The 2008 Scion Xb has 9 safety recalls and 339 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (133 complaints).
Recalls9safety recalls
Complaints339filed by owners
Crashes · fires30 · 7reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths24 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019 · 928,220 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
Risk: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 17V006000 · Jan 9, 2017 · 577,875 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 16V340000 · May 23, 2016 · 1,754,517 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
NHTSA recall 12V491000 · Oct 10, 2012 · 2,519,424 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 10V035000 · Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles
Problem: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 10V036000 · Feb 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles
Problem: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Equipment › Other › Labels
NHTSA recall 09V223000 · Jun 15, 2009 · 27,080 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Problem: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING 67 MY 2008-2009 SCION XB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SPORTS GRILL OPTION AND ALSO SEVERAL RADIATOR GRILLS SOLD AS PARTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEM." IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT SHOULD THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH BE RELEASED OR FAIL, THE PLASTIC UPPER RADIATOR GRILL GARNISH COULD RELEASE THE SECONDARY LATCH AND CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN.
Risk: DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THIS COULD OBSTRUCT THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER POSSIBLY CAUSE THE HOOD TO STRIKE THE ROOF OR THE WINDSHIELD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPORTS GRILL INSTALLATION AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL CLIPS TO ENSURE THE RADIATOR GRILL GARNISH IS PROPERLY SECURED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
xB
24mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
xB
24mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags Frontal; Side/window
133
17
0
14
85,000 mi
Visibility Windshield; Power window devices and controls
45
1
1
0
14,000 mi
Steering
37
1
0
1
83,000 mi
Engine
35
1
0
0
100,000 mi
Electrical system Instrument cluster/panel; Wiring
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 28, 2026 · 230,000 milesElectrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Scion XB. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 140,000; however, the Carfax report listed the mileage at approximately 230,000.
May 1, 2025Service brakes I am writing to report significant safety concerns regarding my 2008 Scion [include model, e.g., tC or xB]. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple serious mechanical and structural defects that make the car unsafe to operate on public roads. 1. Suspension/Struts â The struts are severely worn and are causing premature and uneven tire wear. This creates a major risk of tire blowout or loss of control while driving. 2. Motor Mount â The engine mount is missing screws and bolts, which results in excessive engine movement. This could lead to engine damage or failure while in motion. 3. Alignment â The vehicleâs alignment is completely off, causing the car to pull while…
Mar 12, 2022Unknown or other 1. Desperfecto de pintura en el bonete. 2. Problemas de pegamento al subir y bajar las ventanas.
Aug 1, 2017Engine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SCION XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY WITHOUT WARNING. THE OIL HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TO FOUR TIMES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 26, 2019Engine I JUST PURCHASED MY SCION XB IN JANUARY 2019 AND WITHIN THREE WEEKS I HAD THE OIL LIGHT FLASHING SO I TOOK IT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AT MIDTOWN TOYOTA IN CHICAGO. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN SO I CHECKED MOTOR OIL AND CAME TO FIND OUT THAT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY OIL. I CALLED MIDTOWN TOYOTA WHERE I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AND ASKED HIM IF MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL AS FAR AS THE OIL PROBLEM THAT I WAS HAVING? HE SAID YES THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED IN JANUARY 2018. NOW I'VE HAD THE CAR. NOW I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO MONTHS WHICH I'M FINANCING AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET FOR THIS…
Jan 11, 2019 · 104,809 milesEngine ON 1/11/19 I TOOK MY 2008 SCION XB TO TOYOTA ONE OF OAKLAND FOR 150,000 MILE SERVICE (MY MILEAGE WAS 104,809 AT THE TIME.) AT THE APPOINTMENT, I EXPLAINED I NOTICED MY CAR USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. I HAD THE 100,000 MILE SERVICE COMPLETED ON 8/10/18 AND NOTICED I HAD TO ADD ADDITIONAL OIL TO THE ENGINE SINCE THEN, APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 QUARTS. THE WEEKEND OF 11/11/18, I NOTICED THE OIL WAS LOW WHEN I CHECKED THE LEVEL, BUT THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON TO NOTIFY ME. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT TOYOTA HAD AN EXCESSIVE OIL EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH EXPIRED LAST YEAR AND ASKED ME IF I WAS NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED…
Sep 10, 2018 · 148,000 milesEngine MY SCION XB 2008 MODEL WAS RECALLED A COUPLE YEARS AGO FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. AND I WENT TWICE FOR SERVICE AT THE TOYOTA OF NAPERVILLE, I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MILES TRAVELED, SO THAT THEY COULD RECALL THE CAR THAT OBVIOUSLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH CONSUMING OIL. THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO APPEASE DUE TO THE DISTANCE OF MY WORK FROM MY HOME. I HAVE TO TRAVEL 30 MILES A DAY. I HAVE BEEN REJECTED DUE TO THAT, BECAUSE I WAS OVER ABOUT 11-13 MILES EACH TIME. IN CONSEQUENCE OF THOSE EVENTS, I PUT OIL IN THE CAR EVERY WEEK SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. DESPITE MY EFFORTS, THE ENGINE SEIZED RIGHT AFTER I PAID OFF THE CAR. I FEEL LIKE I WAS SWINDLED BY THE…
Jun 17, 2018Engine I'VE BEEN HEARING THAT MY CAR HAS AN ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, AND SINCE I'VE OWN THE CAR I'VE BEEN BUYING 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL A WEEK! TOOK MY CAR TO DEALER RECENTLY AND FOUND OUT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY OR FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED . NOW I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT MY FACTORY WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE ! I WAS NEVER INFORMED AND I WOULD LIKE TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE. I'M A FIRST TIME CAR BUYER AND I'M PLANING ON KEEPING MY CAR TO AS LONG AS I POSSIBLY CAN! NOW I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP ME FIX THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM! I NEED THIS TAKEN CARE OF , OR I WILL SEEK LEGAL MATTER AGAINS YOU!
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…