Federal safety data shows 2 recalls and 155 complaints for the 2005 Scion tC, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

155

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

06V4080002006-26-10

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SIDE IMPACT SEAT-BOLSTER AND CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS MAY INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR IF THE DOOR FOR THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CLOSED WITH A HIGH RATE OF FORCE WHILE THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION OR WITHIN 90 SECONDS OF TURNING THE IGNITION KEY FROM THE "ON" POSITION TO THE "OFF" POSITION.

IF THE SIDE IMPACT SEAT-BOLSTER AND CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY, THEY COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS THE DOOR THAT IS CLOSED WITH A HIGH RATE OF FORCE. UNTIL THE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A MINIMAL FORCE/SPEED BE USED TO CLOSE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OR CLOSING THE DOORS AFTER 90 SECONDS HAVE ELAPSED FROM TURNING THE IGNITION KEY FROM THE "ON" TO THE "OFF" POSITION.

View at NHTSA

05V4830002005-18-10

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A GLASS WIND DEFLECTOR, THE DEFLECTOR, IF IMPACTED BY A PROJECTILE, SUCH AS ROAD DEBRIS, WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WIND DEFLECTOR IN THE UPWARD-TILTED POSITION AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS, MAY SHATTER AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.

PIECES OF THE WIND DEFLECTOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME AND FALL UPON THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 155 issues reported over 1 model years, visibility problems are the most common for the 2005 Scion tC. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Visibility37

02Structure17

03Air Bags14

04Unknown Or Other8

05Engine7

155 total across 1 model years (2005–2005)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Scion tC Fuel Economy

22–23mpg combined

19-20city

27hwy

$1,900-$2,000/yr

The 2005 Scion tC delivers 22 to 23 MPG combined across 2 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

tC - Automatic 4-spd

23mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr-1/10 Poor

tC - Manual 5-spd

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city27 hwy~$2,000/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2005 Scion tC

31States

28%in top 3

California has the most inventory at 13%, with options spread across 31 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

CACalifornia

1813%

TXTexas

118%

WAWashington

107%

OROregon

107%

FLFlorida

107%

DCWashington DC

97%

MDMaryland

64%

ILIllinois

54%

GAGeorgia

54%

COColorado

54%

PAPennsylvania

54%

NJNew Jersey

43%

NYNew York

43%

WIWisconsin

43%

MOMissouri

43%

NCNorth Carolina

43%

NVNevada

32%

VA2

AZ2

SC2

OHOhio

21%

OKOklahoma

21%

TNTennessee

21%

DE1

MA1

ID1

MI1

UT1

NH1

KS1

KY1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2005.

2005 Scion tC Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2005 Scion tC a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2005 Scion tC. There are 2 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2005 Scion tC?

NHTSA shows 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Scion tC. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2005 Scion tC?

You'll get between 22 and 23 MPG combined from the 2005 Scion tC, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2005 Scion tC?

VISIBILITY problems top the list with 155 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.