Scion XB power steering loss 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 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 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 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 23, 2015 · Steering · 46,562 miles · MA

Today (april 23, 2015) I stopped at a store, everything was fine. After returning to my car I started it and proceeded to back out of my parking space and realized I had no power steering and noticed the steering wheel light was on. I took it to sears and they diagnosed that it was the ecu. I was told by sears that I had no choice but to bring it to a dealer to be repaired. I dropped it off about an hour ago and am waiting to get hit with the repair costs.

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 Dec 26, 2014 · Steering · 83,000 miles · IL

Electronic power steering failure while parked. When I parked the car my steering worked. When I started my car and preceded to back up, the power steering light appeared and it was nearly impossible to turn the wheel.

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!