Recall 12V255 covers 1,156 2013 Scion Fr-S vehicles with incorrect air bag manual instructions. Corrected owner manual inserts were mailed free.
Scion is recalling 1,156 2013 Fr-S vehicles under recall 12V255 because the owner's manual gives inaccurate front passenger occupant classification information and needs clearer air bag instructions. If an owner relies on those instructions, a front passenger has increased injury risk in certain crash conditions; the Scion dealer correction will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The owner manual in the 2013 Scion Fr-S is supposed to explain how the vehicle's air bag system works. That includes the front passenger occupant classification system, which helps the vehicle identify what is in the front passenger seat and controls how the passenger air bag system responds.
In campaign 12V255, the recalled part is the manual language, not a broken sensor or air bag module. The manual gives an inaccurate description of the actual operation of the front passenger occupant classification system, and other air bag explanations need clearer wording. That creates a safety problem because the instructions an owner reads do not match the system's actual behavior.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not looking for a noise, light, smell, or change in how the Fr-S drives. The issue is incorrect information in the manual, so the fix is updated owner information that accurately explains the air bag system.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Scion Fr-S | vehicle equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,156 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific coupe.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect owner's manual instructions can leave a front passenger seat occupant at higher risk of injury under certain crash conditions. Use the corrected manual insert and keep it with the owner's manual so seat and air bag guidance stays accurate. Repair will be free at any franchised Scion dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Scion Fr-S is included in this recall.
- Contact Scion customer service at 1-866-707-2466 to request the free corrected owner's manual inserts.
- Place the corrected inserts in the owner's manual so the front passenger occupant classification and air bag instructions are clear.
- Reference recall number 12V255 when you call Scion with questions.
What happens at the repair
This recall does not call for a mechanical repair or parts replacement at the dealer. The known remedy is a corrected owner manual insert. Scion mailed the insert free of charge after the safety recall began on July 3, 2012. The insert corrects the description of the front passenger occupant classification system and clarifies the air bag system information in the manual. If your VIN is included and the corrected insert is missing, ask a Scion dealer to confirm the recall file and help you get the proper manual insert at no charge.
Timeline
| June 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 3, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V255?
Recall 12V255 covers 1,156 2013 Scion Fr-S vehicles with inaccurate and unclear owner manual text about the front passenger occupant classification system and air bag system. Scion is providing corrected owner manual inserts for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Scion Fr-S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V255. If it is, make sure the corrected owner manual inserts are placed with the manual, and call Scion customer service at 1-866-707-2466 if you need the recall materials.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to remedy safety defects at no cost. For recall 12V255, Scion provides the corrected owner manual inserts free of charge, so owners do not pay for the recall materials.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is incorrect information about how the front passenger occupant classification system and air bag system operate. If an owner follows the inaccurate manual text, front passenger seat occupants face an increased injury risk under certain crash conditions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V255000 |
|---|---|
| Scion customer service | 1-866-707-2466 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V255000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →