Scion Xb problems

The Scion xB is a compact car (subcompact car in its first generation) made by Scion, a now-defunct fully owned division of Toyota, for the United States market. It is a box-shaped, 5-door hatchback.
First generation (XP30; 2003)
The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bB. It was a small hatchback based on the Toyota Echo/Yaris platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2003 launch, the other being the xA, based on the Toyota ist. The car proved to be unexpectedly popular with senior drivers.
First-generation xB vs. first-generation bB
Only the first-generation models for both the xB and bB are related. Second-generation models are based upon different platforms.
To create the first-generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.
The available drivetrains also differed. The bB was available with either the 1.3 L I4 2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission with available all wheel drive. The xB was only available with the 1NZ-FE that produced 108 hp (81 kW) and 105 lb⋅ft (142 N⋅m) in US spec, but offered both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive was not offered on the xB.
The Toyota bB was equipped with a compact spare tire under the floor of the luggage area. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage bin was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack was stored under the driver's seat of the xB.
The Toyota bB had a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat that the xB lacks.
The bB went on sale in February 2000, whereas the xB went on sale in June 2003 for the 2004 model year. Sales of the first-generation bB ended in December 2005, whereas the first-generation xB ended sales in June 2007.
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Scion Xb model years
Common Scion Xb problems
The Scion xB, produced from 2003 to 2015, is known for its roomy interior and reliable performance. However, certain model years have reported more issues than others, making them less desirable for potential buyers. Here are the common problems with the Scion xB based on complaints from owners:
- Faulty rear hatch handle assembly: This issue is particularly common in the 2005-2010 Scion xB models. The plastic handle can break, making it difficult to open the rear hatch.
- Engine problems: Some owners of the 2008 Scion xB have reported engine failure or excessive oil consumption. These issues can be costly to repair and are more likely to occur as the vehicle ages or if it hasn’t been well-maintained.
- Air conditioning issues: Some Scion xB owners, particularly of the 2006 model, have reported problems with the air conditioning not cooling effectively. This issue usually requires a simple repair or recharge of the AC system.
- Excessive oil consumption: Many drivers, especially those with 2008 and 2009 models, reported excessive engine oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups every 5,000 miles or less.
- Failure of the steering rack and pinion: This is a less common but potentially more serious problem that can lead to issues with steering the vehicle.
- Airbag and seatbelt electrical issues: Some owners of the Scion xB have reported problems with airbags and seatbelt warning lights, often caused by wiring issues that can be fixed fairly easily.
- Cruise control system issues: The Scion xB's cruise control system has been plagued by issues, with two recalls to address the inability of drivers to properly disengage the system, causing safety risks.
- Visibility issues: The second-generation 2008 model and later have reported visibility issues, including prematurely cracked windshields, power window controls or wipers not working, and bad switch assemblies.
When considering a used Scion xB, it's crucial to be aware of these common problems and the model years associated with them. Regular maintenance and care are essential for any vehicle's longevity and performance, regardless of the model year chosen.
Is the Scion xB a reliable car?
The Scion xB is generally seen as a reliable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Scion xB has consistently scored well in the reliability category throughout its production years. The Scion xB's average reliability score is 4 out of 5, which puts it in the upper tier of used cars in terms of dependability.
How long does a Scion xB engine last?
However, it is common for a well-maintained Scion xB to exceed 200,000 miles, with many smart owners passing the 450,000-mile mark with regular maintenance and timely repairs, according to CarParts.com.
How many miles will a Scion last?
The well-maintained Scion tC can last more than 250,000 miles. There are even reports of their Scion tCs lasting over 500,000 miles. As long as you're aware of the common problems of the particular vehicle you're planning to buy, you'll know what to look out for.
Which years of Scion xB have oil consumption issues?
The 2008 Scion xB experienced engine issues, including oil consumption, stalling, and rough idling. The 2010 Scion xB had electrical system malfunctions, such as faulty power windows and audio system problems. The 2012 Scion xB faced power steering problems, resulting in stiff or unresponsive steering.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Scion Xb years
We have researched Scion problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Scion Xb cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Scion Xb model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Scion Xb model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Scion Xb years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Scion Xb car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Scion Xb , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Scion Xb vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Xb model years
A total of 98 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Xb model years
There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Xb model years
There were a total of 73 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Xb model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1033 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Scion Xb . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Scion Xb vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Scion Xb 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Scion Xb 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-12
- VIN: JTLKE50E081
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1. Desperfecto de pintura en el bonete. 2. Problemas de pegamento al subir y bajar las ventanas.
Scion Xb 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-27
- Number Of Injuries: 6
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTLKT324150
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I first reported the break, airbag, and acceleration failure on my brand new 2005 Scion XB on June 20, 2005. I only had the Daihatsu/ Toyota two week when a driver in front of me stopped short at a Yield sign forcing me to slam on my brakes. immediately heard the sound of metal snapping and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I pumped the pedal to the floor but there was no resistance. The vehicle immediately accelerated, and I struck the rear of Ford Explorer at about 30-35 miles per hour. I suffered catastrophic injuries. I filed complaints at every level of government possible, but no one would investigate my claims. My FDFS complaint dated [XXX] might be the first to accurately report and describe causation regarding of these known defects sold by Toyota/Daihatsu with willful intent to defraud the public by fraudulent concealment of these known Defective Products. Toyota/ Daihatsu's Top Brass had full knowledge of the danger they were selling to the American Public under the Toyota Brand built on Safety. In a criminal conspiracy designed to defraud the U,S. Government by importing and selling 200,000 Scion models 2003, 2004, 2005 without safety crash testing thru Project Genesis. Toyota/Daihatsu didn't just cheat on safety testing on these models they failed to perform any safety crash testing until the model change in 2006 then just included all models 2003, 2004, 2005 into the 2006 rating applying those standards to all models. The information is overt and online just google 2005 XB crash test. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Scion Xb 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-05
- VIN: JTLKE50E291
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This vehicle type had a oil consumption recall. My vehicle has never been repaired. The car consumes a lot of oil. I went to my local Toyota dealership to have my car repaired under the recall. They would not honor the repair.. my car is a 2009 Scion xB. The recall goes back to 2016. I bought my car after 2016 with low miles. Don't they have to repair by law ? Can you please help me. I am low income on a disability. I need my car repaired thank you
Scion Xb 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-11
- VIN: JTLZE4FE9DJ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This is a known issue with the 2013 Scion xB and several other models that use the same 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine. A number of Scion owners have reported excessive oil consumption, where the vehicle burns off or consumes engine oil faster than it should. This causes low oil levels which may lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in time. The problem is most noticeable on vehicles with high mileage or older models, as oil consumption can increase over time. In some cases, the excessive oil consumption could be a result of an oil leak, but more commonly, it's due to an engine problem. Possible reasons could include worn piston rings, faulty PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve, damaged valve seals or oil sludge build-up. The excess oil is burnt off during combustion, leading to low oil levels. Scion (and Toyota, Scion’s parent company) has acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty on some models to cover the repair of the oil consumption problem. The repairs generally involve the replacement of the pistons and piston rings. But due to my vehicle being over the mileage limit Toyota refuses to fix it
Scion Xb 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-06
- VIN: JTLZE4FEXB1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I purchased my 2011Scion XB 09/08/2010 and in the last 12 months, my scion XB has been burning oil extremely fast. I have to add oil to the vehicle approximately every 4-5 weeks. I’ve taken it to the the Toyota dealership and was advised that the only way to fix the issue is by getting a new engine. Also, every time I break, there is a grinding sound even if with new break pads, and the steering column shakes. The tires sensors have malfunctioned because even after having the tires professionally replaced or filled, the light never goes off. Lastly, the vehicle door sensors are also not working properly.
Scion Xb 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-04
- VIN: JTLKT334364
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: No accidents yet related to this issue, several close calls.
Scion Xb 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-15
- VIN: JTLZE4FE1CJ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I have to add oil every 500 to 800 miles no visible smoke from engine or exhaust when cold or hot. ???? HELP
Scion Xb 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-15
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTLKT324150
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I rolled the car three times and almost died on [XXX]. The airbags did not deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Scion Xb 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-14
- VIN: JTLZE4FE8CJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: White paint is peeling exposing many of the car panels which are starting to rust (structural damage)
Scion Xb 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-27
- VIN: JTLZE4FE3B1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering becomes hard to control after being on the highway for around 40-60 mins. It is hard to keep the vehicle on track because the steering is "sticky" and it takes more force to keep the vehicle in its lane, hence we wander within the lane and appear to be either drunk or not in full control. The problem is intermittent but does occur at various degrees on any given day. We are afraid there will be an accident when we cannot control correctly.
Scion Xb 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-21
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-28
- VIN: JTLZE4FE8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car is using a quarter of oil additional every 3000 miles
Scion Xb 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTLKT324564
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When braking, the accelerator had somehow stuck and moved me ahead instead of stopping and caused an accident; running into concrete posts in the parking lot, which by USAA standards, totaled my car; Actually it didn't, but because they didn't want to repair it the settlement totaled it, causing me lots of issues in finding transportation. This was not the first time. It has happened three times with this car. I never went back to the dealer (too far to find out if there was a fix for it, or a recall.) In searching for one, never found it.
Scion Xb 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2022-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JTLKE50E391
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I was shocked by electrical component on a rainy day on the driver side the electric component In the door panel were exposed to rain as all buttons to control lock and windows from driver side have sunk down a couple inches. This happened almost right away after I purchased pre-owned from Honda dealership in Corona. I took my Scion to Toyota of Ontario who said faulty electrical components had been replaced prior to my purchase and wasn't covered as a free replacement/repair item. I had to get recalled airbags replaced though and as a courtesy door panel was tightened up no exposed wires but it wasn't replacing melted parts either from direct sun exposure as the windshield is like a magnifying glass, amplifying the heat of the sun exponentially. The "courtesy fix" didn't last even 2months and being on disability and on a fixed income that expense hadn't been on the top of my list. It's more than cosmetic and more than merely a nuisance, I was actually shocked. Not as badly as the time I was shocked by jumper cables when my battery died, which caused me to have a seizure and I am not epileptic. I believe it was not due to defect, but rather my lack of experience. Still the lock and windows are electric and should be available to operate by driver. To unlock the rear door when picking up kids from school, I must turn the ignition off or remove my seatbelt put car in park, engage the E Brake and reach way over and all the way back. It's annoying and what, God forbid I am involved in a terrible accident I cannot unlock car door or escape a flash flood by rolling down my window. These things worry me most. Even more than being electrocuted again the next time it rains.
Scion Xb 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTLZE4FE0DJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On April 22, 2022 the car burst into flames while parked in a supermarket parking lot at 1000 US Route 1, Edison, New Jersey. Fortunately I was not in it at the time but the car was a total loss. There were no warnings ahead of time.
Latest 5 recalls Scion Xb
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 78 recalls for different components of the Scion Xb.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Scion Xb 2010
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Scion Xb 2009
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Scion Xb 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Scion Xb 2012
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Scion Xb 2011
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
Latest negative Scion Xb car reviews
Latest positive Scion Xb car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
UPDATE 04/16/2018: Hi there! Just wanted to share that my Scion Xb has been an amazing investment and ride! With only five oil filter and oil changes in the past 2 plus years of ownership and mileage at 8,600, it's basically a Toyota built vehicle. I know Scion is phasing out and some models will be re-branded Toyota, but I'm so glad I got this one before they stopped production in December 2015. It was worth every penny I paid for it, actually more with the free AutoNation Toyota free add-on options given to me.
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Vehicle year: 2010
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new car! It seems like it's meeting all of your needs and providing you with the utility you were looking for. While it may not have the best fuel mileage, it sounds like the spacious interior and comfortable ride make up for it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2004
Your Scion XB sounds like an amazing car! Its spacious interior and great gas mileage make it an A+ automobile. It's fun on the road - handles well and has a good amount of pep considering its small engine size. It's definitely a city car, but runs just fine on the freeway...
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Vehicle year: 2005
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your 2005 xB and that it's been trouble-free for over 100,000 miles! Here's to another 100k miles of worry-free driving!
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Vehicle year: 2015
Congratulations on your purchase of a clean used 2014 xB! It's great to hear that you're overall pleased with the car. However, you've had a couple of issues with the rear disc brakes and daytime running lights. It's unfortunate that the local Scion dealer wasn't able to help you with the lights, but it's good to know that you'll be going back for satisfaction on this repair. It's interesting to note that the xB doesn't have an engine coolant temperature gauge, but it's great to hear that the front seats are comfortable. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!Many people have complained about the center console, with some even removing it entirely. While the rear seat legroom is generous for its class, the seats themselves are not particularly comfortable and are very upright. However, the xB excels at what it was designed for - a reliable and practical grocery getter that can comfortably seat up to five people. With the rear seats down, there is plenty of cargo room, although with the seats up, it is quite limited. The xB features 'parts bin engineering' with a circa 2004 Camry engine and a late 90's four-speed automatic transmission. While it can be noisy and fatiguing to drive at interstate speeds, it is much more pleasant for local town and country driving, with adequate acceleration at lower speeds. The fuel mileage is not great, but this was expected due to the four-speed automatic and not very aerodynamic shape. On average, I get about 24 mpg if driven conservatively, although the dash average mpg gauge reads about 2 mpg optimistic. As someone who has driven many Toyota products, I can say that they tend to have pretty stodgy, 'appliance' handling and performance, with the exception of Lexus. However, the promise of reliability is always a selling point. It's worth noting that the Scion xB is one of the very few Toyota vehicles that is actually made in Japan. Unfortunately, the xB has been discontinued after the 2015 model, but I hope that doesn't overly hurt its resale value, as in the past, retained values have been quite good.
Eusebio Funk 2025-04-13
Vehicle year: 2005
I bought this car brand new in 2005 and it has about 260,000 miles on it now. At the time, I had three sons over 6 feet tall and this seemed to be the only car that could easily accommodate the height of all of us in both the front and rear seats without being crowded. I have had to make very few repairs on this car, only replacing the water pump, rear wheel bearing, climate control selector cable, and driver's window motor. The belt systems on these cars seem to be a weak point, as I can never seem to keep them tight enough to avoid squealing in cold weather. The climate control selector is also a weak point, as it always seems to be a bit loose and inaccurate. The paint chips easily and due to the upright position of the windshield, it also tends to attract rock chips. The engine is underpowered and on hills on my way to work, it has to work hard and turns 4,000 rpm just to keep up to speed. This is a great in-town car, but not a great highway/trip car. Unfortunately, the XB does not come with cruise control or a center armrest, which is needed. Road noise is deafening, which is a shame because the stereo system is pretty good...just can't hear it much on the open road. Driving comfort is grueling for anything more than short jaunts around town and the ride is harsh. However, this is a very well-constructed car and long-lasting. It needs the least maintenance of any car I have owned. UPDATE: 8-4-19 - I hit 345,000 miles this summer and it is still running strong. It uses about a quart of oil between oil changes (changed every 4,000 miles). The inside materials are holding up well with no rips or tears in the seats and they show very little wear. I decided to replace it with a Toyota Rav 4 and gave the XB to my son. We will see how many more miles it will last while in the family. UPDATE 8-27-20 - my son is still driving it and it is creeping up on the 350,000-mile mark. It still runs and drives well with no major repairs needed.
Jarrod McDermott 2025-03-18
Vehicle year: 2006
The XB was designed with the young in mind, but it turns out it's perfect for seniors too! It has excellent visibility and performance, and you can get in and out without any trouble. Plus, it gets 38 MPG, which is great for those of us on a retirement income. We highly recommend the XB to anyone looking for a comfortable and practical car. By the way, I'm 88 years old!
Junior Jerde 2025-02-28
Vehicle year: 2008
Good little car for getting around town. It can even haul 4 thirty-three gallon garbage bins to the dump! Although the ride can be noisy and you can feel every bump in the road. Unfortunately, the rear panel obstructs the view, especially on the right side, which contributed to a small fender bender with another car. If Toyota were still making this line, I would have bought another one with some improvements. However, since they are not, I am currently out looking for a replacement.
Skylar Vandervort 2025-02-26
Vehicle year: 2009
This car is definitely not the most comfortable one I have ever driven. The seat bottom is too short and doesn't offer enough support, while the steering wheel is too far away. Additionally, the armrest is too low and the sill is too high, which makes it uncomfortable for me. I also find that my knee hits the console at an awkward spot. Lastly, the transmission shifts at the slightest incline, and the brakes and gas pedal are both quite sensitive.
Bret Heaney 2025-02-19
Vehicle year: 2004
I've had this car/van for 2 months and unfortunately, the clutch went bad, it rattles, and the power window stopped working. I was expecting better quality from Toyota. Interestingly, I had a Saturn for 7 years and never had any issues other than normal wear and tear. I'm considering selling this car right before the warranty expires.