DecodedCars2011 Scion tC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 174 in
- Curb weight
- 3,036 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 41 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Scion tC is a compact car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,036 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 3% better than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 tC →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Hatchback | 174 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,036 lb | 62/38 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Scion tC.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Scion tC (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Scion tC.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Scion tC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,100 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 2011 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 |
| 2010 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2009 tC | 24 | – | Not rated | 2 | 25 |
| 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 →