Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Scion TC
The 2006 Scion TC has several recalls and complaints mainly concerning airbag deployment and visibility issues. Inspect these areas thoroughly before purchasing, as airbag and sunroof problems are significant concerns. Reports of engine issues are also present, demanding careful review. Notably, label compliance with safety standards was lacking in some models, so ensure proper documentation is present.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Scion TC has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 161 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10V035000 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V036000 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V408000 SIDE AND CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SYSTEM NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V096000 AIR BAG INFLATOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V483000 GLASS WIND DEFLECTOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility 39 complaints
- Structure 28 complaints
- Air Bags 24 complaints
- Engine 17 complaints
- Steering 12 complaints
- Unknown or Other 10 complaints
Of the 161 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 161 complaints, owners report 32 injuries and 5 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbags may deploy inadvertently
How to check: Check airbag recall status and any repair records.
Airbags may not deploy properly
How to check: Verify proper airbag inflator assembly was fixed.
Shattering sunroof deflector
How to check: Inspect sunroof for chips or damage to deflector.
Frequent complaints about engine issues
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or check for excess smoke.
Missing tire load capacity labels
How to check: Ensure label compliance with safety standards.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud clanking or persistent noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Warning lights remain on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Monitor for stuttering or hesitations in power.
Red flag: Noticeable power loss or stuttering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test airbag light; it should remain off.
Red flag: Airbag warning light stays on
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for wind noise from the sunroof.
Red flag: Excessive noise or water leaks
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for any vibrations or pulling to sides.
Red flag: Car pulls or vibrates under braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag issue been resolved?
- Are the tire capacity labels installed?
- Is there a history of engine repairs?
- Has the sunroof ever been replaced?
- Are there any recurring dashboard alerts?
- Was any recall work completed recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Airbag service documentation
- Engine maintenance logs
- Sunroof maintenance records
- Load capacity label confirmation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Scion TC at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Scion TC? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.