Recall 12V528 covers 11,153 2012-2013 Scion Iq vehicles for OCS cable damage affecting front passenger airbag deployment. Repair is free at any franchised Scion dealer.
Scion is recalling 11,153 2012-2013 Iq vehicles because the Occupant Classification System cable can be damaged when the passenger seat slides forward or backward. A damaged cable can keep the front passenger airbags from deploying correctly for the occupant's size and position, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Occupant Classification System, or OCS, is part of the front passenger air bag system in the 2012-2013 Scion Iq. It uses sensors in the passenger seat to tell the air bag control system whether the seat is occupied. The OCS cable carries that seat information while the seat is adjusted.
On affected vehicles, sliding the passenger seat forward or backward can damage the OCS cable. Once that cable is damaged, the air bag system loses the passenger-seat signal it needs to classify the occupant correctly. The problem comes from the cable being exposed to damage during normal seat movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to feel, hear, or see the cable damage just by using the seat.
Who's affected?
The component detail covers the front air bag and the broader air bag system.
| 2012 Scion Iq | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2012 Scion Iq | air bag system |
| 2013 Scion Iq | front air bag |
| 2013 Scion Iq | air bag system |
| Units affected | 11,153 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific hatchback.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged OCS weight sensor cable can cause the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy, or to deploy for the wrong passenger size and seating position. That raises injury risk in a crash that requires airbag deployment. Confirm your VIN before arranging service. Repair will be free at any franchised Scion dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Scion Iq is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter Scion mailed after December 20, 2013, or ask the dealer to look up recall number 12V528.
- Contact a franchised Scion dealer to ask whether the free repair is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the protective-cover installation that shields the OCS weight sensor cable from seat movement damage.
- Avoid moving the passenger seat more than needed until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's filed remedy says owner notification began on December 20, 2013. At the dealer, a Scion technician installs a protective cover on the Occupant Classification System weight sensor cable so passenger seat movement does not damage the cable. The final dealer repair will be free once available. The filing does not give a repair-time estimate, so ask the service desk how long the visit will take when you schedule.
Timeline
| November 8, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V528?
Recall 12V528 covers 11,153 2012-2013 Scion Iq vehicles with an Occupant Classification System cable that can be damaged when the passenger seat slides forward or backward. If the cable is damaged, the front passenger airbags can fail to deploy or deploy for the wrong passenger size and position.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Scion Iq is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Scion Iq is included in recall 12V528. If it is, contact a franchised Scion dealer to schedule installation of the protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. Reference recall number 12V528 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Scion dealers install the protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 12V528.
Is it safe to drive my Scion Iq before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is the front passenger airbag system: if the OCS cable is damaged, the passenger airbags can fail to deploy correctly in a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
When did the Scion Iq recall repair start?
The recall repair began on December 20, 2013. Scion dealers install a protective cover on the Occupant Classification System weight sensor cable for vehicles included in recall 12V528. Use your VIN to confirm eligibility before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V528000 |
|---|---|
| Scion customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V528 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V528000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →