Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Scion xB owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Scion vehicle was hit in an accident by another car on 1/15/2015. Vehicle that hit Scion failed to stop for a red signal and collided into Scion hitting first the right front corner of passenger side, then hit again head on. Air bags did not deploy. We have 2 witnesses that saw the accident and all witnesses including the police officer noticed the air bag was not deployed. Police report: [redacted] police information: [phone]; officer [redacted]- montgomery county police department location: montgomer county, md
2008 Scion xB. Excessive oil consumption. First noticed problem when engine light came on while braking. Stopping caused what little engine oil was in pan to move out of area of sensor triggering low oil warning. Added oil upon arrival at home; dipstick did not show any oil. This continued after multiple oil changes at scheduled intervals. Consumption is approximately 1-2 quarts in between oil changes, approx 5K miles. Brought vehicle to dealership to have oil consumption test performed. Vehicle passed, but was told that in order to qualify as an oil consumption vehicle, the car would have to consume 1 quart per 1000 miles. With only a 4 quart capacity, the car would burn all oil prior to the 5K oil change frequency leading to a catastrophic engine failure - seize. I had to pay for an oil change to have the test performed. …
We are victims of the oil consumption issue Toyota was having with certain models. We did not know about this problem until we went to the dealership complaining about low oil after we had to put oil in the car after we had an oil change done. We then figured out this issue had been outstanding for years but we were never notified about the issue. We contacted Toyota and they explain the warranty expired last month and they would not help us out at all. How could they abandon a customer when a known issue has occurred. We were told by the dealership that several cars had come in with the same issue and that it was common. How could Toyota get away with a faulty product and not be held accountable. They have lost my support since they will not support me. We now have a car that is not worth anything because of the cost of repairs. …
My Scion xB 2008 model was recalled a couple years ago for excessive oil consumption. And I went twice for service at the Toyota of naperville, I was told to come back after a certain amount of miles traveled, so that they could recall the car that obviously had a problem with consuming oil. This was impossible to appease due to the distance of my work from my home. I have to travel 30 miles a day. I have been rejected due to that, because I was over about 11-13 miles each time. In consequence of those events, I put oil in the car every week so that I could keep the engine running. Despite my efforts, the engine seized right after I paid off the car. I feel like I was swindled by the dealership, and the least they can do is replace my engine. I need a car to make it to work to provide for my family of 5 and the way Toyota has treated my issue has been unsatisfactory at best. …
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.
"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.
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.
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.
Oil consumption, I went to fewer and apparently my warranty has expired, which I was never informed or never received a notice! Now I'm screwed because I was planning on keeping my car forever and it a problem that needs to be fix by th manufacture! I never was notified and never revived any letters. I was told by Toyota customer service that it was probably sent to original owner! Now I need this fixed or I need my full refund if the car can't be fixed without any charge!
Engine complaints in other xB years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Scion xB?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Scion xB, 12% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Scion xB engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Scion xB, though it has 8 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 2008 Scion xB engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.