DecodedCars2009 Scion tC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2009 Scion tC is a subcompact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 11% better than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 tC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 tC →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tC | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +11% | $2,800 | 370 |
| tC | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Scion tC under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Scion tC (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | 32 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 MINI Clubman | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Scion xD | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Eos | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
- Problem
- GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Not every 2009 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Scion tC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Tires — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 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 2009 Scion tC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other tC years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2015 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2014 tC | 26 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2013 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2012 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2011 tC | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 14 |
| 2010 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2008 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2007 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2006 tC | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 36 |
| 2005 tC | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →