The way in which media reports scientific failures, such as unsuccessful efforts to replicate findings, can significantly impact public perceptions of trust and confidence in scientific work. This study demonstrates these detrimental consequences when individuals are exposed to media narratives that emphasize ‘problems’ with science, or that scientific failures reflect that science is ‘in crisis’ or ‘broken’. There is a need to accurately communicate the scientific process and delineate attempts and failures as a component of the nature of science. Findings provide evidence for ways scientists and journalists can improve science communication to improve confidence and trust.