The Scion iM Years To Avoid
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Scion is a subsidiary of Toyota, established in 2003 to attract younger customers through a unique marketing strategy. Toyota created Scion to capture a market segment that desired trendy and affordable vehicles. Scion’s lineup is known for its customizable and quirky models like the xB and tC, which target a youthful demographic with a blend of style, affordability, and practicality.
Despite initial success, the brand struggled to maintain its distinct identity and broaden its appeal. This led to its discontinuation in 2016, marking Scion’s journey as a short-lived but notable venture in the automotive industry.
The Scion iM is one of the most fascinating cars from the brand. It was introduced in 2015 and sought to provide style, practicality, and affordability. The car was specifically designed for the younger demographic, thanks to its sporty outlook and versatility typical of hatchbacks. The car’s design provides an engaging driving experience while being economical, which is a perfect balance for first-time drivers looking for their first new car. Unfortunately, the iM became a casualty of Scion’s discontinuation and only lasted a single model year.
If you’re interested in a used Scion iM, you only have one option to choose from. Since we’re looking for the worst Scion iM years to avoid, we’ll cover everything you need to know as a used car buyer.
Which Scion iM Years To Avoid?
As mentioned, the Scion iM only had a one-year run, so you literally have one model to choose from if you’re planning to buy a used unit. In this case, we will discuss the various reliability woes and potential problems of the 2016 Scion iM.
Common Scion iM Problems
Below are some of the most common problems you may encounter as a 2016 iM owner:
Interior Accessory Problems
The 2016 Scion iM encountered some issues with its interior accessories, as highlighted by user complaints on CarComplaints.com. One such problem pertained to the seat armrest, which was reported to fold down on its own, particularly when traveling at highway speeds with all four windows open.
Another notable complaint involved the material of the steering wheel flaking off, specifically in areas where drivers typically hold the wheel. This issue, reported at an average mileage of 18,210 miles, points to a potential quality concern with the materials used in the Scion iM’s steering wheel. Additionally, the bottom driver’s seat cover showed signs of wear, mainly from getting in and out of the vehicle. These interior quality issues are far from severe but can affect the overall ownership experience.
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Transmission System Issues
On a more severe note, the 2016 Scion iM received numerous complaints about its transmission system. Some owners reported the transmission doing “quirky things,” such as getting stuck in high RPMs without upshifting, failing to accelerate adequately, and sometimes slipping. This erratic behavior was noted in the automatic CVT of the iM.
There have been complaints regarding transmission slipping, particularly after servicing at Toyota dealerships. The clutch deteriorated quickly, making it difficult to drive the vehicle, especially on inclines. It struggles to transmit enough power and barely remains drivable. The recommended repair involves replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and resurfacing the flywheel. Some owners reported needing clutch replacements between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, which is unusually low for most vehicles.
Miscellaneous Issues
The Scion iM also experienced various issues that potential buyers should know:
- Malfunctioning Car Horn: One complaint mentioned that the car’s horn stopped working, which the owner considered a safety manufacturer defect. This issue created a safety hazard, particularly as the driver was unable to honk at other vehicles
- Defective Evaporator Core: Another owner reported buying a new Scion iM with a broken evaporator core, which appeared to have been crushed during manufacturing. This issue led to a claim under lemon law arbitration.
Safety Recalls
The Scion iM has one safety recall under its belt. The 2016 Scion iM was subject to a recall concerning an issue with the Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label. This recall, identified as SET16A, was due to the label not accurately reflecting the added weight of installed accessories. This inaccuracy could lead to the vehicle overloading, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
To address the issue, Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) recalled the affected vehicles and provided corrected labels to be installed at no cost.
It is worth noting that although these issues are known, they are not widespread. While not numerous, the complaints indicate some unique and serious problems with the 2016 Scion iM - an advantage for used car buyers. This makes the 2016 model one of the worst Scion iM years to avoid.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE SCION iM
If you’re in the market for the most reliable Scion iM year, you’re down to one option. But fret not; we’re covering everything you need to know so you can decide if the Scion iM is a good investment.
2016 Scion iM Consumer Feedback
How do owners like their 2016 iM? The 2016 Scion iM received mixed reactions from its owners in many online forums, such as the Scion iM Forum.
For the positives, many users appreciated the car’s overall functionality, finding it surprisingly spacious and practical for its size. The vehicle’s cornering ability was praised, and its relation to Toyota’s reputation for reliability was a significant plus. The interior design, comfort, and price point of the iM were also highlighted as strong points, along with its fuel efficiency, ease of repair (owing to its similarities with the Toyota Corolla), and satisfactory trunk space.
On the flip side, the Scion iM was not without its drawbacks. A common grievance among owners was the car’s lack of power, with many wanting a more robust engine. The manual transmission, in particular, received criticism for issues like RPMs hanging during shifts.
Furthermore, visibility issues due to the small rear window were a concern for some, although others adjusted to it over time. The interior space, particularly in terms of legroom, was too cramped for some users. Additionally, the placement of the rearview mirror created blind spots for certain drivers. Some also noted build quality issues like dash rattle noise and inadequately padded armrests.
While the 2016 Scion iM was well-regarded for its practicality, space, and reliability, it also faced criticism for its powertrain, visibility, and certain design and quality issues.
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