ScionFR-S2013Overview/scion/fr-s/2013/base/

2013 Scion FR-S

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 FR-S.

Transmission Automatic (S6)

The 2013 Scion FR-S, offered with an S6 automatic transmission rated at 24/33/28 mpg by the EPA, takes 5.8 quarts of 0W-20 API engine oil and represents the opening model year in a complaint record spanning 2013 through 2016. It accounts for the worst reliability figures in that span, with 179 owner complaints—topped by engine issues—alongside four recalls, while the 2016 model year saw just three complaints. For researchers, that trajectory places the 2013 as the most troubled year of the lineup, with engine-related concerns that diminished sharply over subsequent model years.

Model year2016201520142013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy24/33/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 55D23L · 430 CCA battery, OE oil filter 90915YZZS1. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 55D23L · 430 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTRLYOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-45R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter90915YZZS1
Engine air filter17801YZZ03
Fuel filterSU00304166 alt SU00301105
Spark plugSU00304931
Front wiper bladesSU00309450 alt 8521212470
Serpentine beltSU00302202
ThermostatSU00304960 alt SU00311169
Cabin air filter8856837020

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length166.9 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height56.3 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb weight2767 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined24 / 33 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the FR-S of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2–8.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 2013 Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2013Coupe 2.0L F-46.20 sec14.80 sec200 hpRWD
2013Coupe 2.0L F-46.20 sec14.80 sec200 hpRWD
2013Coupe 2.0L F-46.40 sec14.90 sec200 hpRWD
2013Coupe 2.0L F-48.10 sec16.30 sec200 hpRWD
2016Coupe 2.0L F-47.10 sec15.40 sec200 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.8 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil, 75W-85 · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity2.1
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-85 · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.45 qt
Engine Oil0W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.8 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-3

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Ignition Timing-5-10, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.0-1.10 lbs
Oil TypeDens Oil 8
Oil Capacity2.4 oz
Standard BCI Group Number55D23L
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 @ 68 degreesF Port injection. ohms
Engine Compression167-245 PSI. 29 maximum variation psi.

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket19 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle49 ft-lbs / 59 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.394 in / 0.709 in / 0.945 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
274 ft. lbs.74 ft. lbs
3In reverse order360 degrees
415 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
6100 degrees.100 degrees
7Bolts 1, 2100 degrees
8Bolts 3, 4, 5, 650 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Steering Gear Box Assembly (inspect)
Every 22,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
Every 75,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Scion FR-S stands out as a stark anomaly within its generation, registering a massive 179 federal complaints compared to just 5 in 2014 and a maximum of 14 in subsequent years. This inaugural model year sits at the peak of the generation's complaint arc, accompanied by a generation-high 166 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that sharply decline in later years, indicating extensive early manufacturing growing pains. The vast majority of 2013 grievances—122 out of 179—are concentrated in the Engine category, alongside 3 crash and 3 fire complaints, though the data does not specify the root cause of these engine issues. While 2013 also carries the generation's highest number of recalls at 4, recall volume remains relatively stable across all years, suggesting the most severe safety defects were not entirely exclusive to the launch year. Given the disproportionate concentration of complaints and service bulletins, the 2013 model represents a riskier purchase than its immediate successors, and buyers should strongly consider a 2014 or newer model to avoid first-year teething issues.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
166
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
179
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 3 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 179 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine122
Power Train6
Power Train,Engine6
Steering5
Engine & Engine Cooling5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Unknown Or Other,Engine4
Unknown Or Other2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V772000Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineReported 01/11/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may…

16V075000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock SwitchReported 10/02/2016

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 166 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
Dealer Message2023-07-05Air BagsDD: Toyota has worked with Carma Project, Inc. on a tagging program for Takata recalls in…
Dealer Messagea2023-07-05Air BagsDD: Toyota has worked with Carma Project, Inc. on a tagging program for Takata recalls in…
S-TT-0117-202020-12-11VisibilityTT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
S-S-0003-14_Obso2019-12-20EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 20, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now…
S-TT-0113-182018-02-06Fuel System, GasolineTSB: In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific FR-S. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 FR-S take?

5.8 qt of 0W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 FR-S have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the FR-S get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 33 highway / 28 combined mpg.