Scion XB loss of power problems

Filed Oct 29, 2017 · Electrical · 23,428 miles · AZ

Last night we went out. The car was parked at an event for a couple hours, then we were headed for dinner when the dashboard lit up, the power steering went out and the car suddenly lost power. Fortunately we were on a low traveled city street and were able to pull off for safety. If we had been on the freeway, I have no doubt that, in the dark, on a saturday night, this incident would have resulted in injury or worse. The pictures of the wiring are attached. Something had eaten them - these wires, due to another incident, have been confirmed as being the edible ones that are causing so many problems in many cars. The car had been driven regularly, including during the day of the latest incident, without problems. It appears, based on the total separation of the wires from the alternator that something got in when the car was parked at the event. Also, we were only a couple miles away when all hell broke loose. Last time, something ate the AC wires, so there were no safety issues. This time, the car became suddenly unsafe while driving. At this point, I'm afraid to drive it unless I do a thorough inspection of the wiring system before every use, whether I am leaving home or restarting the car while on an errand. As I am not a licensed mechanic, I may miss something. I understand that these "green wires" are the wave of the future, but if they attract rodents who will chew them, possibly suddenly lose power at speed, on a freeway, I can't see how this can be a good thing. Whatever ate the wires last night did a pretty good job of severing them. Next time, what if they are only partially chewed and the connection doesn't break until I'm on the freeway? We have had many other vehicles and never had rodent problems. This is round 2 with the scion in less than 2 years.

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 Oct 20, 2015 · Steering · 87,000 miles · AZ

Started the car after being parked overnight and the power steering light came on and it had a total loss of power steering. I took it to a toyota specialty mechanic and he diagnosed that the power steering ecu had failed at it could only be fixed properly at the dealership.

Filed Apr 9, 2015 · Steering · 101,700 miles · MA

2008 scion xb. Power steering failure as a result of power supply relay failure. Loss of power steering occurred upon start up. Power steering warning light on. Was told at local garage that there was an electrical issue that could only be addressed at dealership. Car will need to be driven to dealership, but without power steering it is potentially dangerous. I am lucky this did not occur unexpectedly while driving. What a lemon.

Filed Mar 16, 2015 · Steering · 81,000 miles · CA

Lost power steering while making a u-turn. Was able to gain control by steering hard on the steering wheel! Almost crashing onto another car. Found out that they're are so many complaints in regards to this matter online. Scion would not recall, or investigate further. Cost of repair, tow, diagnostic is in the $1500+!

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 147,602 miles · MA

My 2008 scion xb lost power steering as I was driving it. Fortunately, I was able to pull the vehicle over without any creating an accident. After having the vehicle repaired, I was informed that the electronic steering control unit failed without any notice. This is a very serious safety issue that needs attention before someone gets killed!

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 101,000 miles · CA

My wife and I bought a scion/toyota expecting better reliability. While my wife was in a parking lot the steering light came on and lost power assist. She was unable to drive the car in this condition. It is going to be a fairly costly repair. It is unfortunate toyota has not done something to help its customers. Due to the fact it is a known problem with a high failure rate.

Filed Oct 20, 2012 · Steering · 92,000 miles · IL

Total loss of power steering. Warning light was displayed on the dash. Toyota is aware of this issue. There was a tsb issued but I'm told my VIN isn't one effected. *tr problem is a defective computer (ECM) under the driver dash. Loss of power steering is a major safety concern. Toyota downplayed it as an isolated incident. It only took me 4 minutes to diagnose the problem because of the amount of complaints.

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 35,500 miles · NE

The issue I am having with my vehicle is the traction control. There is no way to disable it permanently. I have contacted the manufacturer several times to resolve this issue but they were unable to help. The intersection exiting my neighborhood is often busy and occasionally there is loose sand and gravel at the exit. At times, to cross the intersection safely, I will need to step on the accelerator a little more than usual. If my tires so happen to be sitting on a patch of loose sand or gravel, the traction control will activate when I accelerate. This cuts the power from my engine and instead of briskly crossing the intersection, my car, at a snails pace, crosses the intersection. The more time my vehicle spends in the intersection, the greater chance of an accident. The power is cut for too long in my opinion and I feel that my vehicle would be much safer without it. A little spin of the my tires would occur when I'm on the loose sand and gravel but once on normal pavement, it would be business as usual. With the traction control activated, there is a delay and once on normal pavement, it still has reduced power. The car does allow the driver to turn off the traction control at a stop but it reactivates after reaching a certain speed. I do not always know when I happen to stop on a patch of loose sand and gravel and I won't always remember to turn off the traction control at every stop.

Filed Feb 6, 2010 · Brakes · 66,924 miles · IL

Brakes failed for seconds in freezing weather; then brakes returned; this loss of power in the brakes has happened infrequently; only 6-10 times since ownership; but last week it happened twice on il sr 38 driving west, and two each rear-enders almost occurred; because when you need the brakes you expect them to function, as usual;