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2008 Scion tC Spec 5MT

The 2008 Scion tC Spec 5MT is a 161-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $15,300 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 161 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The tC measures 174.0 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,905 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeLiftback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$15,300 ($23,096 *)
MSRP with Destination$15,920 ($24,032 *)
Destination Charge$620
Engine
Engine Type2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I4 with Dual VVT-i (2AZ-FE)
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower161 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline6,500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i
Bore and Stroke88.5 x 96.0
Compression Ratio9.8:1
Injection TypeElectronic fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
1st Gear3.54 (32 mph **)
2nd Gear2.05 (55 mph **)
3rd Gear1.33 (84 mph **)
4th Gear0.97 (116 mph **)
5th Gear0.78 (144 mph **)
Reverse3.58
Final Drive4.24
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity14.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut
Rear SuspensionIndependent double wishbone
Front Stabilizer Bar0.83 in
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.79 in
Turning Diameter36.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscDisc 10.83 in
Rear Brake DiscDisc 10.59 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 x 7 Alloy
Wheels Rear17 x 7 Alloy
Tires FrontP215/45ZR17
Tires RearP215/45ZR17
Dimensions & Weight
Length174 in
Width69.1 in
Height55.7 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Front Track59.3 in
Rear Track59.3 in
Ground Clearance5.2 in
Cargo Volume12.8 ft³
Curb Weight2,905 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.6 in
Headroom Rear36.6 in
Legroom Front41.6 in
Legroom Rear33.6 in
Shoulder Room Front54.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear50 in
Hip Room Front53.2 in
Hip Room Rear47.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2008 Scion tC Spec 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Scion TC. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 3, 2010 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

NHTSA campaign 10V035000

Feb 3, 2010 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

NHTSA campaign 10V036000

Jun 15, 2009 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

NHTSA campaign 09V223000

86 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Scion TC

Owner Complaints

86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Scion TC (15 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine23
Structure22
Air Bags10
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes5
Vehicle Speed Control5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 19, 2025 · Engine
“Burning oil bad”
Jul 8, 2019 · Unknown Or Other
“SUNROOF / MOONROOF EXPLOSION. DRIVING 50 MPH ON FREEWAY AND WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT WAS MY MOONROOF EXPLODING. NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE, IT JUST EXPLODED ON ITS OWN.”
Jun 4, 2019 · Engine
“ENGINE CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL . HAVE TO REFILL THE OIL IN MY ENGINE ABOUT TWO TIMES IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.”
Mar 26, 2019 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“2008 - SCION - TOYOTA - BURNING OIL, BURNING A QUART OF OIL IN LESS THAN EVERY 800 MILES. CAR IS UP TO DATE WITH ALL MAINTENANCE. MECHANIC REFERRED US TO DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA ISSUED A TSB - 'SOME 2006 '…”
Feb 15, 2019 · Engine
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SCION TC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, EVEN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 SCION TC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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