RoadVitals

2004 Scion Xa

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Dec 12, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Nov 1, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Scion Xa, most frequently naming the engine, tires & wheels and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 40 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine423.5%
  • Tires & wheels317.6%
  • Electrical211.8%
  • Airbags211.8%
  • Other / unspecified211.8%
  • Brakes15.9%
  • Exterior lighting15.9%
  • Driver assistance15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V776000

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Nov 1, 2018
16,992 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Toyota Scion xA vehicles. The air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system (SRS ECU) may experience an internal short, possibly causing the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or become deactivated.
The risk: If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners unintentionally deploy, it can increase the risk of a crash. If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners are deactivated, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SRS ECU, and if necessary, replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0W.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number J0WView on NHTSA.gov
07E005000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Jan 18, 2007
2,934 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN ROSTRA CRUISE CONTROLS, P/NOS. 00012-X0486-01, 00015-X0486-01, 00012-X0486-21, 00016-79910, 00016-79910-01, AND 250-1755, INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2006-2007 GULF STATES TOYOTA AND SOUTHEAST TOYOTA SCION VEHICLES AND ALSO SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT. THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ON/OFF SWITCH IS PRESSED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
The risk: FAILURE TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL FREE OF CHARGE. ROSTRA WILL NOTIFY PURCHASERS OF THE ATERMARKET CRUISE CONTROLS AND REPLACE THE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ROSTRA AT 910-291-2538.
ROSTRA PRECISION CONTROLS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Dec 12, 2016
Crash reported1 death reported

MY MOTHER IN LAW HIT A TREE GOING 50 MPH HITTING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HER CAR INTO TREE, AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY SHE SUFFERED MAJOR HEAD TRAUMA THAT LEAD TO HER DEATH. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE HER PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR WAS BENT IN TO DRIVERS SIDE AND SHE SUFFERED BROKEN LIMBS ON RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY.

NHTSA ID
10934593
Incident
Nov 20, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi
Filed Aug 29, 2016

LICENSE PLATE IS STOLEN OVER THE NIGHT, WHILE PARKED AT 1200 LICK AV. SAN JOSE.

NHTSA ID
10899239
Incident
Aug 29, 2016
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 3, 2015
Fire reported

I JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK I WAS HOME 30 MINUTES. MY SON TOLD ME MY CAR WAS CUTTING OFF AN ON. GRABBED MY KEYS WENT OUTSIDE AN MY WAS TURNING OFF AN ON ,STARTED MY CAR WITH THE KEYS IT STARTED UP, TURNED IT OFF IT CAME BACK ON AN IT WAS IDLING HARD THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM ENGINE POPPED MY HOOD SMOKE FLOODING EVERYTHING RAN FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER COULDN'T FIND IT RAN FOR THE HOSE WET IT. IT'S THE WIRES FROM THE BATTERY DOWN TO UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. LEFT THE HOOD UP. CAME OUT 3 HOURS LATER THE FAN IS ON IN THE CAR! HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO GET THE CAR TO TURN OFF COMPLETELY! !!!

NHTSA ID
10761407
Incident
Sep 2, 2015
Mileage
93,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 24, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

DRIVING HOME AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED. I WAS GOING APPROX. 40-45 MPH. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED A OLDER CADILLAC, IN MY SCION XA, THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF!!

NHTSA ID
10743404
Incident
Mar 17, 2015
Mileage
110,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 25, 2013

DURING A ROUTINE DRIVE HOME, I DROVE OVER RAIL ROAD TRACKS AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK. I VERIFIED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT STUCK ON THE PEDAL. I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL PEGGING. I ALSO TRIED TO DEPRESS AND RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT DID NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION. IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM CRASHING, I HAD TO KEEP MY FEET FIRMLY ON THE BREAK. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS OCCURRING FOR ABOUT A QUARTER MILE. I ATTEMPTED ONE FINAL CYCLE OF THE GAS PEDAL (DEPRESS AND RELEASE) AND THAT FINALLY STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. *JS

NHTSA ID
10545288
Incident
Sep 24, 2013
Mileage
113,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 18, 2010

2004 SCION XA. DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR MAT INTERFERES WITH GAS PEDAL. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES TO DATE. ONGOING PROBLEM FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10320615
Incident
May 1, 2008
BrakesExterior lightingTires & wheels
Filed Feb 22, 2006

TOYOTA MOTOR CORP MANUFACTURING OF THE 2004 SOLARA IS ABSURD. TOYOTA WILL NOT REPAIR OR WARRANTY ANYTHING ON THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 COMPLETE BRAKING SYSTEMS, REPLACED MULTIPLE SETS OF TIRES, THE INTERIOR IS ALREADY FALLING APART AS THE REAR TAILLIGHT IS OUT AND THE FRONT HEADLIGHT AS WELL. TOYOTA REFUSES TO WARRANTY ANY PARTS SAYS ITS STATED IN THE NEW WARRANTY TERMS WHICH I WAS NEVER SHOWED WHEN I PURCHASED THE VHL BRAND NEW? THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR IS ALL RUSTED OUT FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILINGS AS WELL ON A 2004 CAR? WORST CAR EVER AND WORST MANUFACTURER EVER DEALT WITH. GOING TO GO BACK TO GM CORP THEY STAND BEHIND CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. *NM

NHTSA ID
10150891
Incident
Nov 28, 2004
Mileage
30,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 16, 2005

DT: 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE SPLIT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES WERE THE ONES AFFECTED. HE WOKE UP ONE MORNING AND THE FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. AFTER TAKING IT OFF THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED A TWO INCH SPLIT BY THE SIDEWALL. THIS WAS ABOUT AN INCH IN THE TREAD DOWN TWO OR THREE INCHES ON THE SIDEWALL. THE REAR TIRE HAD THE SAME SPLIT. WHEN HE NOTICED IT HAD NOT GONE FLAT. TOYOTA MAINTAINED THAT THE CONSUMER RAN OVER SOMETHING. HE HAD TO ORDER AND REPLACE TWO NEW TIRES BY HIMSELF, HE REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE SECOND TIRE OCCURRED TWO WEEKS LATER. THESE ARE DUNLOP TIRES. *AK

NHTSA ID
10136809
Incident
Aug 29, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

S-SB-0015-14 Rev

EQUIPMENT

SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.

S-SB-0015-14 Rev

ENGINE

SB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.

S-SB-0005-15

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.

S-SB-0005-15

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.

S-SB-0023-11 Rev

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.

S-SB-0023-11 Rev

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Scion Xa by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011000—
2010000—
2009000—
2008000—
2007030—
2006716059.1
2005403057.3
2004Viewing142049.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.