Most common 2004 Scion xA problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Scion xA complaints by model year
Best xA years: 2007, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005. Compare all years →
2004 Scion xA recalls (1)
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Toyota Scion xA vehicles. The air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system (SRS ECU) may experience an internal short, possibly causing the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or become deactivated.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SRS ECU, and if necessary, replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2018.
What 2004 Scion xA owners say
Engine & cooling
I just got home from work I was home 30 minutes. My son told me my car was cutting off an on. Grabbed my keys went outside an my was turning off an on ,started my car with the keys it started up, turned it off it came back on an it was idling hard then smoke started coming from engine popped my hood smoke flooding everything ran for fire extinguisher couldn't find it ran for the hose wet it. It's the wires from the battery down to under the front of the car. Left the hood up. Came out 3 hours later the fan is on in the car! Had to disconnect the battery to get the car to turn off completely! !!!
Our 2004 prius on four separate occasions had a complete engine shutdown with lots of indicator lights lit on the dashboard. This happened twice while we were traveling on interstate highways in traffic at highway speeds, once in a Toyota dealership while the vehicle was being serviced, and once as we pulled into a toyoto dealership for service. We were not aware we could send a complaint to NHTSA until we say today's msnbc article. The first engine shutdown occurred in the hyannis Toyota dealership in massachusetts. They took quite a while to fix the vehicle and made several phone calls to Toyota engineers for help. They wrote on our receipt: "needs trans replacement for permanent repair." after we left massachusetts we drove across country toward our home in california. The other three engine shutdowns happened during this trip. …
Wheels & tires
Toyota motor corp manufacturing of the 2004 solara is absurd. Toyota will not repair or warranty anything on these vehicles. I have gone through 3 complete braking systems, replaced multiple sets of tires, the interior is already falling apart as the rear taillight is out and the front headlight as well. Toyota refuses to warranty any parts says its stated in the new warranty terms which I was never showed when I purchased the vhl brand new? The right side of the car is all rusted out from the braking system failings as well on a 2004 car? Worst car ever and worst manufacturer ever dealt with. Going to go back to GM corp they stand behind consumer complaints.
Dt: 2004 Toyota sienna. The consumer stated two of the original tires have split. The front passenger and rear driver side tires were the ones affected. He woke up one morning and the front tire was flat. After taking it off the vehicle he noticed a two inch split by the sidewall. This was about an inch in the tread down two or three inches on the sidewall. The rear tire had the same split. When he noticed it had not gone flat. Toyota maintained that the consumer ran over something. He had to order and replace two new tires by himself, he replaced both front tires. The second tire occurred two weeks later. These are dunlop tires.
2004 Scion xA engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 34 / 30 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 34 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Scion xA a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 xA rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the xA at the same age. It is one of the best xA years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Scion xA?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Scion xA have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Scion xA, the most recent from November 1, 2018 (air bag/restraint control module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Scion xA?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2005. See the full Scion xA years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Scion xA problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.