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. …
Electronic steerin module located under the dash are a danger to peoples lives and can go out without warning and cause the driver to lose complete control of the vehicle. Also these modules on a 2008 malibu, 2009 Saturn and many other vehicles are known to have the same problem. The manufactuers of the auto have issued a TSB on this item when they should have issued a recall. If this matter is not taken care of asap someone will lose thier life! Just a matter of time! I have 35 years mechanic experience on vehicles and 27 years experience on jet engines with the gov. These same type modules are being used on current model vehicles of all makes and should be deemed unsafe! Anything that does not allow you to habdle your vehicle after failure is a danger to lives and manufactuers are aware of this. They would not have issued TSB's if they were not aware! …
I bought a 2008 Scion xd in September 2008. 6 weeks after I bought the car, I totaled it when steering on an on-ramp to the highway. It spun three times and finally stopped after hitting the guardrail. I was alone. I got whiplash. I am a very experienced driver but the car lost absolute control at a low speed (under 25 MPH) but on wet blacktop in the fall in new england.. The car was $30 from being classified as a total. The body shop was owned by the dealer - not sure if the $30 discrepancy had anything to do with that. They also said the frame/unibody was slightly off and left me with a totally valueless car with 3,000 miles on it. Since then I do not trust the steering of the car. It does seem to swim at speeds over 55 - 60 MPH - almost a hydroplaning feel to the steering on dry pavement. I wonder what it will take for it to be recalled?
Today (April 23, 2015) I stopped at a store, everything was fine. After returning to my car I started it and proceeded to back out of my parking space and realized I had no power steering and noticed the steering wheel light was on. I took it to sears and they diagnosed that it was the ECU. I was told by sears that I had no choice but to bring it to a dealer to be repaired. I dropped it off about an hour ago and am waiting to get hit with the repair costs.
2008 Scion xB. Power steering failure as a result of power supply relay failure. Loss of power steering occurred upon start up. Power steering warning light on. Was told at local garage that there was an electrical issue that could only be addressed at dealership. Car will need to be driven to dealership, but without power steering it is potentially dangerous. I am lucky this did not occur unexpectedly while driving. What a lemon.
I drove the vehicle on Saturday evening and experienced no problems. Returned to the vehicle on Sunday to attend church and the power steering would not function. I checked the fuses and they were not blown. The vehicle is almost impossible to drive without the power steering unit working. I live forty (40) miles from a dealer repair shop. It will be very expensive to have a wrecker service pick up the vehicle and haul to the dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion xB. While making a right turn at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that the windshield wipers operated independently. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,063.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion xB. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was unable to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was to be towed to an authorized dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,619.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion xB. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable without warning. The failure recurred on one other occasion. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Scion xB. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering suddenly failed causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available the failure was mileage was 110.00.
Steering complaints in other xB years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Scion xB?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Scion xB, 11% of the model year's 339 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Scion xB steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.