RoadVitals

2005 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.
40
Latest Mar 30, 2022
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.
3
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.
13
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Scion Xa, most frequently naming the airbags, visibility and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 42 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

  • Airbags1428.0%
  • Visibility612.0%
  • Driver assistance510.0%
  • Brakes510.0%
  • Electrical48.0%
  • Steering36.0%
  • Tires & wheels36.0%
  • Fuel system24.0%

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

3 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
10V036000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 3, 2010
153,418 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLCView 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 40
Airbags
Filed Mar 30, 2022

The air bag light has been trigger on and won't go off. Nov 1, 2018 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.

NHTSA ID
11458912
Incident
Mar 29, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SCION XA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HERRIN-GEAR TOYOTA (6100 INTERSTATE 55 NORTH FRONTAGE RD, JACKSON, MS 39211, (601) 391-6346) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11244438
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 16, 2019

THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF

NHTSA ID
11196633
Incident
Oct 15, 2018
Airbags
Filed Nov 2, 2018

I AM AN OLDER GAL WITH NO CAR...MY DAUGHTER GAVE ME HER CAR SO I COULD TAKE MY 95 YEAR OLD MOM AROUND. ONE DAY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN AND THE MAN SAID IT WOULD BE $700.00. I DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY. TODAY I SAW THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL ON TELEVISION. I CALLED TOYOTA..THEY SAID MINE WAS NOT ON THE LIST. JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T ON THE RECALL LIST....WHO IS TO SAY THIS AIRBAG ON THIS SCION IS NOT TAKATAS FAULT TOO. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME.....IF THERE ARE AIRBAG PROBLEMS ON ALL THESE TOYOTA'S.......WHY WOULD NOT MINE BE INCLUDED...I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND WITH IT LIKE THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE AN EXTRA $700.00 TO FIX IT. CAN'T THERE BE SOMETHING DONE TO HELP ME OUT........THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME...... I WAS JUST DRIVING AROUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. YES...USE THIS EMAIL ADDRESS TO ALERT ME OF ANY RECALLS.FRON THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION...THANK YOU....(I HAD TO PUT THIS HERE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT LET ME CHECK YES. BELOW)

NHTSA ID
11144983
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
166,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 20, 2018
Crash reported

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, GOING SLOWLY. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURB, TOOK OUT A TRASH CAN, PASSED BETWEEN 2 STEEL POLES (MEANT TO PROTECT THE BUILDING), TOOK OUT A TREE, HIT THE BUILDING, FINALLY STOPPING AT ANOTHER TREE. I WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I REMEMBER THE ENTIRE INCIDENT. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAD HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES PREVIOUSLY BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR AT THE TOW LOT, MY SON AND I COULD SEE THAT THE FRAME WAS BENT SO I GAVE IT TO THE TOW LOT FOR THE COST OF TOW FEES. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED BEYOND ACHES AND PAINS. I KEPT THINKING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THEN I DECIDED TO CHECK PAST PERFORMANCE AND FOUND THAT THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE A GOOD RECORD. WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT THIS CRAPPY CAR.

NHTSA ID
11102812
Incident
Jun 11, 2018
Mileage
118,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 6, 2017

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON OR LIGHTED ALL THE TIME

NHTSA ID
11021835
Incident
Jan 10, 2017
Mileage
118,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 28, 2017
Crash reported4 injuries reported

LAST FRIDAY ANOTHER CAR HIT UP AND AIR BAG NEVER UP

NHTSA ID
11020157
Incident
Aug 25, 2017
Visibility
Filed Jul 26, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SCION XA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENTIRE SUN ROOF EXPLODED INCLUDING THE GLASS FRAME. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10888607
Incident
Jul 25, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi

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
2005Viewing403057.3
2004142049.7

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.