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2008 Scion XB brakes complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 Scion XB brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 27, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 41,240 miles · WI

I was coming to a stop and my brakes stuttered and seemed as if they locked up. Immediately after my brake,ABS,vsc and traction control lights came on. Minutes later they turned off but since then keep coming on and going off. The roads were very dry no rain or snow conditions. It has happened multiple times in the past week. Now I am scared to drive my car for the time being before they can get me into look at it. $120 to diagnose it and who knows how much afterwards. I have had this car for almost 5 years with only 80 miles on it when I purchased it. I am very upset for how much I've had to replace on this car. I only drive it to work and home with the occasional errands. Is it worth shelling out another $1000. This should be looked into for a recall.

Filed Apr 8, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 50,000 miles · NY

Sudden forceful braking 2 times in a 15 mile commute . Driving 55 MPH with my foot firmly on the gas pedal, the car suddenly brake hard enough to tighten my seatbelt. 4 dash lights came on . Abs, brake, and traction control were all solid and vsc was flashing. Luckily the car behind me was alert enough not to rear-end me. The dash lights mentioned above come on and go off occasionally.

Filed Apr 4, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 71,000 miles · IL

My tires slipped in the snow in march, very light snow. Not sure of the exact date. My brake light, ABS light and traction control light came on. A few days later they went off. Now all three are on most of the time even on clear, dry pavement. My anti lock brakes are not activating correctly and I was told that the senor is bad. I looked online and noticed this is a problem with this particular make and model. The car does not stop as it should. I also noticed from my research that toyota is not taking responsibility for their defect and it is costing the consumer up to and over a thousand dollars to repair. I don't have that type of money to repair their defective part.

Filed Jan 15, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 78,000 miles · VA

While driving on snowy and salted roads, the brake, ABS, and vsc lights all came on at the same time. They remained on while driving on those same snowy and salty roads. The next day they eventually went off. Weeks later they came on again in wet weather and remained on. The local toyota service center duplicated the issue and pulled the diagnostic codes c0210 & c1238. The toyota service center said the entire hub and bearing assembly had to be replaced as the internal ABS sensor which they said was at fault was not sold separately and only came as part of the hub and bearing assembly kit. Their quote to repair this issue was $915 for the replacement of one hub and bearing kit! This is ridiculous. Brake sensors should not fail due to snow, salt, or water coming into contact with them. This is a dangerous flaw in the design of this vehicle and one that is not commonly found with other makes and models, but is commonly reported all over the internet from other owners of toyota's scion xb. Toyota should issue a safety recall for this vehicle and cover the cost to replace the sensors with ones that do not fail due to weather conditions.

Filed Jan 1, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 59,000 miles · MD · crash

Scion has a tsb on parking brake cables that freeze in cold weather. When the cables freeze, it will cause the rear brake calibers to lock against the rotors. You would have to drive about 10 minutes to warm the rotors to unlock the brakes. This could cause brakes to fail and may not stop at all. I drove the scion about 1 mile when a car made a left turn in front of me and the brakes and or traction control failed to work. I've noticed that the car still has stopping problems when its cold. I was lucky it was a low speed crash that caused about 5000 in damage. Scion toyota has not recalled these cars for brakes and only your toyota mechanics know of the problem.

Filed Jun 14, 2012 · Brakes · 52,935 miles · IL

Malfunctioning right rear wheel speed sensor causes ABS and vsc lights to go on and when lights are on the ABS and vsc do not function. Was told that I needed to replace the right rear hub, bearing, sensor and harness. Vehicle had only 52939 miles on it and was off warranty so would cost over 1000.00 to repair. Several months later, lights have gone off without repair. Noted that this is a common problem with xb ,yet no recalls.

Filed Feb 28, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 38,000 miles · WI

At just over 38,000 miles the brake, ABS, traction control, and vsc lights all illuminated on my dash. From what I have read it is most likely the rear speed sensors but also requires hundred of dollars worth of other parts to replace. I looked on many of the scion xb forums and found many many people with the same problem. Since I have owned this car(from new) it has been a pain. I have had to replace the o2 sensor the clutch master cylinder the rear brake pads and the low wheel pressure light goes on when it is cold or wet out. So much for toyota reliability. I owned a 1985 toyota celica that had 185000 miles on it when I bought it drove it for 3 years and put on an additional 100000 miles myself and all I had to replace was an alternator belt. So why am I having so many problems with a car that is 23 years newer. I have also received a recall for the ignition coils. Seems to me as though all of us that own theses xb's have been suckered into buying lemons.

Filed Feb 23, 2012 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 70,000 miles · NY

The anti-lock brake system (ABS), visibility stabile control (vsc) and traction control warning light, and brake indicators remain illuminated on the instrument panel. The repair center has advised me on different repairs that are inconsistent. One repair option is a faulty sensor in one of my rear wheels that needs replacing. The other repair was that the wheel bearing was bad on the left front wheel and that when fixed would re-set the sensor lights. This is an obvious flaw in the design of this vehicle and toyota should make every effort to repair the sensor problem. I an not sure why the bearings need to be replaced at this time at over $500.00/wheel. The brake pads, rotors, calipers and other brake parts need frequent replacement at a very high cost.

Filed Feb 2, 2012 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 52,000 miles · IL

The ABS, vsc and brake indicator lights came on. Had to pay 110.00 to have diagnostics run-they found that the r rear wheel speed sensor wire had frayed and malfunctioned. I am able to drive the car but the consultant at toyota told me that my ABS, vsc will not work because the sensor is bad. So I have to pay $ 1070.16 to replace the r rear hub,bearing, sensor and harness. I feel this is poor design and from what I see on the internet, this is not an isolated issue. I feel this is a safety issue due to poor design-toyota/scion is aware of the problem and should recall faulty parts/design.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Brakes · 69,700 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS, traction control and stability control warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, the parking brake began to illuminate. The malfunction occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated to the contact that the rear driver side ABS sensor connector was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 69,700.

Filed May 4, 2011 · Brakes, Transmission · 38,000 miles · MD

Defective brakes or related problem with 2008 scion xb model. When vehicle comes to a stop, a loud, low/downward pitched sound occurs and it feels like either the brakes are grinding or something related to the drive train is having a problem. This is an intermittent problem, but occurs most often after the car has sit idle for awhile. Toyota technicians drove the car for 2 days and said they experienced/heard the problem, but were not sure what it was or how to fix it. They lubed the front brake glide pins and adjusted shim pan and charged me $120 even though the car is under warranty. Unfortunately that did not fix the problem and I am worried that the car braking system may fail while I am driving the car.

Filed Mar 21, 2011 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · IA

Vehicle brake, ABS, vsc, traction control lights on dash. Intermittent during winter for a few weeks, then all lights on solid. There seems to be a known wheel speed sensor problem on these cars, but no recall or extended warranty period. I bought my car used, and thus did not know that the car was out of warranty by 6 weeks when I took it to the dealer for service, even though it was not out of warranty by mileage. Dealer refused to even diagnose the problem without being paid. There should be some leeway for known problems, especially concerning the brakes, but not with this company and dealer.

Filed Feb 9, 2011 · Brakes · 45,999 miles · OH

2008 scion xb - brake, vsc & ABS warning lights all coming on together and then going off intermittently while driving - when driving in rain or snow I feel like I may lose control.

Filed Feb 1, 2011 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 109,000 miles · NJ

1. Driving on snow covered roads + salt several times + low temps lower then 30f 2. Abs+trac+vsc+brake trouble indicator all come on with the vsc light blinking, this occurs after snowfall and the roads being salted. Loss of traction control, vehicle stability control, anti lock brakes, and electronic brake distribution. Causing the car to loose all active safety features. 3. Anti-lock electric connectors were removed cleaned with electronic cleaner and brushed to remove significant corrosion from the ABS sensor and plug. This hars resolved the problem for the moment.

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Brakes · 49,100 miles · MD

At about 49k miles, brake light, vsc & ABS warning lights starting coming on intermittently and simultaneously and remained on while driving.. Per owner's manual took to dealer and was told cause was a defective speed sensor and that failure to fix could cause ABS and vsc systems to fail or not perform as designed. Dealer could provide no explanation for failure and cost of repair was over $1,000.

Filed May 12, 2010 · Brakes · 21,355 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. The contact stated he noticed an unusually loud screeching when depressing the brakes. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and advised the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact stated when the manufacturer discovered the vehicle was covered under an extended warranty he was advised by the dealer that the vehicle could be repaired and advised bringing the vehicle back for further testing. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 21,355. The current mileage is approximately 53,000.

Filed May 6, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 18,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion. The contact stated when depressing the brakes, the brake pedal would fall into the floorboard and would feel spongy and soft. In addition, the vehicle was consuming large amounts of engine oil. The dealer was unable to duplicate or locate any failure within the vehicle. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000 and the current mileage 46,000.

Filed Apr 19, 2010 · Brakes · 3,000 miles · PA

Tl*-the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH the anti-lock brake system engaged with a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the front pads and rotors were replaced at 4,800 miles. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a separate occasion with the front brake pads replaced and the rotors resurfaced at 10,000 miles. The failures occurred approximately one week after the service repair. The pads and rotors had been replaced a total of six different occasions at the time of the complaint. The authorized dealer was notified and the technician advised that the engineers would replace certain parts on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 3,000. The current mileage was 33,675.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Brakes · 32,000 miles · IN · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. The contact was driving approximately between 50-55 MPH on normal road conditions. When pressure was applied to the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down. The vehicle crashed into the proceeding vehicle. The police was called to the scene. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to the authorized dealer. The previous day before the failure occurrence the anti-lock brake system engaged without warning and the road surface was dry. The cause of the failure had not been determined at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. Updated 06/17/10.*lj updated 07/12/10

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 50,000 miles · AL · crash

I have a toyota scion xb and I was driving on a snow covered road. I had a deer jump out in front of me. The anti-lock brakes failed and my wheels locked up and I slid into the ditch. I contacted the dealership and they said a speed sensor went out. I ordered the part and was going to have it replaced for $90. When they went to install the part they found a short in the wiring and that is what caused the sensor to fail. They wanted me to pay over $1000 to have the wiring fixed. They gave me a copy of the service advisory from toyota stating they knew they had this defect and had a redesigned part to install because of corrosion which caused the short. I refused to have the new parts installed because I don't feel I should have to pay for their design flaws.

Filed Mar 7, 2010 · Brakes · 49,000 miles · NJ · crash

I had been driving my 2008 scionxb in stop and go traffic for approximately and hour, then entered a toll road with speed of 65 MPH. I had to go through two toll plazas, slowing down for each. I was approaching the exit ramp for my destination, applied my brakes to slow down and the car continued at high speed. The road conditions were dry. I was unable to bring my vehicle under control. Fortunately there was a snow pile that had been plowed to the end of the ramp at the intersection which softend my crash.the car was towed to an auto body shop. The brake line was examined and no ruptures were in the brakeline. I am waiting for more information from the insurance adjuster.

Filed Mar 1, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 53,000 miles · OH

Dashboard warning light for brakes, ABS, and tcs light up randomly so the driver cannot determine if there is a problem with the brakes or it is a false warning. The car was examined by don joseph toyota/scion in kent, ohio on march 1, 2010. They said the right rear sensor was malfunctioning and it would cost approximately $700 to repair it because the car has 53,000 miles on it and is out of warranty. This failure has been occurring intermittently for one month.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Brakes · 2,500 miles · FL

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) my 2008 toyota scion has always had a master cylinder problem. When you are waiting at a light with your foot on the brake pedal, the pedal gradually sinks toward the floor. Ordinary braking is o.k. I have had the dealer look at it several times and he (gettel motors) always says it is all right. I reported it to toyota in california with no results. I think it is a defective master cylinder that allows the brake fluid to by-pass. [xxx]

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · CA

My 2008 scion tc has been having braking problems since I bought it in 2007. The brake is slow to stop the vehicle, and I have many times been in a situation where my car crossed over the stopping lines at the intersections. Every time the problem occurred, I was panic and terrified because I pressed hard on the braking pedal but it did not immediately stop the vehicle. The problem is worse when it is raining. When I pressed hard on the braking pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake seemed to touch the road. I could feel something in the braking system crashing on the road until I stop pressing the braking pedal. I have driven many different cars, and they did not have braking problems I my scion tc has.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · MD

Winter brake problems-on cold days (30 and below)the right rear caliber locks and will not release.this problem occurs when the emergency brakes are on and the tempature is 30 or below.when the emergency brakes are released,only the one right rear caliber stays locked.I had to drive the vehicle to get the caliber hot enough to release the brakes.I can not use my emergency brakes at all!

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Brakes · CA

In my 2008 scion tc (scroll down options would not allow me to select this model), I experience momentary failure of the brakes. This occurs when I drive over a pot hole, railroad tracks, etc. & attempt to brake at the same time. The brakes do not "catch" so to speak, and gives a feeling that they are just "bouncing" around, instead of actually slowing or stopping the car. This has occured at least 3 times since I purchased the car in 2008. It most recently occured last month.

Filed Jan 30, 2010 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · OH

This concerns my leased 2008 scion xd. The first time my brakes failed was about a week prior to receipt of the recall notice. I was going downhill at a very low rate of speed in very cold weather, dry ground. I put my foot on the brake & nothing happened. I had to swerve & bump the curb to slow the car and after about 15 feet, I was able to bring the car to a stop. The recall involves moisture collected on the positive crankcase ventilation port,seeps into the brake system vacuum port & freezes in colder temperatures causing brake failure. I had the recalled part replaced, & then the brakes failed again. Again at slow speed. This time on a flat surface. Very cold temperatures, but no inclement weather. I immediately called to schedule service. But before my appointment the brakes failed four times in one hair raising drive to work. I am amazed either myself or someone else was not hurt. I called the dealership & told them there was no way I would drive the car again. They sent a loan vehicle out with a driver to pick up my car & drive it back to the dealership. Now the mechanic is saying they can find nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are 'unable to recreate the problem.' I have a year left on the lease of this vehicle. There is no way I am going to subject myself to the danger of driving this car again . Six brake failures is more than enough. I met with a dead end trying to work with my dealership regarding my scion xd. They could not duplicate the conditions under which my brakes failed to work. According to them, there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. It did not matter to them that their mechanic took it for a five minute spin in temps that were nearly 30 degrees warmer than the temps were when I encountered this problem. I spoke with a sales manager, the general manager and the head mechanic. I could tell the sales manager felt badly, but he was forced to tow the company line. The general manager was horribly condescending. They offered no solution to my problem.

Filed Jan 6, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 90,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. The contact started the ignition. Immediately, the anti-lock brake system (ABS), visibility stabile control (vsc) and traction control warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the failures were contributed to the speed sensor and wire harness corrosion. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 40,000 miles · MD

Parking brakes frozen during drive. It happen only in winter time. First time it happen when odo meter at 9,000 mile then 18,000 and now at 40,000+ miles. I checked with local repair shop and endup in replacing rotor + brakepads. But now I feel now it getting worse and repair shop insist that I should contact dealer about this problem, because it is not normal to replace rotor and brakepads twice with 40,000 miles of driving. Windows also froze during the cold weather.

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