2008 Scion XB: engine stalls while driving

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 Oct 17, 2016 · Engine · 151,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. While driving 60 MPH, a loud noise was heard underneath the vehicle. The vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic lot where it was diagnosed that there was a hole in the engine, which caused the engine to fail. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

Filed Mar 15, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled while pulling off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and the contact had no control over the vehicle. The failure also occurred while driving 80 MPH on the freeway. The contact had no control over the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 153,063 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. While making a right turn at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that the windshield wipers operated independently. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,063.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Engine · 12,000 miles · OH

"too much oil consumption" ever since I bought this vehicle in 2008 I noticed topping off my oil in between oil changes. Over the years I added more and more. I called toyota several times and they told be an engine should consume oil and it is normal. But this is too much. I never in my life had to add so much oil to a newer car. Right now I am adding almost a quart every 1000 miles. I have 110k miles. This can get dangerous if you are on a long trip and run out of oil and engine can seize up and stall. Luckily I always carry extra oil with me. Imagine how much money I spent on oil through the years. I am not happy and this will be my last toyota I ever own.

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · Engine · 150,000 miles · OR

Excessive oil consumption. Took vehicle into dealership and spent seven hours waiting while they "tested" the car. Finally, after paying for an oil change was told to let the engine run and come back in when either the oil lamp came on or it was time for an oil change. Lamp came on before mileage was through so went back to dealership and was told that our car "qualified for recall procedure." was not given dates or anything, just told we would be contacted when the parts came in. The car seems to be getting worse, engine shudders and feels like about to stall every once in a while. Called dealership to let them know and girl on phone said that if repairs were needed before parts came in, it would be out of my pocket, and that loaner car would also be at my expense. Finally got word that parts are in and now should be scheduled soon for repairs. Will never buy from toyota again.

Filed Aug 16, 2011 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, all of the service lights on the instrument panel began to illuminate and the electronic power assist failed. As a result, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, where it stalled. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, where the contact was informed that the battery died. The battery was replaced. The failure recurred approximately two months later. The vehicle was not yet taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Feb 9, 2009 · Acceleration, Engine · 10,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle "puttered" as if it would stall. The vehicle would not move when the accelerator pedal was depressed and nearly caused a crash. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The issue occurred a total of five times and the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions. On the first visit, the dealer replaced the engine harness. On the second visit, they moved the coils around and then replaced the coils during the third visit. None of the repairs remedied the failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 11,000 and failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 16,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. On two different occasions, while driving 60 MPH, all of the instrument panel indicators (ABS light, brake light, air bag light, traction control light) illuminated for approximately ten minutes. Afterwards, the vehicle restarted. On four occasions, the vehicle stalled. While idling at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle would sometimes vibrate and shake. The contact also stated that the vehicle burns a lot of fuel. The window sticker claimed that the vehicle would get 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The vehicle actually gets 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. On the fourth visit to the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle misfired on the second cylinder. When he researched the lemon law and went to arbitration, he was informed that, by law, gas is not a warranty factor due to changes in weather. The current mileage was 23,400 and failure mileage was 16,000. Updated 03/26/08.