DecodedCars2013 Scion FR-S
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,767 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2013 minicompact car (23.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints167 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 11 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Scion FR-S is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,767 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 17% better than the 2013 minicompact car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 166.9 in | 70.1 in | 56.3 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 2,767 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR-S | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +17% | $2,950 | 320 |
| FR-S | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +5% | $3,300 | 361 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2013 Minicompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Scion FR-S.
Similar 2013 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Scion FR-S (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda MX-5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Fiat 500e | 87 mi | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V772000 · 165,534 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
Electrical System › Ignition · Feb 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V075000 · 25,706 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0E.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 5, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V255000 · 1,156 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNERÂS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERÂS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, ÂOCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.Â
- Risk
- IF A USER READS AND FOLLOWS INACCURATE OWNERÂS MANUAL INFORMATION, THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO A FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
- Fix
- TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED INSERTS FOR THE OWNERÂS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 3, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-866-707-2466.
Not every 2013 Scion FR-S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
167Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
73,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Scion FR-S buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 140 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 17 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 7 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 73,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Scion FR-S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other FR-S years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →