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2008 Scion XB problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Scion XB is airbags, typically around 85,000 miles. It has 7.4 times the complaints of a typical XB model year.

Year to avoid7.4x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
339
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
141
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
24mpg
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2008 Scion XB 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Scion XB

ABS 27Windshield crack 25Oil consumption 24No deployment 15Power steering loss 10Stalling 9Engine failure 8Loss of power 6

Trouble codes owners of the 2008 Scion XB mention

C0210 2

Recalls 8

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported October 17, 2019 · 928,220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371 or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Recall number 19V741000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2017 · 577,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).

Recall number 17V006000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 23, 2016 · 1,754,517 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

Recall number 16V340000 · Recall details

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported October 10, 2012 · 2,519,424 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Risk
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1‑800‑331‑4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1‑800‑762‑2737.

Recall number 12V491000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk
This does not meet the standard requirements.
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. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713‑580‑3300.

Recall number 10V035000 · 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

Equipment: other: labelsReported June 15, 2009 · 27,080 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 09V223000 · Recall details

Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachmentsReported September 5, 2008 · 67 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Southeast toyota is recalling 67 my 2008-2009 scion xb vehicles equipped with the sports grill option and also several radiator grills sold as parts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 113, "hood latch system." it has been determined that should the primary hood latch be released or fail, the plastic upper radiator grill garnish could release the secondary latch and cause the hood to open.
Risk
During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver possibly cause the hood to strike the roof or the windshield increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the sports grill installation and install additional clips to ensure the radiator grill garnish is properly secured. The recall began on october 6, 2008. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.

Recall number 08V451000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2008 Scion XB

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

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 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 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Scion XB 141

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

See all 141 bulletins for the 2008 Scion XB

2008 Scion XB fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD222824

What 2008 Scion XB owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Electrical · 230,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · SC

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 federal safety agency 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.

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · PR

1. Desperfecto de pintura en el bonete. 2. Problemas de pegamento al subir y bajar las ventanas.

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Apr 9, 2019 · Engine · IL

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?

Filed Jan 29, 2019 · Engine · 104,809 miles · CA

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.

Filed Nov 24, 2018 · Engine · 148,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jun 18, 2018 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

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!

Filed Jun 18, 2018 · Engine · CA

I've been hearing that my car has an engine oil consumption, and since I've own the car I've been buying 1-2 quarts of oil a week! Took my car to dealer recently and found out my extended warranty or factory warranty expired . Now I never received any notice about my factory warrant expiration date ! I was never informed and I would like to fix the problem on my vehicle. I'm a first time car buyer and I'm planing on keeping my car to as long as I possibly can! Now I would like to speak with someone who can help me fix the oil consumption problem! I need this taken care of , or I will seek legal matter agains you!

Filed Apr 3, 2018 · Engine · PR

Engine oil cumption is too high at about 1 quart per 1,000 miles

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Scion XB before you buy

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2008 Scion XB

Is the 2008 Scion XB reliable?

Owners have filed 339 complaints about the 2008 Scion XB, 7.4 times a typical XB model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2008 Scion XB year score?

The 2008 Scion XB scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Scion XB: 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 2008 Scion XB?

Airbags, with 132 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is visibility (46).

How many recalls does the 2008 Scion XB have?

8 recalls, covering air bags, visibility and equipment.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Scion XB get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Scion XB range from 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22 city and 28 highway.

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