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2005 Scion Xa problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Scion Xa is airbags, typically around 117,920 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Xa model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
40
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
42
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
30mpg

The worst 2005 Scion Xa problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    14
  • Visibility
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Brakes
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Scion Xa

Airbag light 8No deployment 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: air bag/restraint control moduleReported November 1, 2018 · 16,992 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
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.

Recall number 18V776000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 10V036000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2005 Scion Xa

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Scion Xa 42

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 42 bulletins for the 2005 Scion Xa

2005 Scion Xa fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.5L 4‑cylFWD2734-3530

What 2005 Scion Xa owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 30, 2022 · Airbags · CA

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.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Airbags · TN

The airbag indicator light came on and will not go off

Filed Nov 2, 2018 · Airbags · 166,000 miles · CA

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 federal safety agency...thank you....(I had to put this here because the computer would not let me check yes. Below)

Filed Jun 20, 2018 · Acceleration · 118,000 miles · OR · crash

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.

Filed Sep 6, 2017 · Airbags · 118,000 miles · NV

The airbag light is on or lighted all the time

Filed Aug 28, 2017 · Airbags · PA · crash · 4 injuries

Last friday another car hit up and air bag never up

Filed Jul 26, 2016 · Visibility · 120,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Apr 7, 2016 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · TX

Airbag indicator light has been on for a few years. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Was told dealership wouldn't cover to repair & that I must've been involved in an accident & that as long as the light is on that my airbags would not deploy if in a wreck. What a shame since I did pay extra for side curtain airbags when vehicle bought. Can't remember if car was moving when light came on. Love this car. Has 230k + miles but after reading other comments on same issue I will be considering something other than toyota for next vehicle

Filed Sep 17, 2015 · Airbags · 117,920 miles · CO

On september 9, 2015 after starting the car at a store - the airbag light (SRS light) came on and stayed on . The owners manual said to contact toyota immediately or take the car in to a dealer. I called stevinson toyota/scion in aurora, co where the car was purchased 10 years ago. The first available service appointment was in two days on 9/11/15. The service representative said that the only problem might be if I got into an accident and the air bag might not deploy but this did not alleviate my concerns so I did not drive unless necessary. At the dealer they told me that I would have to pay $185 to have the car checked out even though I insisted that this was a safety issue and should be under warranty, but to no avail. After checking the car out toyota replaced a spiral cable and charged me $585 total. I again insisted to the service manager that this should be a safety issue and covered by toyota, but again was denied. When I searched the internet for this issue I found that this was a common and recurring problem for scions (especially the spiral cable). Later I contacted toyota directly to plead the case for making this a safety/warranty item I was told basically - tough luck - the car had more than 50, 000 miles and older than 5 years. I believe toyota is wrong on this and because of the huge problems with air bags on their cars they should consider this a serious safety issue and cover it under warranty. As a side note - while driving with the air bag light on - my wife wanted to carry a big knife in the front seat so that we could get out if it malfunctioned!

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Compare the 2005 Scion Xa

Other model years

200420052006

Questions about the 2005 Scion Xa

Is the 2005 Scion Xa reliable?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 2005 Scion Xa, close to a typical Xa model year.

What is the 2005 Scion Xa year score?

The 2005 Scion Xa scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Scion Xa: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Scion Xa?

Airbags, with 14 complaints, typically around 117,920 miles. Next is visibility (6).

How many recalls does the 2005 Scion Xa have?

2 recalls, covering air bags and equipment.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Scion Xa get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Scion Xa range from 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27 city and 34-35 highway.

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