Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
95.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
95.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
84.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3017.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4324.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4928.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2514.3%
150,000+ miles
21.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2012peak 24Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Scion Fr-S
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V772000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
16V075000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not affected. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in the "Park" position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
13V123000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
12V255000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.
Risk: IF A USER READS AND FOLLOWS INACCURATE OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION, THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO A FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20186013,051 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine valve springs could fracture, causing an engine failure or a stall with an inability to restart. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine valve springs. Note: A driver may notice abnormal noise and/or vibration prior to an engine failure or stalling.
Recall 20160622,247 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and an ignition key may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. During assembly, in order to prevent automatic transmission damage during rail transport, the key interlock is disabled by leaving the delivery mode connectors unconnected. The connectors on some vehicles may not have been connected during pre-delivery service at dealers or distributors. If not connected, it could allow for the ignition key to be removed in a gear other than PARK gear position, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard, and could cause unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the delivery mode connectors and, if necessary, connect them.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Palm Harbor, FLCrash
STEERING
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11706415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CACrash
ENGINE
Engine stalled won't crank over or run anymore. Mechanic said it was a valve spring issue and vehicle had a recall that entitled engine to be replaced by Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11520958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSAN Anselmo, CAFire
ENGINE
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA FOR VALVE SPRINGS. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE AT MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (TOYOTA OF MARIN, CALIFORNIA). SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, ON MY WAY TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE REPAIR INSPECTED (DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AT SONOMA RACEWAY IN SONOMA, CA), I EXPERIENCED A BANG AND KNOCK IN THE ENGINE. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW SMOKE. I LOOKED FORWARD AND SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AND A FIRE CREW HELPED PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT NOT BEFORE THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DESTROYED.I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH TOYOTA. THEY INSPECTED THE CAR IN APRIL AND I AM AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN NEAR A FIRE CREW WHO COULD PROVIDE IMMEDIATE HELP. I FOLLOWED THE RECALL DIRECTIONS AND LOST MY VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE HELP IN DEALING WITH TOYOTA TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ATTACHED MY LETTER TO TOYOTA AND A PICTURE. THANK YOU. -[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11204391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesEL Cerrito, CAFire
ENGINE
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR J02 ENGINE VALVE SPRING SAFETY RECALL ON JAN 29TH, 2019 AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. TOOK THEM A COUPLE DAYS, BUT WHEN THEY FINISHED, THEY SAID THE CAR WAS GOOD AS NEW AND I COULD DRIVE IT NORMALLY. 2 WEEKS OF DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK WITH NO ISSUES, THEN ON FEB 17, 2019, I WAS DRIVING UP HIGHWAY 1 FOR A COUPLE HOURS, AS I CAME AROUND A TURN, I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH, I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AS THE ROAD WAS SLOPING DOWNHILL WITH TWO HAIR PIN TURNS UP AHEAD. AS SOON AS I HIT THE BRAKE, I FELT THE REAR WHEELS GIVE WAY A LITTLE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BLINK (I WAS GOING 25MPH, NO REASON FOR TRACTION CONTROL TO ENGAGE). THOUGHT IT WAS A LITTLE WEIRD, SO I LET OFF THE BRAKE, COASTED DOWNHILL A LITTLE AND THEN TRIED TAPPING THE BRAKES AGAIN, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THINKING MY BRAKES ARE HAVING ISSUES, I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BY SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 2ND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). WHEN I ENGAGED 2ND GEAR, I HEARD A POP AND SAW THE HOOD OF MY CAR JUMP UP AS IF SOMETHING INSIDE HIT IT AND SAW A LITTLE BIT OF SMOKE. SINCE I JUST PASSED THE FIRST HAIRPIN TURN, I WAS LOOKING AHEAD TO SAFELY PARK MY VEHICLE TO THE SIDE, BUT I FELT MY FEET AND LEGS WERE BURNING HOT. WHEN I LOOKED DOWN, I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TIREWELL THROUGH THE WINDOW, IT WAS AT THIS POINT, I REMEMBERED I JUST FILLED UP A FULL TANK 20 MILES BACK, SO I USED THE BRAKES TO COMPLETELY STOP THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY - DISREGARDING ANY WARNING LIGHTS AND EXITED THE CAR. THE FIRE EVENTUALLY SPREAD AND BURNED THE ENTIRE CAR DOWN. I HAD NO CELL RECEPTION WHERE I WAS AT, SO I WAITED BY THE CAR UNTILL THE POLICE AND FIRE SHOWED UP.
NHTSA complaint #11186327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesCharlotte, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 SCION FR-S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DEFLATED WITH A FOUR INCH HOLE AFTER DEPLOYING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL AND CHEST INJURIES, A FRACTURED STERNUM, AND A LUMBAR SPINE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,350 milesRichland, WAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
AFTER LEAVING A RESIDENCE, GETTING ONTO THE FREEWAY WITH NO ISSUES FOR ABOUT 1/4 MILE, SUDDENLY UPON GETTING ABOUT TO 50 MPH, I FELT A SHIMMY. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. BUT I WAS SMELLING A BURNING SMELL PRETTY QUICKLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM A POLLUTED SEMI TRUCK. BUT IT GOT STRONGER. SO, I DECIDED TO TAKE THE FIRST EXIT ANOTHER 1/4 MILE UP. I TURNED ON HAZARDS AND SLOWED TO 40 AND EXITED. UPON STOPPING I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND INSPECTED FIRST THE ENGINE, SEEING NO SMOKE AROUND IT. I THEN INSPECTED THE TIRES. ALL GOOD. SO I OPTED FOR A TOUCH TEST FOR OVERHEATED TIRE, TO SEE IF THEY WERE HOT. WHICH GIVEN I ONLY DROVE MAYBE 1.5 MILES TOTAL, OR 2, THIS SEEMED UNLIKELY. WHEN LEANING TO TOUCH THE LEFT REAR TIRE, I SAW A FLAME COME OUT FROM BEHIND IT, AND IMMEDIATELY GOT AWAY FROM THE CAR AND CALLED 911 FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT. THEY ARRIVED AND DETERMINED THAT LUCKILY THE FIRE HAD EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. UPON MECHANICAL INSPECTION, I LEARNED THE CALIPER FROZE SO THE BRAKE PAD HAD IGNITED. WHILE I WAS DRIVING. A LIVE FLAME UNDER MY CAR, I AM LUCKY NOTHING HAPPENED. I AM TERRIFIED OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN AND WHAT IF ITS IN THE FRONT TIRE NEAR THE ENGINE?
NHTSA complaint #10513321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bentonville, AR
ENGINE
On approximately May 27, 2026 I delivered my 2013 Scion FR-S (approx. 105,000 miles) to an authorized Toyota dealer for Safety Recall J02 (NHTSA 18V-772, engine valve spring replacement). I picked it up on June 3, 2026. Immediately the engine ran sluggish and the air conditioning, which had worked, stopped blowing cold. On June 7, 2026 - four days and only a few miles later - the engine spun a rod bearing and began knocking loudly. The vehicle is now inoperable. This recall requires removing and disassembling the engine and is widely documented to cause oil starvation and spun bearings when excess RTV sealant from reassembly clogs the oil pickup screen. My engine ran normally for years and failed within days of the recall repair. The recall repair caused catastrophic engine failure. No crash or injury has occurred; the vehicle is parked to prevent further damage.
NHTSA complaint #11742856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FLCrash
STEERING
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a complete loss of steering control in my vehicle, 2013 Scion FR-S. While driving and making a turn, the steering system failed entirely, leaving me unable to control the direction of the vehicle. I retained only braking and acceleration capabilities. There where no waring lights or mechanical indicators of potential or probable failure. As a result of this failure, I was involved in a collision with a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, I researched the issue and discovered a known failure point in the electric power steering (EPS) system, specifically related to the steering column EPS damper bushing. This appears to be a recognized defect that has not been addressed at the factory level, despite the significant safety risk it poses. I believe this issue warrants investigation to prevent future incidents and potential injuries. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11706415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yulee, FL
ENGINE
The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isn't covered. I
NHTSA complaint #11703673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinesville, GA
ENGINE
The car randomly shut off, i started it back up and it has a knock in the engine. Oil is super clean, and changed every 3k miles. I contacted Toyota and they had a Valve Spring Recall that leads to this very problem but somehow my vehicle isnt covered.
NHTSA complaint #11653904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the recall could not be performed because the engine in the vehicle was not the OEM part. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11644023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesPoway, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 60 MPH, the engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a fractured engine valve spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exeter, NH
ENGINE
sometimes the car randomly stalls out during driving. usually off cold starts if i let it warm up for even 5 minutes it still will stall out sometimes. its not super common id say it does it once every 2 days maybe. the car is also misfiring and ive noticed a large loss of power from the car. it started back in june and i just havent really gotten it fixed yet. usually when im driving itll kind of just buffer and a check engine light is thrown on but it ends up going off after a couple drives.
NHTSA complaint #11619011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pottsville, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump stopped working. I was driving to work on a busy highway and without any warning my car started slowing down. There were no warning lights or any indication of a problem. I pressed the gas pedal and no response from the motor. I pushed in the clutch and put my 4 ways on and luckily coasted to a spot I could pull off the road at. Once safe and stopped I tried to start the car again and it sputtered and shut off. The car has been running funny on n off for a little bit I didn't think it could be the fuel pump but It seems it was the problem. The pump wasn't inspected by anyone but after replacing it the car was back to normal.
NHTSA complaint #11554980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact's son owns a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud screeching sound located at the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the clutch release bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holly Springs, NC
ENGINE
The engine suffered catastrophic failure 2,988 miles after the J02 Saftey recall was performed by Preston Toyota of New Castle, PA. I was travelling at highway speeds when the engine died and would not turn on. I lost all power brakes and could have wrecked and injured myself, others or worse, caused a fatality. The car was towed to a toyota dealership that confirmed the issue was due to the work performed during the recall on the car. The oil light flashed a few times then shut off and then a few seconds later the engine died.
NHTSA complaint #11524410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OR
ENGINE
Vehicle suffered engine failure in line with previous recalled, and subsequently repaired parts. Both Toyota & Subaru have refused to repair. Vehicle is under 100,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11523062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CACrash
ENGINE
Engine stalled won't crank over or run anymore. Mechanic said it was a valve spring issue and vehicle had a recall that entitled engine to be replaced by Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11520958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearland, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting the parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that once the parts for the repair were available, the mechanic informed her that the manufacturer would not be covering the repairs on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11505208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
STEERING
Steering locks and binds up and clunks while driving, makes steering. Creates dangerous situations as you cannot steer when this occurs. Diagnosed as a failed electric steering damper, repair performed by owner as dealer quoted over $900 for the repair to replace the entire electric power steering motor. This should be a recall as it affects the steering of the car. This failure occurs so commonly on these cars that owners are repairing it themselves with no manufacturer help. See: https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133606
NHTSA complaint #11502374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metuchen, NJ
ENGINE
Engine failure. My safety is compromised by car leaving me stranded at an unpreditable time. Serviced center fixed vehicle twice unsuccecfully because different engine brand but joint partnership. No warning lamps were present before or after failure of engine.
NHTSA complaint #11502515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesJackson, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Scion FR-S. The contact stated there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check oil warning light was illuminated while the vehicle was decelerating. The contact drove into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve spring had fractured. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that 115 miles after the repair there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle began to run rough. While driving at highway speeds the vehicle began to feel as if it was decelerating with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was coming from the bottom of the engine. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Breeze, FL
ENGINE
Under normal driving conditions, a well maintained 79k car, the joint that holds up cylinder #2 failed, totalling the engine. Thankfully the rod did not kill me.
NHTSA complaint #11493217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Haven, CT
ENGINE
It is my belief that the valve spring on the engine broke, even after the recall work had been done. I was getting out of my car and heard, what sounded like, metal under tension popping really loudly. After that the engine made a rattling noise. In hindsight I should have known something was wrong, but I had an oil change at the dealer in 2 days and thought they would hear it. After the oil change they didn't say anything so I felt it was ok. On my way home from work the following day, less than 40 miles after the oil change, the car suddenly completely shut off while I was driving home on the highway. What saved my life was that I was getting off the highway in the right lane and was able to roll the car slightly off the highway. Had this been in any other lane I might have been in an accident. Trying to restart the car on the side of the road it had a terrible knocking noise and sounded like something was spinning freely. I had it towed to the dealer as they had just changed the oil thinking that was it. They "looked" at it a couple days later and said it was a spun bearing and that it was normal wear and tear. The car only has 103,000 miles on it and was driven normally, with regular maintenance. Upon retrieving the car the tow truck driver stated that's not normal to happen, and I noticed the car was in the same place as where I had it towed originally. The dealer never actually inspected or looked at the car and just made the spun bearing assessment without trying to start it, as the battery was dead from trying to restart on the highway. No one has since touched the car, and some research online shows that I am not the only person this has happened to. The recall stated that the valve springs could break while driving and the car would suddenly shut off with no warning. This is exactly what happened, while driving on the highway home. According to the dealer it is a spun bearing but that is not what it sounds like at all. It definitely sounds like a rod.
NHTSA complaint #11492687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calexico, CA
ENGINE
The day before the incident, took the vehicle for an oil change at dealership. Driving in a Interstate 8 under construction and vehicle had engine malfunction turning off and also turned off power steering creating difficulty steering, could have created accident on freeway jeopardize my safety and of others. The engine malfunction started by making a rattling sound and turning off the engine. Since my vehicle is Standard/Manual transmission, I stepped on the clutch and the rattling stop making me coast with the moment it had. I removed the clutch to turn on the vehicle and the rattling continued so I put it in neutral, waited to slow down to push the vehicle onto an emergency lane (since the freeway was under construction and the lanes had Jersey Barriers). The problem hasn't been able to reproduce because the vehicle cannot restart, contact local dealership and rejected to perform recall unless I put down $2,000 (November 2018). Sent out to a local shop but didn't have workers with Boxer engine knowledge. Contact DMV for guidance about rejection on recall (which happened again on March 2022) and made another appointment at local dealership. They rejected me again without inspecting recall component and commented that "It was suspicious that you haven't had the recall done on it". There wasn't any check engine light nor abs or any message prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11468640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redlands, CA
ENGINE
Was going down the road. To a fast food place. As soon as I turned. A pop happens and the whole car started to shake. All the maintenance was done every 6k miles. Got the car at 32k miles Went to Toyota. And they called and said it was engine failure “mechanical failure” then they called back and said there was no coolant. In my eyes I feel it’s to cover their end to not do a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11464676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
POWER TRAIN
2013 SCION FR-S Valve spring recall notice was received in the mail. Recalled valve spring replacement caused engine to seize twice. The first time the engine seized Tustin Toyota admitted fault, noting issue was from recall fix and repaired the engine at no cost. The second time the engine seized Toyota denied responsibility and wanted to charge $5000
NHTSA complaint #11461198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
ENGINE
2013 SCION FR-S Valve spring recall notice was received in the mail. Recalled valve spring replacement caused engine to seize twice. The first time the engine seized Tustin Toyota admitted fault, noting issue was from recall fix and repaired the engine at no cost. The second time the engine seized Toyota denied responsibility and wanted to charge $5000
NHTSA complaint #11461198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
After completing the valve spring recall I got my car back and not 200 miles later the engine started to have rod knock. The Toyota dealership told me that there was now metal in my oil pan and I would need a new engine. This is not a unique issue, it has been happening to hundreds of other cars going through this exact recall, for years now.
NHTSA complaint #11450284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
After completing the valve spring recall I got my car back and not 200 miles later the engine started to have rod knock. The Toyota dealership told me that there was now metal in my oil pan and I would need a new engine. This is not a unique issue, it has been happening to hundreds of other cars going through this exact recall, for years now.
NHTSA complaint #11450284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spanaway, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My issue is that I was never notified and I just so happened to look up out of curiosity and I’m upset that something bad could have possibly happened.
NHTSA complaint #11436999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.