AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2008 Scion Xb
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 339 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Scion Xb, most frequently naming the airbags, visibility and engine categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 141 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 116 |
| Jan 2013 | 5 | 121 |
| Feb 2013 | 3 | 124 |
| Mar 2013 | 1 | 125 |
| Apr 2013 | 5 | 130 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 131 |
| Aug 2013 | 4 | 135 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 136 |
| Nov 2013 | 2 | 138 |
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 140 |
| Mar 2014 | 4 | 144 |
| Apr 2014 | 4 | 148 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 150 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 151 |
| Aug 2014 | 3 | 154 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 155 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 156 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 157 |
| Dec 2014 | 3 | 160 |
| Feb 2015 | 3 | 163 |
| Mar 2015 | 4 | 167 |
| Apr 2015 | 7 | 174 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 176 |
| Aug 2015 | 2 | 178 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 179 |
| Oct 2015 | 2 | 181 |
| Dec 2015 | 2 | 183 |
| Jan 2016 | 2 | 185 |
| Feb 2016 | 2 | 187 |
| Mar 2016 | 3 | 190 |
| Jul 2016 | 5 | 195 |
| Aug 2016 | 8 | 203 |
| Sep 2016 | 5 | 208 |
| Oct 2016 | 5 | 213 |
| Nov 2016 | 6 | 219 |
| Dec 2016 | 14 | 233 |
| Jan 2017 | 11 | 244 |
| Feb 2017 | 9 | 253 |
| Mar 2017 | 11 | 264 |
| Apr 2017 | 10 | 274 |
| May 2017 | 12 | 286 |
| Jun 2017 | 8 | 294 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 296 |
| Aug 2017 | 16 | 312 |
| Sep 2017 | 3 | 315 |
| Oct 2017 | 8 | 323 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 325 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 326 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 327 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 328 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 329 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 330 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 332 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 333 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 334 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 335 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 336 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 337 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 338 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 339 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags13232.3%
- Visibility4611.2%
- Engine4210.3%
- Brakes399.5%
- Steering379.0%
- Electrical348.3%
- Driver assistance297.1%
- Other / unspecified133.2%
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
9 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.govSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Scion XB. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 140,000; however, the Carfax report listed the mileage at approximately 230,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11734811
- Incident
- Apr 28, 2026
- Mileage
- 230,000 mi
I am writing to report significant safety concerns regarding my 2008 Scion [include model, e.g., tC or xB]. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple serious mechanical and structural defects that make the car unsafe to operate on public roads. 1. Suspension/Struts – The struts are severely worn and are causing premature and uneven tire wear. This creates a major risk of tire blowout or loss of control while driving. 2. Motor Mount – The engine mount is missing screws and bolts, which results in excessive engine movement. This could lead to engine damage or failure while in motion. 3. Alignment – The vehicle’s alignment is completely off, causing the car to pull while driving and further worsening tire wear and handling. 4. Brakes and Rotors – The brakes are nearly nonfunctional, and the rotors are warped and damaged, severely reducing stopping power and increasing the risk of a crash. 5. License Plate Mount – The vehicle has no designated place to mount a rear tag/license plate, which makes it illegal to drive and difficult to comply with state requirements. 6. Missing Headlight – One headlight is entirely missing, significantly reducing visibility at night and making the vehicle a danger to myself and others Fuel System – The fuel system is contaminated and requires flushing. This is causing performance issues, engine hesitation, and raises concerns about potential engine damage or stalling. I have been quoted over $2,500 in repairs just to bring the vehicle to a safe operating condition by 4 mechanics I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter and determine whether these issues represent a pattern of neglect, safety violations, or improper sales practices, especially if other owners have reported similar problems. Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter.
- NHTSA ID
- 11675868
- Incident
- May 1, 2025
1. Desperfecto de pintura en el bonete. 2. Problemas de pegamento al subir y bajar las ventanas.
- NHTSA ID
- 11577003
- Incident
- Mar 12, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SCION XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY WITHOUT WARNING. THE OIL HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TO FOUR TIMES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
- NHTSA ID
- 11242900
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2017
I JUST PURCHASED MY SCION XB IN JANUARY 2019 AND WITHIN THREE WEEKS I HAD THE OIL LIGHT FLASHING SO I TOOK IT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AT MIDTOWN TOYOTA IN CHICAGO. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS I NOTICED THAT MY OIL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN SO I CHECKED MOTOR OIL AND CAME TO FIND OUT THAT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY OIL. I CALLED MIDTOWN TOYOTA WHERE I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AND ASKED HIM IF MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL AS FAR AS THE OIL PROBLEM THAT I WAS HAVING? HE SAID YES THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED IN JANUARY 2018. NOW I'VE HAD THE CAR. NOW I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO MONTHS WHICH I'M FINANCING AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET FOR THIS CAR TO GET THAT RECALL FIXED. I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT'S FAIR FOR ANY DEALER I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT'S FAIR FOR ANY DEALERSHIP TO SELL A VEHICLE THAT HAS RECALLS AND THAT HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE PREVIOUS OWNERS IN THE PAST. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT TOYOTA CAN DO FOR ME TO GET THIS RE-CAR FIXED FREE OF CHARGE AS I AM DONE NEW OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE?
- NHTSA ID
- 11195300
- Incident
- Jan 26, 2019
ON 1/11/19 I TOOK MY 2008 SCION XB TO TOYOTA ONE OF OAKLAND FOR 150,000 MILE SERVICE (MY MILEAGE WAS 104,809 AT THE TIME.) AT THE APPOINTMENT, I EXPLAINED I NOTICED MY CAR USING MORE OIL THAN USUAL. I HAD THE 100,000 MILE SERVICE COMPLETED ON 8/10/18 AND NOTICED I HAD TO ADD ADDITIONAL OIL TO THE ENGINE SINCE THEN, APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 QUARTS. THE WEEKEND OF 11/11/18, I NOTICED THE OIL WAS LOW WHEN I CHECKED THE LEVEL, BUT THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON TO NOTIFY ME. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT TOYOTA HAD AN EXCESSIVE OIL EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH EXPIRED LAST YEAR AND ASKED ME IF I WAS NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA. I HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES BY MAIL AND EVEN A PHONE CALL REGARDING THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL AND THE TRD BRAKE KIT RECALL BUT NEVER ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE OIL ISSUE UNTIL TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED I CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MAYBE THEY WOULD OFFER SOME CONSIDERATION SINCE I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH TWO REPRESENTATIVES, BOTH VERY NICE BUT WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE EXCESSIVE OIL EXTENDED WARRANTY, SINCE I HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW AND THE WARRANTY WAS OVER. I REVIEWED THE TOYOTA WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM AND FOUND A LETTER THAT HAD ALLEGEDLY BEEN SENT OUT TO ALL OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. I NEVER RECEIVED THIS LETTER. I ALSO FOUND THE TOYOTA EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT DATING BACK TO 2011 AND THEY HAD ISSUED A TSB WHICH AGAIN I NEVER HEARD ABOUT UNTIL NOW. I HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN TAKING MY SCION TO TOYOTA FOR REGULAR SERVICES AND NEVER WAS IT REPORTED TO ME. HAD I KNOWN EXCESSIVE OIL WAS AN ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE OIL LEVEL IN MY CAR. SINCE THE OIL LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF, I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG MY CAR HAS BEEN NEEDING MORE OIL.
- NHTSA ID
- 11172976
- Incident
- Jan 11, 2019
- Mileage
- 104,809 mi
MY SCION XB 2008 MODEL WAS RECALLED A COUPLE YEARS AGO FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. AND I WENT TWICE FOR SERVICE AT THE TOYOTA OF NAPERVILLE, I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MILES TRAVELED, SO THAT THEY COULD RECALL THE CAR THAT OBVIOUSLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH CONSUMING OIL. THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO APPEASE DUE TO THE DISTANCE OF MY WORK FROM MY HOME. I HAVE TO TRAVEL 30 MILES A DAY. I HAVE BEEN REJECTED DUE TO THAT, BECAUSE I WAS OVER ABOUT 11-13 MILES EACH TIME. IN CONSEQUENCE OF THOSE EVENTS, I PUT OIL IN THE CAR EVERY WEEK SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. DESPITE MY EFFORTS, THE ENGINE SEIZED RIGHT AFTER I PAID OFF THE CAR. I FEEL LIKE I WAS SWINDLED BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE LEAST THEY CAN DO IS REPLACE MY ENGINE. I NEED A CAR TO MAKE IT TO WORK TO PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY OF 5 AND THE WAY TOYOTA HAS TREATED MY ISSUE HAS BEEN UNSATISFACTORY AT BEST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
- NHTSA ID
- 11153547
- Incident
- Sep 10, 2018
- Mileage
- 148,000 mi
OIL CONSUMPTION, I WENT TO FEWER AND APPARENTLY MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED OR NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE! NOW I'M SCREWED BECAUSE I WAS PLANNING ON KEEPING MY CAR FOREVER AND IT A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIX BY TH MANUFACTURE! I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED AND NEVER REVIVED ANY LETTERS. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT IT WAS PROBABLY SENT TO ORIGINAL OWNER! NOW I NEED THIS FIXED OR I NEED MY FULL REFUND IF THE CAR CAN'T BE FIXED WITHOUT ANY CHARGE!
- NHTSA ID
- 11102258
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2018
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
STRUCTURE
DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement
STRUCTURE
DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
STRUCTURE
DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
AIR BAGS
CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE
DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.
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
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.