2009 SCION TC

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Burns 1+ quart every 1,000-1,500 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs and rough idle, Check engine light for misfires (P0300-P0304), Catastrophic engine failure if oil runs low unnoticed

Fix: Toyota issued TSB but no recall. Proper fix requires engine disassembly to replace pistons and rings (8-12 labor hours for rings, 18-24 for short block swap if bearings damaged). Many owners run thicker oil and check weekly as a band-aid. If caught early, a piston/ring job suffices; if run low on oil, you're looking at bearings, crankshaft, the whole nine yards.

Estimated cost: $2,800-$5,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak near radiator, Pink/red fluid puddles under car, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission temp if cooler completely fails

Fix: The crimped steel cooler lines rust and crack where they connect to the radiator. Replace both lines and flush transmission (3-4 labor hours). If driven long after leak starts, internal clutch damage may require rebuild. This is a known pattern failure on 2AZ automatics.

Estimated cost: $450-$750

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, Shifter feels notchy or vague

Fix: The rear transmission mount (torque mount) is fluid-filled and fails commonly. Replace it and inspect front engine mount at same time (1.5-2 labor hours for trans mount alone). Upgraded aftermarket mounts available but stiffen the ride.

Estimated cost: $250-$450

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattle on cold start for 2-5 seconds, Check engine light for VVT system (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021), Slightly rough idle when warm, Oil pressure light may flicker if oil neglected

Fix: The variable valve timing actuators wear internally, usually from infrequent oil changes or running low on oil (exacerbated by the consumption issue). Replace both cam actuators and VVT solenoids; use OEM parts (4-5 labor hours). Change oil every 3,000-5,000 miles religiously to prevent.

Estimated cost: $800-$1,200

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Grinds or refuses to engage 2nd gear when cold, Crunching sound on 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, Improves slightly when trans fluid is fresh

Fix: The 5-speed manual has weak brass synchros on 2nd gear. Fluid change to quality MTF can buy time, but ultimate fix is transmission rebuild with upgraded synchros (6-8 labor hours for R&R and rebuild).

Estimated cost: $1,800-$2,800

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or exhaust leak sound from engine bay, Smell of exhaust in cabin with heat on, Check engine light for oxygen sensor codes (P0420, P0171), Worsens when cold

Fix: Exhaust manifold can crack at the collector or the flex pipe disintegrates. If just flex pipe, aftermarket replacement is 2-3 labor hours. If manifold cracked, figure 4-5 hours. Affects both manual and auto but more common on higher-mileage examples driven hard when cold.

Estimated cost: $350-$900