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Scion VIN Decoder

Decode any 17-character Scion VIN (1981 and newer): year, model, trim, engine, plant and safety equipment from NHTSA's official decoder, plus recall campaigns and owner complaints for that model year.

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NHTSA vPIC dataResults in secondsNothing to sign up for
Brushed metal VIN plate on a dark dashboard with a streak of blue light across it

Popular Scion models

All Scion models →
xB1,048 complaints · 15 recallstC693 complaints · 10 recallsFR-S201 complaints · 7 recallsxA125 complaints · 5 recallsxD117 complaints · 7 recalls

Scion in NHTSA’s records

5Scion models in our data
2,184owner complaints filed with NHTSA
27recall campaigns covering these models

Latest Scion recall campaigns

All Scion recalls →
  1. Recall19V741000Oct 17, 2019 Frontal Air Bag Inflators May ExplodeToyota Corolla, RAV4, Sienna, Tundra and more 928,220 vehicles
  2. Recall19V005000Jan 9, 2019 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May ExplodeToyota Corolla, Sienna, 4Runner, Matrix and more 1,299,448 vehicles
  3. Recall18V776000Nov 1, 2018 Unexpected Air Bag Deployment or DeactivationScion xA 16,992 vehicles

Reading a Scion VIN

A Scion VIN follows the same federal 17-character format as every vehicle sold in the US since the 1981 model year. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier, positions 4–8 are Scion's own codes for the model line, body, engine and restraints, position 9 is the check digit, position 10 is the model year and position 11 is the assembly plant.

Because positions 4–8 are maker-specific, the decoder above asks NHTSA's vPIC catalog to translate them, then matches the year, make and model to Scion's recall campaigns and owner complaints. For a position-by-position walkthrough see how to read a VIN; for the year letter, use the model-year code chart.

Scion VIN decoder FAQ

Where is the VIN on a Scion?

On a Scion car, SUV or light truck, look through the windshield at the driver's-side corner of the dashboard, or read the label on the driver's door jamb. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card. Our guide shows where to find the VIN on each body type.

How do I find the model year from a Scion VIN?

Look at the 10th character. For cars, SUVs and light trucks, a letter in position 7 means the 2010–2039 cycle and a number means 1980–2009, so the same letter can point to two years 30 years apart.

Does a Scion VIN decoder show recalls?

It shows the recall campaigns NHTSA lists for that Scion model year (27 campaigns across the Scion models in our data). Whether your specific vehicle still needs a repair is only shown by NHTSA's VIN lookup or a Scion dealer.

Which Scion models have the most complaints filed with NHTSA?

In our data: xB (1,048), tC (693), FR-S (201). Counts are owner reports across all model years, not failure rates; popular models draw more reports.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Data sources

Processing

  • We send your VIN to NHTSA vPIC and show the fields it returns; empty fields are hidden by default.
  • Recalls and complaints are matched by the decoded year, make and model, not by your VIN.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Reference text reviewed by the Vehicle Data Desk.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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