Scion XB stalling 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 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 Oct 4, 2018 · Engine · 114,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 scion xb. While in traffic, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to shift the gear into neutral and restart the vehicle. The contact drove to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cylinder failed and needed to be replaced. The contact called bell road toyota at (602) 863-0600 (located at 2020 w bell rd, phoenix, az 85023) and was informed to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2018 · Engine · 165,782 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 scion xb. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who determined that the 02 sensor was faulty and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. Two weeks after the repair, the vehicle stalled and all the warning indicators illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 165,782.

Filed Oct 17, 2016 · Engine · 151,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 scion xb. While driving 60 MPH, a loud noise was heard underneath the vehicle. The vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic lot where it was diagnosed that there was a hole in the engine, which caused the engine to fail. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

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 Dec 7, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 153,063 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota scion xb. While making a right turn at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that the windshield wipers operated independently. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,063.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Engine · 12,000 miles · OH

"too much oil consumption" ever since I bought this vehicle in 2008 I noticed topping off my oil in between oil changes. Over the years I added more and more. I called toyota several times and they told be an engine should consume oil and it is normal. But this is too much. I never in my life had to add so much oil to a newer car. Right now I am adding almost a quart every 1000 miles. I have 110k miles. This can get dangerous if you are on a long trip and run out of oil and engine can seize up and stall. Luckily I always carry extra oil with me. Imagine how much money I spent on oil through the years. I am not happy and this will be my last toyota I ever own.

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · Engine · 150,000 miles · OR

Excessive oil consumption. Took vehicle into dealership and spent seven hours waiting while they "tested" the car. Finally, after paying for an oil change was told to let the engine run and come back in when either the oil lamp came on or it was time for an oil change. Lamp came on before mileage was through so went back to dealership and was told that our car "qualified for recall procedure." was not given dates or anything, just told we would be contacted when the parts came in. The car seems to be getting worse, engine shudders and feels like about to stall every once in a while. Called dealership to let them know and girl on phone said that if repairs were needed before parts came in, it would be out of my pocket, and that loaner car would also be at my expense. Finally got word that parts are in and now should be scheduled soon for repairs. Will never buy from toyota again.

Filed May 8, 2012 · Engine · DC

2010 toyota scion xb. Consumer states engine shut off while driving on five different occasions. *tgw the dealer informed the consumer to drive the vehicle, until the problem happened again.