RoadVitals

2006 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.
71
Latest Jun 17, 2026
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.
6
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.
16
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 71 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Scion Xa, most frequently naming the airbags, fuel system and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 43 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

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

6 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

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

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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jun 15, 2009
27,080 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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 AT 1-888-270-9371.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Airbags
Filed Jun 17, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Scion XA. The contact stated that while driving through a green light in second gear, another vehicle ran a light from the left and crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's head struck the side window, and the vehicle spun and was able to come to a stop. The Police arrived on the scene; however, a Police report was not filed. The contact received injuries to the ankles, back, and sustained whiplash. Medical attention was sought. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene; however, the wheel was damaged, causing issues with the alignment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 7 times. While the contact’s husband was driving the vehicle, there was a sudden loss of power. The driver was able to coast the vehicle in neutral to a nearby truck stop, and the vehicle was towed to another dealer. The second dealer, Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne (31205 Frontage Rd #10, Boerne, TX 78006); diagnosed the vehicle and determined that due to the collision, the engine had shifted, crushing the alternator up against the side of the vehicle. The alternator was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11744799
Incident
Feb 1, 2012
Airbags
Filed Feb 27, 2025

The airbag warning light started flashing while driving. I checked for recalls and my model year has one for this problem but when I enter the VIN the result says that there isn't a recall for it.

NHTSA ID
11645388
Incident
Feb 26, 2025
Brakes
Filed Oct 4, 2024

Symptom: When brakes are applied, car will violently jerk to the left into the path of oncoming traffic. Countersteering to prevent collision results in left front tire skidding with poor braking. Cause: Initially, the suspected cause was a failed right front brake caliper. However, upon investigation, it was found that the ABS braking module was blocking all brake fluid from going to the right front caliper. Solution: ABS braking module must be replaced. Comment: It should be assumed that if one front wheel brake is disabled, then the other could also be disabled without warning resulting in no braking capability at all. On this vehicle, the rear brakes are also controlled by the ABS module.

NHTSA ID
11618041
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Airbags
Filed May 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Scion XA. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side air bag deployed without impact and caused the windshield to shatter. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had not sustained an injury. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to replace the air bag; however, the contact was made aware that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V776000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was then taken to another local dealer; however, the dealer also confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11522939
Incident
May 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Oct 15, 2021

2006 scion XA The dash light indicator for pass airbag stays on, showing problem with that system. Toyota had a recall and my car was supposedly fixed this problem, only to have same problem again 4 mos past the 1 year warranty on repairs. I contacted toyota...they sent me an email saying they would get back to me, and gave me a case #[XXX]. 5 mos. later had not heard from them...so called them. They said they were sorry but I was past the 1 yr warranty on recall repair. I can't understand why NHTSA allows mfg to do temporary repairs on defective systems, and kick the can down the road until consumer is responsible for further repairs, when it should have be fixed right in the 1st place. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11436948
Incident
May 1, 2021
Airbags
Filed Jan 14, 2020

NEAR 100,000 MILES, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT; LIGHT JUST CAME ON ONE DAY UPON STARTING IT UP. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS LIGHT CAN REPRESENT AN ERROR IN CRASH SENSORS, AIR BAG SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR, ETC. INTERNET FORUMS SAY THAT OFTEN ONE OF THE WIRES UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS JUST WORKED LOOSE. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND IT WAS NOT A LOOSE WIRE. THEY SAY A CERTAIN "BOX" IN THE SRS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING, AND THE REPLACEMENT WILL COST $1300. I NOTE THAT ~17,000 OF THESE SAME VEHICLES WERE RECALLED IN 2018 FOR A SAME/SIMILAR ISSUE, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11299168
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
Mileage
99,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 31, 2019

MY SCION AX 2006 WAS RECALLED DUE TO A FLASHING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. THE DEALER MADE THE LIGHT GO OUT, FIXED IT LAST YEAR 2018. NOW THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $199 TO JUST CHECK IT, NO REPAIR INCLUDED. IT APPEARS TO BE AN ADDITIONAL AIRBAG DEFECT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE WARNING LIGHT OTHER THAN A DEFECT. WHAT CAN I/YOU DO???? KIND REGARDS, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

NHTSA ID
11292364
Incident
Dec 13, 2019
Airbags
Filed Jun 9, 2019
Crash reported

COULD NOT GET THE FORM TO PULL UP, BUT I NEED TO COMPLAIN. MY 2 KIDS AND I WERE TURNING OFF ONE SIDE ROAD TO TURN ONTO ANOTHER. WELL I DIDNT WANT TO HIT THE DOG THAT RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR SO I DODGED THE DOG. WELL I HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AND I COMPLETELY MESSED UP THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THEY SHOULD HAVE FROM WHERE THE CAR HIT AND HOW MUCH DAMAGE I HAVE DONE. LUCKILY NO ONE GOT HURT BUT I'M LIKE 100% POSITIVE THOSE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I DID A GOOD $1,000 REPAIR JUST TO GET IT MOVING AGAIN

NHTSA ID
11218807
Incident
May 24, 2019
Mileage
139,000 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
2006Viewing716059.1
2005403057.3
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.