Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Scion xB owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
My 10 year old son was simply opening the back hatch to get out a bag and the whole rear door garnish broke off. It broke from simple designed use and now hangs off the vehicle and the hatch will not close properly. Scion issued a warranty enhancement program but it was only good for one year and does not cover my vehicle now even though the part is faulty and the vehicle is now dangerous to drive. Please insist on a vehicle recall so there is no time limit to fix the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Scion xB. The contact stated that the rear hatchback handle fractured causing the other four door locks to become disabled. In addition, there were holes where the hatchback handle was fractured and there was a strong fuel odor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 94,120.
05 xB trunk release handle broke loose. It was attached by 2 small studs that were friction fitted to the handle, the trunk is too heavy for this handle. Power door lock for driver and both rear are not functioning. Rear passenger window is not functioning.
Earlier in 2011 while accessing the rear of my car through the hatch door, my hatch handle snapped off completely. After further looking into the issue, I discovered that the plastic clips built into the handles broke. My local Toyota dealer is aware of the "issue" and acknowledges that it is a "defect" with this specific make and model car. On top of that, I have both seen many broken hatch handles while on the road, and read many other incidents similar to mine on several notable Scion forums online. Others report that their Toyota dealers fixed the issue, free part, but still charged upwards of $100 for labor. I would like to see this problem get fixed by Toyota as it is clearly a defective part.
The driver door detent on the 2005 Scion xB VIN jtlk324154008954 does not hold on a modest incline, creating a serious injury hazard. Reported problem to dealer (riverhead Toyota). Response: "vehicle not designed to. No problem found". The dealer is wrong. There is a problem. The problem appears to be a combination of 2 problems -- an inadequate detent for the weight of the door combined with application of excessive white grease. Toyota needs to design a stronger detent and all service personnel need to be warned not to apply any grease to the detent and to remove any grease applied at the factory or in prior service.
Plastic rear tailgate handle broke off under normal wear and tear circumstances when attempting to open. Apparent design defect whereby heavy weight of rear vertical tailgate door places stress on two plastic connectors. No practical way to open door from inside or out. Part also houses rear license plate lights and electronic opening latch control which becomes inoperable. Dozens of similar experiences posted on edmonds.com. Dealer refused to fix out of warranty period. After complaint to Toyota, they agreed to reimburse for part cost only as one time concession.
The tailgate "handle" release broke of in my hands, without even pulling on it, on my 2005 Toyota Scion xB. I went out to place something into the back of my car and when I pinched the release button and lifted the gate as I have done hundreds of times, the handle snapped off in my hands! After researching this issue I have found hundreds of people who have had the same experience, many have had this happen more than once! Dealerships have even stated, "it is faulty part." however, Toyota fails to issue a recall.
Rear hatch outside opening mechanism broke after routine use. This appears to be design flaw using flimsy plastic door apparatus. This is dangerous situation - it has resulted in improper closing of rear hatch door which can cause exhaust fumes to enter the inside on the car. This could also cause objects to fall out of the rear of the car while on the road. (anecdotal note: I see numerous scions of this era with taped up rear hatch door handles indicating that they have the same problem.
Body complaints in other xB years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2005 Scion xB?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the body & structure of the 2005 Scion xB, 26% of the model year's 92 complaints. The component named most often is body (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Scion xB body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2005 Scion xB, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Scion xB body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.