Scion XB headlights 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 Oct 4, 2020 · Electrical · 174,000 miles · SC

Intermittent panel lights come on including battery,slip indicator,vsc,ABS and sometimes lose speedometer while driving. Has been going on for about a year. Have replaced battery and alternator. Dealership and several car repair places don't know what is going on. Also, one time at night while driving, the headlights would dim intermittently. The car mechanics say that my car is tracking good. I have 175,441 miles on my scion. Sometimes everything is fine for days, then lights will blink or stay on for an extended amount of time.

Filed Oct 6, 2018 · 99,000 miles · TX

On 9/20/18 driving exiting a highway to make a right turn on a city street as I was decreasing speed the car shut off and the steering wheel locked. On 9/24/18 again driving on the highway stuck in traffic the car shut off again had to put in park and turn the key to get it to start again. 9/28/18 wouldnt start when parked had to repeatedly turn the key to get the ignition to start. Then on 10/5/18 driving 50mph on a city street turning on the headlights the ignition completely shut off, turned the headlights back off the car turned on again, tried again to turn the headlights on and the car shut off again, turned off the headlights the car turned on again then pulled over placed the car in park turned on the headlights put car in drive and the car stayed on. There are no check engine lights that come on prior to this happening and no type of warnings to inform that the car is about to shut off while driving.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Body, Lights · 1,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 scion xb. The contact stated that the trunk failed to latch properly. The contact also mentioned that water had entered the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician replaced the headlight assembly and lubricated the lock. The remedy for the truck failed to repaired the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who determined that the bar behind the bumper assembly was crooked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 2,800.

Filed Apr 11, 2012 · PA

Cpsc#i1230455a. 2009 scion xb. Consumer stated after a year of having this brand new car every light in the car has been shorted out from the radio, including the headlights. *ln the consumer stated the vehicle came equipped with a pioneer GPS enabled adic radio for an extra $2000. The consumer stated the radio would come on for 30 seconds and then shut off.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Lights · MD

08 scion head lights are not visible after 75 ft. ( low beams) complete darkness after that limit. Series of crack wind shields all starting at the bottom.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Acceleration, Body · 400 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota scion xb. While driving approximately 20 to 50 MPH, the headlights dimmed and visibility was reduced. The lights would illuminate again moments later. While driving 30 MPH uphill, the vehicle accelerated to 60 MPH. The brakes were applied, but would not function unless they were engaged at a rapid pace. Occasionally the engine shuts off, the front end shakes while driving 20-50 MPH, and the cruise control switch failed to engage. The vehicle continued to burn an excessive amount of fuel after the oil was changed and the check engine light illuminated. The radio failed and the dealer stated that they would replace it when the parts arrive. The mechanic stated that the back of the bumper was split, which caused it to fall off of the vehicle. The dealer also offered her $14,000 for the vehicle only if she paid them $5,000. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure; however, they stated that the failures were electrical. The failure mileage was 400 and current mileage was 12,000. Updated 02-14-08.

Filed Sep 5, 2007 · Lights · 100 miles · NY

Low beam headlamps on the 2008 scion xb do not project out far enough from the vehicle. There is a clearly defined line about 75 feet from the vehicle where the light ends and the dark begins during night driving. The solution according to toyota/scion was to purchase fog lamps as auxiliary lighting they do help as do the high beams. However the so called "halogen headlights w/ projector low beams' do not do exactly that project enough light. I can not get them to understand how dangerous the situation is when you can only use the low beams. They claim the lights have been adjusted to the maximum. And are designed as urban lights so as to not be intrusive to opposing drivers or pedestrians. I however live in a very rural area and the lights are not adequate for rural driving. The problem seems to be caused by both beams pointing down and to the opposite side of the vehicle. I think this is a serious safety issue that toyota/scion needs to resolve, or be forced to resolve. I suspect as the days get shorter more owners like me will discover how poorly the low beams perform. There have been no crashes, injuries or deaths unless you know something I don't.

Filed Mar 29, 2006 · Airbags · 25,000 miles · CA · crash

Dt*: the contact stated the airbags did not deploy during a collision. The vehicle was side swiped then hit a rock wall with the passenger side front end. This occurred at 65 MPH and the damage was between the corner and headlights. The seatbelts were worn, but the occupants received minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been seen by a mechanic.

Filed Oct 19, 2005 · Lights · TX

The first night that I drove it, I was in the hilly country and noticed what I thought was a serious problem. With low beam on the light does not shine any higher than about 3 feet off the ground. Going down the hill the lights only shine on the bottom of the hill, not up the other side like a normal vehicle. When I reached the bottom of the hill, my wife screamed at me. There in the middle of the road was a large buck. The lights did not illuminate him. With another car coming I couldn't use my bright. I took it to the dealer a few days later because they had only 2 mechanics and couldn't handle anymore work. They called me that friday and told me to bring it in monday. No-one at that dealership knew how the lights were supposed to work. No knowledge of the trucks they sell. The master mechanic worked on it twice. He told me that he drove his daughters tundra and that what I had described was fact. He also stated that it was very dangerous. I have contacted toyota corporate complaints. They had no idea why it was like that. After 3 telephone calls to try and get some satisfactory after the sale customer service, from a dealership where there is none, I was told that the dealership closed my case. I will not drive at night. Too dangerous.