2010 Scion tC

The 2010 Scion tC is a sporty coupe known for its affordability, reliability, and customizable nature. It features a 2.5-liter inline-four engine (2AR-FE) producing 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the tC’s styling, value, and fuel efficiency. Common dislikes include the relatively basic interior and somewhat dated technology compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

2.5L 2AR-FE Inline-Four

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and visible exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: Addressing the issue can involve replacing valve stem seals or piston rings, depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the required repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump may fail, causing coolant leaks and potential overheating. Symptoms include coolant loss, a whining noise from the engine, and high temperature readings.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• EVAP System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners may experience EVAP system leaks, often due to a faulty gas cap, purge valve, or charcoal canister. This can trigger the check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the leaking component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, particularly between gears. This can be more pronounced as the vehicle ages.
  • Solution: Fluid changes or a transmission flush may help. In severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) to $2,000 - $4,000 (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch wear is normal, but can occur more quickly if the vehicle is driven hard. Symptoms include clutch slippage and difficult shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn struts and shocks can lead to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for all four
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken sway bar links can cause a clunking noise in the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the broken sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty oxygen sensors can trigger the check engine light and affect fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the defective oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate intermittently due to a failing motor.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter motor may fail, resulting in a no-start condition.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear wiper may stop functioning due to a failed motor.
  • Solution: Replace the rear wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the sunroof, including sticking, rattling, or failure to open/close properly.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism can sometimes resolve the issue. In other cases, the motor or other components may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cleaning/lubrication) to $300 - $800+ (motor or component replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted cracking of the dashboard material.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Scion tC generally exhibits good reliability, but common issues include excessive oil consumption, water pump failures, and oxygen sensor issues, which can range in cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to repair. Suspension components, particularly struts/shocks and sway bar links, are subject to wear and may require replacement as the vehicle ages. Interior issues such as sunroof problems and dashboard cracking may also occur. While some repairs can be relatively inexpensive, others can be more significant, impacting the overall cost of ownership.