MG
Moderator
Subject: Safety Recall J02– Remedy
2013 Scion FR-S Engine Valve Spring Replacement
NHTSA Recall No. 18V-772
On November 1, 2018, Subaru filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of their intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving a number of models, including certain 2013 model year Scion FR-S vehicles.
Condition:
The valve springs located inside the engine of the affected vehicles may fracture, which may cause an abnormal noise or engine malfunction. In the worst case, this may result in the engine stalling during driving and the inability to restart the vehicle. An engine stall while driving at higher speeds could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Any authorized Toyota dealer will replace the engine valve springs in involved Scion vehicles with new ones of an improved design FREE OF CHARGE.
Covered Vehicles:
There are approximately 25,300 Scion-branded vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. There are approximately 440 of these vehicles that were distributed to Puerto Rico covered by this Safety Recall.
Owner Letter Mailing Date:
Toyota will begin to notify owners of involved Scion-branded vehicles in late December 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the condition?
The valve springs located inside the engine of the affected vehicles may fracture, which may cause an
abnormal noise or engine malfunction. In the worst case, this may result in the engine stalling during driving
and the inability to restart the vehicle. An engine stall while driving at higher speeds could increase the risk of a crash.
Are there any warnings that this condition exists?
No. However, if the valve spring fractures, abnormal noise or vibration may occur prior to a potential engine
stall. If you hear an abnormal noise or feel a vibration, your vehicle may be experiencing symptoms related to
this condition. Please pull over as safely and as quickly as possible, and then contact your authorized Toyota
dealer.
What is Toyota going to do?
In late December 2018, Toyota will send an owner notification letter by first class mail advising owners of involved Scion vehicles to make an appointment with their authorized Toyota dealer to have the engine valve springs replaced with new ones of an improved design FREE OF CHARGE.
Did Toyota manufacture the Scion FR-S?
No. The Scion FR-S was manufactured by Subaru under an agreement between Subaru and Toyota. Subaru
reported a safety defect involving a number of models to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Thus, Toyota is conducting this Safety Recall for the involved Scion-branded vehicles.
Can I take my vehicle to a Subaru dealership to have this Safety Recall performed?
No. Only authorized Toyota dealers can perform this Safety Recall on your vehicle. Please bring your
vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer to have this Safety Recall performed.
Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall?
There are approximately 25,300 Scion-branded vehicles covered by this Safety Recall.
How long will the repair take?
The repair takes approximately one and one-half business days. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period. Your dealer may provide you with a loaner vehicle.
My vehicle has been modified with aftermarket (non-factory) components and my dealer says I should remove the modifications before the Safety Recall can be performed; is there anything I can do about this?
Some vehicles may be equipped with non-Toyota-approved parts and/or accessories that make it difficult or
impossible for a dealer to install the remedy parts for this Safety Recall. Toyota does not recommend modifying vehicles and cannot evaluate how any aftermarket, non-Toyota-approved parts could affect a vehicle’s operation. That is why it is best to restore your vehicle to its original condition prior to the remedy being performed.
Not withstanding Toyota’s recommendation, some dealers may be willing to perform the Safety Recall remedy with the vehicle in its current modified condition. If your dealer is willing to do so, you may be charged for labor or parts costs not otherwise covered by Toyota's Safety Recall remedy.
Toyota provides the specific remedy parts kit, necessary engine fluids and sealant, and covers 12.2 – 13.8 hours (depending upon vehicle configuration) of dealer labor expenses. You must pay any additional charges for parts or labor by the dealer which are the result of the vehicle’s non-Toyota-approved modifications.
Toyota is not responsible for later performance problems your vehicle may have that are the result of the non Toyota-approved vehicle modifications.
What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall?
Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter.
What if I have additional questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.