Most common 2005 Scion xB problems
Share of the 92 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Scion xB complaints by model year
Best xB years: 2007, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2008, 2006, 2009, 2005. Compare all years →
2005 Scion xB recalls (1)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
What 2005 Scion xB owners say
Body & structure all 24 →
Accident involved on hwy traveling 65 -70 miles, rainy conditions, car was in motion and skidded a unknown length, hitting the rear end of a stopped vehicle on freeway, and 3x larger in size than the Scion. The air bag on driver side and passenger side did not deploy. The driver has suffered injuries to the neck, spine,legs and chest. There was not a passenger. The Scion has been deemed totaled at a loss. The injuries sustained were due to not being protected from the airbag.
The handle to the hatch broke off so many times after properly being repaired we installed a strap handle to the hatch so that we only need to touch the button and pull the strap. The damaged handle would prevent the hatch from shutting properly. The rear tail lights will suddenly blow fuses and mechanics can not find out why. This leaves you suddenly with no tail lights which have resulted in being pulled over many times and a few tickets. I have taken to keeping the repair ticket with me to avoid tickets at dawn and dusk. The car is unsafe to drive at night and can not seem to find why the fuse is blowing. This began happening before the warranty ran out had fixed many times. Last time it occurred was 2 months ago.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Scion xB. The contact stated there were approximately 100 small fractures and chips in the front windshield as well as four larger, dime-sized chips. The insurance company advised they would not replace any defect that was not in the contact's line of sight.the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact stated the failure has existed since the date of purchase. The failure mileage was 6 and the current mileage was 99,000.
2005 Scion xB windshield crack in the midline, between the wipers. For no apparent reason the crack continuously increasing length. Didn't hit anything nor it occured from some object. Bought this car used from the dealer and from the looks of it this windshield is not OEM stock, might be replaced windshield and possibly this issue has occured before.
Air bags
I first reported the break, airbag, and acceleration failure on my brand new 2005 Scion XB on June 20, 2005. I only had the Daihatsu/ Toyota two week when a driver in front of me stopped short at a Yield sign forcing me to slam on my brakes. immediately heard the sound of metal snapping and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I pumped the pedal to the floor but there was no resistance. The vehicle immediately accelerated, and I struck the rear of Ford Explorer at about 30-35 miles per hour. I suffered catastrophic injuries. I filed complaints at every level of government possible, but no one would investigate my claims. My FDFS complaint dated [redacted] might be the first to accurately report and describe causation regarding of these known defects sold by Toyota/Daihatsu with willful intent to defraud the public by fraudulent concealment of these known Defective Products. …
Accident involved on hwy traveling 65 -70 miles, rainy conditions, car was in motion and skidded a unknown length, hitting the rear end of a stopped vehicle on freeway, and 3x larger in size than the Scion. The air bag on driver side and passenger side did not deploy. The driver has suffered injuries to the neck, spine,legs and chest. There was not a passenger. The Scion has been deemed totaled at a loss. The injuries sustained were due to not being protected from the airbag.
2005 Scion xB engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 31 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Scion xB a good car?
Based on 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 xB rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the xB at the same age. It is one of the xB years we suggest avoiding. 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 2005 Scion xB?
The body & structure — 24 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (16) and air bags (15).
How many recalls does the 2005 Scion xB have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Scion xB, the most recent from February 3, 2010 (labels). 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 xB?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2006, 2009 and 2005. See the full Scion xB years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Scion xB problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 40% 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.