Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Scion FR-S
Our scoring places the 2016 Scion FR-S at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.1/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.1/10. The Scion FR-S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $20,368–$23,608, 19 MPG, seating 4, the Scion FR-S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Scion FR-S is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2016 Scion FR-S ranks #204 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 36% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $20,368 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 56%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which FR-S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2013 Scion FR-S scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Scion FR-S (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Equipment / Other / Labels 09/06/2016 · 16V420000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the…
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not…
Tires 22/04/2016 · 16V236000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Scion FR-S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Scion FR-S
Is the 2016 Scion FR-S reliable?
We rate the 2016 Scion FR-S's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Scion FR-S have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Scion FR-S worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #204 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 36% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Scion FR-S cost?
The 2016 Scion FR-S starts at $20,368 and ranges up to $23,608 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which FR-S years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 4 FR-S model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2016 Scion FR-S have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Scion FR-S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Equipment, Power train, Tires (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Scion FR-S
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More Scion Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year