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Scion XB engine failure problems

13 of the 1,049 owner complaints about the Scion XB describe engine failure, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
13
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
82,619
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2011
    1
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    8
  • 2006
    1

What owners say

Filed Dec 6, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · GA

I purchased my 2011Scion XB 09/08/2010 and in the last 12 months, my scion XB has been burning oil extremely fast. I have to add oil to the vehicle approximately every 4-5 weeks. I’ve taken it to the the Toyota dealership and was advised that the only way to fix the issue is by getting a new engine. Also, every time I break, there is a grinding sound even if with new break pads, and the steering column shakes. The tires sensors have malfunctioned because even after having the tires professionally replaced or filled, the light never goes off. Lastly, the vehicle door sensors are also not working properly.

Filed Nov 18, 2019 · Engine · 72,000 miles · SC

The 2az-fe engine in my 2009 scion xb consumes oil at very high rate. The low engine light comes on at about 2500 miles during mixed city/highway driving. I went to a local dealer and they confirmed the oil consumption. Corporate toyota told them not to repair the engine as the time for the recall expired. I bought the vehicle new and was never notified of a problem. If the engine seized while driving it may cause serious injury or death. There are many complaints online about different toyota/scion cars with this this particular engine.

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 Oct 26, 2015 · Engine · NY

Car using one quart of oil every 1100 miles took to toyota twice for oil consumption test, getting complete run around. They probably dont want to replace engine parts as described in scion forum. People are blowing engines because toyota won't recall, only campaign notice sent out mid year around may 2015. Spoke with toyota torrance california no satisfaction, emailed james lentz, president ceo toyota USA, sent certified letter today 10/26 to jim lentz toyota.

Filed Sep 25, 2015 · Engine · 112,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota scion xb. While driving approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The driver immediately stopped the vehicle. Flames were present under the hood and the subframe of the vehicle. The flames eventually self extinguished. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the cause of the failure was due to the motor failing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 112,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 11/23/15*lj no VIN number, updated 4/13/18*jb consumer stated engine failure-fire under hood no external damage no injuries. Getting a big run around from toyota for recall part damage, toyota won't resume responsibility even though on recall list. Updated 10/11/18

Filed Apr 21, 2015 · Steering · 82,619 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was unable to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was to be towed to an authorized dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,619.

Filed Apr 9, 2015 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MA

2008 scion xb. Excessive oil consumption. First noticed problem when engine light came on while braking. Stopping caused what little engine oil was in pan to move out of area of sensor triggering low oil warning. Added oil upon arrival at home; dipstick did not show any oil. This continued after multiple oil changes at scheduled intervals. Consumption is approximately 1-2 quarts in between oil changes, approx 5k miles. Brought vehicle to dealership to have oil consumption test performed. Vehicle passed, but was told that in order to qualify as an oil consumption vehicle, the car would have to consume 1 quart per 1000 miles. With only a 4 quart capacity, the car would burn all oil prior to the 5k oil change frequency leading to a catastrophic engine failure - seize. I had to pay for an oil change to have the test performed. I was told that my oil consumption was normal, which I do not accept as fact. This scion xb was purchased as a certified used vehicle from a dealership. I am annoyed that the onus falls upon me to prove that my car consumes oil, only to be told that it does not meet the unrealistic criteria. I have been a toyota owner since 1982. I will never buy a toyota vehicle again and I would not recommend the scion brand to anyone. I do not believe toyota builds quality vehicles anymore.

Filed Mar 10, 2015 · Engine, Visibility · 94,000 miles · CA

The 1st thing I noticed after starting my car after work was the heater was blowing cold air, even after 4 miles on the road (2 lane road - 40 mpg). About 4 miles further on (freeway - 60+ MPH), I noticed a thin grey cloud behind me, but the evening mists were evident, so I wasn't sure at first if it was coming from my car. I checked the temperature gauge which showed flat cold - unusual! I checked my rearview mirror again, maybe 200 yds later, and there was a paler grey cloud following me. I checked the instrument panel again and there were no warning lights showing. About 200-500 yards farther, the vsc light came on, the traction control light came on and another light that is not shown in the owner's manual started blinking: the symbol was a car with a recycle arrow inside the body. I took it to mean that the controls were acknowledging the heater wasn't working (the symbol is the same as "air intake selector" on the heater/air conditioner controls). I felt that I still had good control over the steering; it was a clear evening and the road was dry, so I felt I could get home safely (2 miles). The car was running quite rough when I got home and there was what seemed to be steam coming from the front quadrant on the passenger side. The dealer says the water pump failed, causing the engine to overheat, so now the engine needs to be replaced ($6800). Why did the warning lights and temperature gauge not let me know the engine was overheating????? Or why did the water pump suddenly fail?? No warning lights to indicate failure of a critical part!!!!!??!. (car has been regularly maintained, all recommended service performed by certified mechanics). No sign that the water pump was leaking prior to this incident.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CA

1. Incident the driver was driving the 2008 scion xb alone on east-bound I-80, approaching carquinez bridge, vallejo, when the vehicle stopped working. The driving speed was about 70 MPH. Time of the incident was around 12:45 a.m. On december 25, 2014. He was driving on the 1st lane, and to the best of his knowledge, there was only one compact car passing nearby, when the car stopped all of a sudden . He tried to reach out for a tow truck without success, but later on he remembered he was an associate member of a classic membership card registered in the name of his mother. But he did not have the card on him at that time, but gave his name to aaa to prove he is an associate member. Finally, the aaa tow truck arrived on the scene around 1:45 a.m. He towed it to home, and days later had it towed to a mechanic shop, east bay auto located on north texas street. The mechanic diagnosed the problem and said the engine got broken and the car needed replacement of the engine. 2. Scion side on feb. 10, 2015, the owner of the vehicle received a letter of warranty enhancement notification from scion. The owner did not take an initiative to call scion before receiving this notification. The next day, the vehicle owner called scion and filed a claim for engine failure due to excessive engine oil consumption. Case #[xxx]. The customer service rep at scion arranged for toyota dealership in vacaville to inspect and diagnose scion xb to see if the engine failure was due to excessive engine oil consumption. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Engine · 98,888 miles · PA

Driving on major highway and noise started and immediate shutdown of engine which forced me to drift to side of road-- could have been seriously injured as all other cars going well over 65 MPH. Now being told engine dead on a 5 year old car!!!??? Can you help me? I also bought a 2004 sienna and its awesome with no issues. I want to know why this happened and where am I going to get 5000$ for a new engine when living pay to pay already?? Thanks for your help and consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Scion XB engine failure

Which Scion XB years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (8 complaints), 2009 (3 complaints) and 2006 (1 complaints).

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