2008 Scion xB
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 37 |
| 2005 | 92 |
| 2006 | 253 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 339 |
| 2009 | 140 |
| 2010 | 55 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: air bags — 133 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171121
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SCION XB. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171222
13% of complaints: visibility — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SCION HAS A TSB ON PARKING BRAKE CABLES THAT FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER. WHEN THE CABLES FREEZE, IT WILL CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS TO LOCK AGAINST THE ROTORS. YOU WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO WARM THE ROTORS TO UNLOCK THE BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130101
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I am writing to report significant safety concerns regarding my 2008 Scion [include model, e.g., tC or xB].
NHTSA ODI report, 20250724
Also filed under ENGINE
11% of complaints: steering — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I TURNED ON MY CAR AND WAS SLOWLY BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL ICON LIT UP. THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO PARK THE CAR ON THE STREET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171117
10% of complaints: engine — 35 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 REQUIREME
Remedy: 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 SOU
Campaign 08V451000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WH
Remedy: 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
Campaign 09V223000 — check if this car was fixed
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."
Remedy: 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 S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VE
Remedy: 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 RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: 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 th
Campaign 12V491000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V340000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V006000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18E091000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Scion xB — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (133 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V451000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V223000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V491000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V340000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V006000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E091000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Scion xB reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Scion xB is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Scion xB?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Scion xB have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.