DecodedCars2012 Scion iQ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- iQ
- Engines
- 1.3L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 36 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 120.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,116 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 67% better than the average 2012 minicompact car (22.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Scion iQ is a minicompact car offered with a 1.3L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 120 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 79-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,116 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (36 city / 37 highway), 67% better than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 iQ — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 iQ →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQ | 120.1 in | 66.1 in | 59.1 in | 78.7 in | 58.3 / 57.5 in | 2,116 lb | 61/39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQ | 1.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 / 37 / 37 | +67% | $1,800 | 240 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Scion iQ.
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Nov 8, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V528000 · 11,153 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Scion IQ vehicles manufactured July 31, 2011, through October 12, 2012. The cable for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) may become damaged when sliding the passenger seat forward or backward.
- Risk
- If the cable for the OCS becomes damaged, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2012 Scion iQ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Scion iQ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 5 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 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 2012 Scion iQ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other iQ years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →