KnownCarProblems2008 Scion XB Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 339 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Scion XB, most often about the air bags (39% of complaints, typically around 94,500 miles). It is the most complained-about XB model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2008 Scion XB problems
Air bags
132 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 94,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
I went over a high speed bump now my airbag light is on. It works intermittently but mainly stays on. Now I went to dealership and they say it will cost 1100.00 to fix.the passenger air bag is not working but the driver is. I've also noticed other people with airbag problems with passenger side. Maybe its time for a…
The contact owned a 2008 toyota Scion XB. While driving 25 MPH, the contact was rear ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck, back, and right knee. Medical attention was not required. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed…
Visibility and wipers
46 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 15,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield, power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The windshield on my 2008 Scion XB cracked overnight with no apparent stone or impact damage. The service rep at lombard toyota in lombard illinois took a look at it and said it's rock damage. He ran a pen along the crack and came to the conclusion that a stone hit it and will not fix it. The glass is not chipped and…
Walked to car to drive to work at 0730 hours. Noticed "l" shaped crack in windshield beginning at the base of the windshield (passenger side) about 10" from the a pillar. Travels vertically to 3" above passenger wiper blade. Changes direction horizontally about 10" moving toward drivers a pillar. Outside air temp 53…
Engine
42 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
2008 Scion XB. Excessive oil consumption. First noticed problem when engine light came on while braking. Stopping caused what little engine oil was in pan to move out of area of sensor triggering low oil warning. Added oil upon arrival at home; dipstick did not show any oil. This continued after multiple oil changes…
Dates and mileage are approximate. I have been going through oil for over a year and I have less than 90,000 miles on my Scion. I also have a power steering leak. When I first start the vehicle, it makes an awful noise, but when I take it in, no one can find anything wrong. I have another 2,000 miles to go before I…
Steering
37 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles.
Electronic power steering failure while parked. When I parked the car my steering worked. When I started my car and preceded to back up, the power steering light appeared and it was nearly impossible to turn the wheel.
The contact owns a 2008 toyota Scion XB. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was unable to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was to be towed to an authorized dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The…
Brakes
36 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
I have a toyota Scion XB and I was driving on a snow covered road. I had a deer jump out in front of me. The anti-lock brakes failed and my wheels locked up and I slid into the ditch. I contacted the dealership and they said a speed sensor went out. I ordered the part and was going to have it replaced for $90. When…
The ABS, vsc and brake indicator lights came on. Had to pay 110.00 to have diagnostics run-they found that the r rear wheel speed sensor wire had frayed and malfunctioned. I am able to drive the car but the consultant at toyota told me that my ABS, vsc will not work because the sensor is bad. So I have to pay $…
Electrical
34 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring, instrument panel.
While driving down the road all of these lights came on. The lights on are the brake light, the ABS. The skid control, and the vsc. These lights came on during the winter and went back out several times. During january they came on and have not gone out sense. When I purchased the car the car fax report had said that…
The contact owns a 2008 toyota Scion XB. The contact stated that while reversing, flames were seen from the driver's side window switch. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Stability control
20 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.
Vehicle was driven to location and parked. When I returned to the vehicle, restarted and began to pull away, steering light came on and all assist in the steering disappeared making it almost impossible to steer. Had to have steering ECM replaced.
The ABS, vsc and brake indicator lights came on. Had to pay 110.00 to have diagnostics run-they found that the r rear wheel speed sensor wire had frayed and malfunctioned. I am able to drive the car but the consultant at toyota told me that my ABS, vsc will not work because the sensor is bad. So I have to pay $…
Speed control
15 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles.
I was coming to a stop and my brakes stuttered and seemed as if they locked up. Immediately after my brake,ABS,vsc and traction control lights came on. Minutes later they turned off but since then keep coming on and going off. The roads were very dry no rain or snow conditions. It has happened multiple times in the…
At just over 38,000 miles the brake, ABS, traction control, and vsc lights all illuminated on my dash. From what I have read it is most likely the rear speed sensors but also requires hundred of dollars worth of other parts to replace. I looked on many of the Scion XB forums and found many many people with the same…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Scion XB recalls
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect 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.
Air bags: inflator module
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).
Full defect summary
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, pennsy
Air bags: inflator module
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 (le
Full defect summary
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, distric
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
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 substa
Questions about the 2008 Scion XB
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Scion XB?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (132 complaints, typically around 94,500 miles); visibility and wipers (46 complaints, typically around 15,000 miles); engine (42 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Scion XB have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 17, 2019 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Scion XB?
- It is the most complained-about XB model year since 2000, with 339 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.