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 2006 Scion xB owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Scion xB. While attempting to open the rear door hatch, the handle fractured from the door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000. The VIN was unknown. Consumer stated this mfg default is common on this vehicle. Handle part snaps off from the door which results in the back door being unable to open. Paid $150 to replace the handle.
The vehicles rear hatch handle has a design flaw which makes the part fail. The rear hatch handle is fastened to the trunk/hatch with plastic clips. When the release button for the hatch is pressed, it only unlocks the hatch door. It does not spring upward like other vehicles. In the manual it shows to hold the release button and lift with the hatch handle. Because there are no springs to help lift it applies lots of pressure to the clips which weaken them. Eventually, they just snap. They are also known for snapping when the hatch is locked, in cold weather, and there are even reports of the release button melting. Another problem develops when the hatch handle is completely removed after failing. There are holes for the clips which are left open if this piece is not attached. These holes can allow exhaust and other emissions into the vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Toyota Scion xB. While driving approximately 20 to 50 MPH, the headlights dimmed and visibility was reduced. The lights would illuminate again moments later. While driving 30 MPH uphill, the vehicle accelerated to 60 MPH. The brakes were applied, but would not function unless they were engaged at a rapid pace. Occasionally the engine shuts off, the front end shakes while driving 20-50 MPH, and the cruise control switch failed to engage. The vehicle continued to burn an excessive amount of fuel after the oil was changed and the check engine light illuminated. The radio failed and the dealer stated that they would replace it when the parts arrive. The mechanic stated that the back of the bumper was split, which caused it to fall off of the vehicle. The dealer also offered her $14,000 for the vehicle only if she paid them $5,000. …
The rubber piece that covers the switch for the rear hatch has melted for the third time. I had it replaced under warranty the first time and then again when the whole garnish fell off and was replaced under a "warranty enhancement". In other words a recall because it had happened to so many Scion xB owners. I am very disappointed that they continue to replace a defective part with a defective part! Now I am supposed to fork out $90.00 for another part that is going to eventually do the same thing. This is clearly a widespread problem. All you have to do is a search for "melted swich covers on Scion xB" on your computer and it brings up many sites. There are blogs and even a facebook page dedicated to the faulty handles! When there are companies who are making a profit producing enhanced replacement parts for your car because Toyota won't something is wrong. …
Problem #1: front windshield cracked. I replaced the windshield and it cracked again on the replacement. A small pebble hit the windshield while driving on the freeway that caused it to crack. Problem #2: rear hatch handle broke when it was used. I opened the rear hatch handle and the plastic piece broke off in the process almost injuring my hand. I contacted Scion about the situation they that they were aware of. They required me to receive an assessment from the dealer. I drove to my nearest dealer and they did not require an assessment because they said the problem was already known. I contacted Scion again and they get back to me for a solution. The solution was for me to replace the rear handle with a high price amount. The rear handle expensive should have been taken care of on Scion's end, especially when a near injury could have take place. I received case number for my records.
I noticed a few weeks ago that when I tried to open the lift gate, that my fingers were covered in a black mushy substance. The switch to open the door was completely melted and would barely open. My wife and I don't usually use the hatch door, so I don't know how long its been in this condition . We have been very happy with the Scion up to this point.I found out that many others are having this same problem and feel totally disappointed in Toyota's product. I'm seriously planning on taking this flaw to the media since the door May not even open in an emergency. The others have told me that it is no longer covered by warranty, and Toyota refuses to fix the problem. The dealership wants over $200.00 to fix it. I feel it is a flaw that Toyota should repair and not me. The part was probably made in china and is junk.the car has always been kept in the carport and never abused.
The front windshield of my 2006 Scion xB developed a crack while I was driving and no other cars were in front of me to toss rocks. There was no impact from a rock or anything before the crack appeared. I heard a pop and discovered the crack. The pop sound was not the normal rock on the windshield sound. There is no sign of any impact on the outside of the windshield in this area. The crack developed in the area behind the rearview mirror and is an "l" shaped crack. The first day the crack was about 8-10" in length and has progressed another 2-4" over the last four months. I feel there is a problem with the design of this vehicle that is causing so many xB owners to have the exact same issue.
Door locks will unlock half way unable to exit car. Door locks will click open and close independently while driving and when parked, using key remote to lock car and while walking away I hear car locks click. I walk back to car to find all doors unlocked? Rear hatch handle assembly very flimsy. Is not strong enough to pull door open. Mine came off in my hand squeezing the release then pulling it open! Cannot open from outside without it or in an emergency. Also without the handle there is no illumination of the license plate which gets you pulled over and gets you a ticket!
I have a 2006 Scion xB. The back latch (made of fiberglass) has completely broken off on one side. It is impossible to use and is impossible to get into the car using the rear entrance. It is expensive to repair. This is a safety hazard in that if some one was in the car in an accident or if this was the only access to get into the car to help victims access is not available. I have seen 4 cars of this model just in my area that have the same problem. If you have to wait until there is an actual accident this is a inferior system!
Dt*: the contact stated there are numerous rust spots located on the lift gate and front passenger side door frame. The dealership and manufacturer have been alerted and denied the problem. They explained this is a paint defect. Updated 6/30/2006 - the consumer believes that the rust May have developed as a result of weld splatter. The rust appeared at the junction between the door frame and opposing rubber door seal.
Body complaints in other xB years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Scion xB?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Scion xB, 9% of the model year's 253 complaints. The component named most often is body (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Scion xB body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2006 Scion xB, though it has 5 recalls 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 2006 Scion xB body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 22% 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.