Model year guide

2012 Scion iQ

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Scion iQ is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 92 on record.

2012 Scion iQ — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Scion iQ at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints17
Combined37 mpg
Typical price$8,541

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Scion iQ recalls 1

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #12V528000 · 08/11/2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Scion IQ vehicles manufactured July 31, 2011, through October 12, 2012. The cable for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) may become damaged when sliding the passenger seat forward or backward.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Scion iQ common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2012 Scion iQ MPG & running costs

Combined37 mpg
City36 mpg
Highway37 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2012 Scion iQ worth?

Low
$7,800
Typical price
$8,541
High
$9,500

From 92 comparable 2012 Scion iQ listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Scion iQ costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,000
Fuel only$9,000
Per mile$0.12

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Scion iQ trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.3L 4-cyl 94 hp

2012 Scion iQ vehicles on record

2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB01CJ012739 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB01CJ020632 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB00CJ018984 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB08CJ015721 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB09CJ012715 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB08CJ009353 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB01CJ011168 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB07CJ013393 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB07CJ014947 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB07CJ017864 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB05CJ021783 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB05CJ018723 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB05CJ009035 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB0XCJ009287 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB06CJ019475 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB06CJ021243 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB03CJ013813 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB03CJ019286 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB07CJ014656 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB06CJ017421 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB00CJ019066 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB04CJ014789 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB0XCJ017115 2012 Scion iQ 2012 Scion iQ BaseJTNJJXB05CJ016518

Other Scion iQ model years

2014 2013

2012 Scion iQ — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Scion iQ have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Scion iQ. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Scion iQ?

Across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Scion iQ get?

The 2012 Scion iQ has a U.S. EPA estimate of 37 mpg combined (36 city / 37 highway).

How much is a 2012 Scion iQ worth?

Comparable 2012 Scion iQ listings run roughly $7,800–$9,500, typically around $8,541 (from 92 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.