DecodedCars2013 Scion tC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 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 complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 135 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 28 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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% worse than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 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 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 tC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 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 | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 348 |
| tC | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 348 |
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 tC.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Scion tC (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Scion tC.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Scion tC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 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.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 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 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →