2012 Scion Xd problems
The Scion xD (also known as the Toyota Ist in Japan, and, as the Toyota Urban Cruiser in Europe and Latin America) is a subcompact hatchback that was marketed in the U.S. and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model year, as a five-door subcompact hatchback — replacing the xA. The Scion xD and the second generation xB were first shown to the public on February 8, 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show.
The xD appeared in Scion showrooms in mid-2007 in the USA and in 2011 for Canada, and, was discontinued in 2014. It was succeeded and replaced by the Toyota C-HR, in 2017.
Features
The xD came standard with power locks, mirrors, and windows, and 16-inch wheels. The vehicle also has ABS, a tire pressure monitoring system, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), dual stage driver and passenger airbags, seat mounted driver and passenger side airbags, and side curtain airbags as standard features.
For 2008, a choice of three new head units made by Pioneer are available. All sound systems feature six speakers and standard iPod connectivity. The base head unit has MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility, and Scion's SSP equalizer presets, as well as orange lighting. The Premium head unit has all the features of the base unit, but also has a small LCD that can display pictures and movies downloaded from Pioneer's website in addition to the features on the base unit and has two different lighting schemes, blue and orange. A navigation system is also available. The SNS 100 system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.
For 2010, a choice of two new head units made by Alpine are available. Also, the iPod connectivity has been revamped in the form of a USB port, along with an AUX jack located together, on the driver side of the vehicle. Previous model years with Pioneer had two separate inputs on both sides of the cigarette lighter/accessory plug, with the AUX jack port being on the driver side, and the iPod connectivity (specially made for Toyota) port located on the passenger side. The upgraded Alpine head unit features a touchscreen, and HD radio tuner, along with an optional Navigation system upgrade.
For the 2011 model year, the Scion xD received a minor change to the grille, and sales began in Canada with the launch of the Scion brand there. 2014 was the last model year for the xD, although leftover new cars continued to be sold in the US market until 2016.
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Common 2012 Scion Xd problems
The Scion xD, a compact car marketed to the younger generation, has been praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and host of standard features
. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its issues. Here are some of the most common problems reported by Scion xD owners, based on complaints and discussions in various forums.
- Abnormal Noise or Vibration on Acceleration: A significant number of Scion xD owners have reported experiencing abnormal noises or vibrations when accelerating. This issue has been reported by 29 people, making it the most common problem for the Scion xD.
- Vacuum Hose Recall: In 2008, Scion issued a recall for some vacuum hoses in the Scion xD. At temperatures below -20 degrees Fahrenheit, ice could accumulate on the PCV valve, reducing vacuum pressure and affecting brake assist. This could potentially increase braking distance, affecting the vehicle's safety in extreme cold conditions.
- Oil Consumption Issue: Some Scion xD owners have reported an oil consumption issue, which can be addressed by reflashing the ECU to retard the timing. This issue has been reported for manual transmissions, but it is unclear if it affects all model years or is specific to certain ones.
- AC Drain Clogging: Scion xD owners have reported issues with the AC drain clogging, which can lead to water damage in the vehicle. This issue has been reported for the 2012 xD, but it is unclear if it affects other model years as well.
- Engine Problems: The 2008 Scion xD has the most overall complaints, with engine problems being the most reported issue. The most common problem is a blown head gasket, which can be costly to repair. This issue has been reported for the 2008 model year, but it is unclear if it affects other model years as well.
It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints and discussions from Scion xD owners and may not represent the overall reliability of the vehicle. The Scion xD is still known for its excellent reliability and low maintenance cost under the Toyota umbrella.
Is A Scion xD A Good car?
With impressive interior space, including an exceptionally roomy rear seat (for such a small car), Scion's xD offers a lot of standard features for its low price. An excellent urban runabout, things get a bit sketchy on the highway with short, jumpy motions and a jittery ride.
Does a Scion xD have a Toyota engine?
Yes, both the Scion xD and Corolla 1.8L are the 2ZR-FE engine. I confirmed they are as well. same engine, but there isn't much love for the xD out there.
How long will a 2012 Scion xB 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.
Why does my Scion xD shake?
The most common reasons a Scion xD shakes when braking are bad brake rotors, bad brake pads, or a bad wheel bearing.
2012 Scion Xd car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Scion Xd problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Scion Xd vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Scion Xd complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Scion Xd.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-06
- VIN: JTKKU4B43C1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY BATTERY WENT DEAD WHILE I WAS AT WORK AS I HAD LEFT THE LIGHTS ON. WHEN IT WAS TIME TO GO HOME, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB. THERE WAS ONE PLACE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MANUALLY AND IT WAS THE DRIVER DOOR. I UNLOCKED THAT AND REACHED OVER TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOOR. I REACHED BACK TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS FROM THE INSIDE AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT. I FIND THIS A HUGE SCARY SAFETY PROBLEM. WHAT IF I WOULD HAVE HAD CHILDREN IN SAFETY SEATS IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-11
- Number Of Injuries: 9
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTLZE4FE0C1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS THE DRIVER AND ONLY PASSENGER OF MY 2012 SCION XB WHEN I WAS TBONED IN THE DRIVER DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS HIT HARD ENOUGH THAT THE CAR LOOKS ALMOST BENT IN HALF AND IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. EVEN THOUGH I WAS HIT SO HARD, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL. THE DOOR WAS CRUSHED IN ON ME AND I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, BROKEN COLLAR BONE, FRACTURED EYE SOCKED, CHEEK AND JAW. ALSO LACERATED CHEEK AND EYE LID. I ALSO NOW HAVE A DAMAGED LEFT EYE WITH BLURRED VISION AND PAIN AND NERVE DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE WHICH IS NOW NUMB. THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND PREVENTED MY INJURIES. I AM AFRAID THAT SOME OF MY INJURIES ARE PERMANENT. WHEN I WAS HIT I WAS IN MOTION TURNING LEFT ON A CITY STREET.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTKKU4B47B1
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION XD. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE POLICE AND INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS PREGNANT AND SUSTAINED CHEMICAL INHALATION FROM THE EXPLOSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE POLICE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK EXPLODED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-08
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTKKU4B41C1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX 30 MPH, THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I HIT THE BRAKES AND FELT THE ABS KICK IN. UNFORTUNATELY I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND REAR ENDED A MIDSIZE SUV. BASED UPON DAMAGE TO THE SUV I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 15 - 20 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND MY 2012 SCION XD IMMEDIATELY ERUPTED IN FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR AND ROOF OF THE CAR. ULTIMATELY, THE ENTIRE INTERIOR BECAME ENGULFED BY FIRE. EXCLUDING THE FIRE DAMAGE, YOU CANNOT SEE ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT FENDERS AND THE HOOD HAS A SLIGHT BUCKLE FROM THE IMPACT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CURRENTLY HAS IT AS A TOTAL LOSS, WITH OUT COMPLETING THE USUAL INVESTIGATION. THE DAMAGE TO THE SUV WAS LIMITED TO THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY MINOR PAINT DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. I FIND IT UNUSUAL THAT A CAR IN A FRONT COLLISION AT THAT SPEED SHOULD CATCH FIRE, ESPECIALLY WITH A FOUR STAR RATING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-12
- VIN: JTKKU4B49C1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW. WAS ASSURED OF TOYOTAS 200 POINT SAFETY INSPECTION. SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING THIS CAR HOME I NOTICED THAT I NEVER RECEIVED A SPARE KEY AND THE HORN DIDN'T WORK (THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN DRIVING SAFETY). I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED IF THEY TOOK THE FUSE OUT TO PREVENT THE HORN FROM SOUNDING, THEY SAID "NO, THEY NEVER TAKE ANY FUSES OUT". THEY DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE FUSE AT FIRST. THEY TOLD ME TO GO HOME AND COME BACK DURING SERVICE HOURS (I WORK, I ALREADY DROVE 30 MILES AND NEEDED MY HORN TWICE ON THE WAY THERE). I ASKED IF THEY COULD GIVE ME A FUSE AND I'D PUT IT IN MYSELF. I GUESS THEY FELT THREATENED BY THAT AND QUICKLY INSTALLED FUSE. IT'S NOW DAY 6 WITH THIS 2012 SCION XD MY TEMP/COOLANT LIGHTS BEEN ON SINCE DAY 3. MY BOYFRIEND CHECKED THE COOLANT AND DISCOVERED, THERE WASN'T ANY IN THE ENGINE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT DAMAGE THIS HAS CAUSED OR WHAT OTHER FLUID OR FUSES ARE MISSING. I'M PRETTY CERTAIN THAT THERE WAS NO 200 POINT INSPECTION. I'M JUST HAPPY THAT I DIDN'T GET STUCK OR KILLED ON MY MAIDEN 300 MILE VOYAGE TO BOSTON. NOT SAFE AND NOT A GOOD WAY FOR TOYOTA TO FIX THEIR DAMAGED SAFETY RECORD. *TR
Negative 2012 Scion Xd car reviews
Positive 2012 Scion Xd car reviews
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This car has been a reliable daily driver for me, with a fuel efficiency of around 30mpg on the highway. While it may not be a luxury vehicle, it gets the job done. Although there have been some cosmetic issues with the paint, I have had no major mechanical problems, with only the alternator and spark plugs needing replacement. While it may struggle on steep inclines, I plan on keeping this car until it is no longer drivable. While it may not be the most comfortable for long road trips, it does have a surprisingly spacious trunk. Overall, I am confident in the reliability of this car and would recommend it as a practical choice for daily use.
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I test drove both the Kia Soul and the XD, and while I really liked the design and features of the Soul, I found the XD to be much more responsive and exciting to drive. The Soul had a 2.0 with 150 horses, but I personally found it to be less zippy and unresponsive on the get go. In comparison, the XD was a blast to drive and had great mileage, mid 30s with a combination of city/hwy driving. Additionally, the styling of the XD is fabulous and the interior is very comfortable.
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I purchased this little gem about 3 weeks ago and I am simply blown away by its mileage (35 mpg local driving). The car has all kinds of pep and is truly fun to drive. The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of seat height adjustment. After driving a RAV-4 since 2003 (in a RAV you have a bird's eye view of everything), I had to purchase a seat cushion to raise me up to see a little better. However, I am sure that in time I'll get used to sitting lower and will eventually do away with the cushion. My husband has a herniated disc and he is very comfortable in the passenger seat.
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I'm so glad I chose this car! As someone in their 50s, I feel pretty cool driving it. The premium Alpine audio and XM radio are fantastic, and I'm really impressed with the MPG - I'm averaging 35 and have even seen 39! The handling and acceleration are excellent, and there are so many great standard features for the price.
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I had a 2010 Chevy HHR that served me well for 6 years. However, after driving it for 220K miles, it was time to move on. Luckily, I found a great deal on a Scion XD with low mileage and a manual transmission. I am thrilled with the MPG I get (an average of 36-38 combined) and the 5-speed stick shift makes driving on back roads a lot of fun. The car handles well, although it is not particularly sporty. I carry music gear with me, and although I have had to fold down the rear seats a few times, there is still plenty of room. The car is also very ergonomic. While the driver's seat is a little cramped, I was able to adjust it to find a reasonably comfortable position. After one year and 15K miles, I have only had to replace the tires. This car is incredibly reliable!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Scion Xd problems:
2012 Scion xD Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Scion xD? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Common XD issues/glitches/recalls - Scion XD Forum
Apr 3, 2011 ... Across all models though some complain in extreme cold the 5 speed gearbox can be slushy. I don't have that problem. There's a TSB for oil ...
Scion xD Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Scion xD Problems · Abnormal Noise or Vibration on Acceleration · Brief Knocking or Rattle on Cold Start Up · 1.8L Engines May Experience Excess Engine Oil ...
Common Scion XD Problems: Check Engine Light Fixed | JustAnswer
May 21, 2012 ... On my scion xd the check engine light is on I have fixed the problem but need to rest the light. And I dont mean the - Answered by a ...
2012 Scion xB Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Scion xB? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Scion xB.
Owen Rosenbaum 2024-11-25
In late 2012, my son was involved in a severe accident that resulted in the destruction of his car. Despite the severity of the accident, none of the airbags deployed, and injuries were sustained. I contacted Toyota/Scion to investigate the matter, and after several months, I received a response stating that the car had performed as intended. However, I requested a copy of the report to verify their claim. According to the report, the bumper, grill, hood, and various engine components were designed to absorb and lower much of the collision's forces, which prevented the airbags from deploying. Although I am not an auto engineer, the car was totaled, and the first responders at the scene were also concerned.
Domingo Hegmann 2024-11-24
Hey there! I noticed that you've only driven your xd manual transmission car for about 500 miles. Overall, it seems like a good little car that's decent on MPG (about 33 on combined driving). I love that it has a lot of features and standard equipment that you would normally expect in higher priced cars. However, I was surprised to find out that it doesn't have a water coolant temp gauge. I totally understand why you went with a standard transmission, as in my experience, these little engines don't do very well with automatic transmissions. Even with the 5 speed, the car seems to be a little short on performance. At Interstate speeds, 70-75 MPH, there is what I think is a harmonic vibration that can be very annoying. Let me know if you need any help troubleshooting this issue!
Nestor Graham 2024-10-26
I commute the freeways of LA daily for over 65 miles one-way. I have been driving the Xd for over 6 months and have covered more than 10k miles. While the car is satisfying in some aspects, it can be a bit annoying at times, causing a classic cognitive dissonance. The power is decent, but not exceptional, and the gas mileage is average. The radio can be a bit frustrating to use, and the audio quality is so-so. However, in LA, having a radio is essential to survive those long commutes. The AC struggles to keep up on warm days on the 101 fwy, and it's not even summer yet! The car has only one cigarette lighter that is 'on' only with the ignition, which can be a bit inconvenient. Additionally, there is no armrest, and the road handling can be noisy and a bit annoying. It can be challenging to see the cup-holders in the dark, which can be frustrating. While there may be better vehicles available for the money, the Xd is still a decent option.
Candelario Tremblay 2024-05-08
It's a great looking car both inside and out. I've been driving it for two years now, and while the engine can be a bit noisy, it's never been completely quiet. The ride can be a bit bumpy, and you can feel and hear everything on the road, but it's still a decent ride. The fuel economy could be better, as I'm only getting 25 MPG driving both on the highway and in the city. I did notice some additional noise coming from the front wheels, so I took it to the dealership. They didn't hear anything, but they did offer to fix it after the warranty expires for a fee. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to my friends or family, it's still a decent car that should last a while with proper maintenance.
Kelton Mante 2024-05-07
It seems like the car vibrates quite a bit, even on smoother roads. I've had some issues with the brakes feeling a bit unpredictable. On the plus side, I've been really impressed with the fuel economy! The car doesn't have a ton of power when accelerating from 40mph to 70mph, but it's comfortable enough inside. It would be nice to have a few more gauges to keep an eye on things. The cargo space is a bit limited, but it's probably fine for most everyday needs. One thing I do appreciate is how easy it is to get in and out of the car, thanks to its low profile.