2008 Scion XB steering problems

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 Nov 17, 2017 · Steering · 139,353 miles · CA

I turned on my car and was slowly backing out of the driveway when the steering wheel icon lit up. The steering suddenly became very difficult to turn and I was barely able to park the car on the street. I'm unable to use the car for anything else as I can barely steer at all.

Filed Oct 12, 2017 · Brakes, Steering · FL

Power steering shut off and the light is on on the dashboard with the break light too. Car was ok and then start to drive it on highway and all at a sudden the steering light went up and he brake light too and it shuted off the power steering

Filed Jun 29, 2017 · Steering · 56,130 miles · CA

Power steering went out. Google search shows it is happening to many 2008 scion xb owners. From parked, turn key to start, power steering no longer works and warning lights flash. Too many 2008 scion xbs on the road today are encountering the same problem, and should be fixed at no charge to the owner.

Filed Feb 19, 2017 · Steering · WI

I was backing up into the garage when all of the sudden the power steering light came on and I lost all the use of the power steering

Filed Jul 1, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 55,000 miles · VA

Vehicle was driven to location and parked. When I returned to the vehicle, restarted and began to pull away, steering light came on and all assist in the steering disappeared making it almost impossible to steer. Had to have steering ECM replaced.

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Steering · 128,300 miles · ID

Electronic power steering failed during driving. Power steering light remains activated.

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA

Takada inflators. While driving my power steering was extremely hard to turn making it extremely difficult to steer including pull over to the side. In motion on 110 freeway going 60 m ph went I lost control.

Filed Feb 3, 2016 · Steering · 110,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering suddenly failed causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available the failure was mileage was 110.00.

Filed Jan 15, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 72,000 miles · LA

Electronic steerin module located under the dash are a danger to peoples lives and can go out without warning and cause the driver to lose complete control of the vehicle. Also these modules on a 2008 malibu, 2009 saturn and many other vehicles are known to have the same problem. The manufactuers of the auto have issued a tsb on this item when they should have issued a recall. If this matter is not taken care of asap someone will lose thier life! Just a matter of time! I have 35 years mechanic experience on vehicles and 27 years experience on jet engines with the gov. These same type modules are being used on current model vehicles of all makes and should be deemed unsafe! Anything that does not allow you to habdle your vehicle after failure is a danger to lives and manufactuers are aware of this. They would not have issued tsb's if they were not aware! Read online in forums and complaints thier has been crashes resulting in serious injuries!