Toyota Scion tC reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 7 owner complaints have been filed for the 2008 Toyota Scion tC, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2008 Toyota Scion tC?
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2008 Toyota Scion tC without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Toyota Scion tC?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2008 Toyota Scion tC to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2008 Toyota Scion tC a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 7 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Toyota Scion tC?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 5 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 155,500 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 155,500 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Scion tC has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Toyota Scion tC?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 7 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.