Most common 2011 Scion xB problems
Share of the 54 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 →
2011 Scion xB recalls (5)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and…
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of…
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Scion xB:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Scion xB owners say
Air bags all 41 →
I was driving 65mph on the freeway sounded like parts of the engine were falling out of the car. Immediately exited the freeway. The car died. My son and I pushed the smoking vehicle 200 feet to a apartment complex entrance. The vehicle then ignited in flames, and I called 911.
"Takata recall". 2011 xB traveling south on collier parkway. Accelerated to approximately 45 MPH. From parkway. Older Dodge van in front slams on brakes. I slam on brakes and 2011 xB exhibits instantaneous acceleration. Coming up on back of Dodge van swerve left onto raised median. Trees in median 2011 xB still accelerating going down into northbound lanes. Coming up on 2005 Chevy astro van. We both swerve and driver side rear corner of each vehicle collide. 2011 Scion xB now back on median. 2011 Scion xB still accelerating coming up on intersection of weeks blvd. And collier parkway. 2015 Hyundai santa fe enters intersection on green from weeks blvd. Heading nothbound. 2011 Scion xB still accelerating enters intersection and strikes 2015 Hyundai santa fe. Front of 2011 Scion xB hits driver side of 2015 Hyundai sante fe. 201 Scion xB Takata airbag deploys. Metal skins driver's nose. …
Engine & cooling
I purchased my 2011Scion XB 09/08/2010 and in the last 12 months, my scion XB has been burning oil extremely fast. I have to add oil to the vehicle approximately every 4-5 weeks. I've taken it to the the Toyota dealership and was advised that the only way to fix the issue is by getting a new engine. Also, every time I break, there is a grinding sound even if with new break pads, and the steering column shakes. The tires sensors have malfunctioned because even after having the tires professionally replaced or filled, the light never goes off. Lastly, the vehicle door sensors are also not working properly.
I was driving 65mph on the freeway sounded like parts of the engine were falling out of the car. Immediately exited the freeway. The car died. My son and I pushed the smoking vehicle 200 feet to a apartment complex entrance. The vehicle then ignited in flames, and I called 911.
Brakes
I purchased my 2011Scion XB 09/08/2010 and in the last 12 months, my scion XB has been burning oil extremely fast. I have to add oil to the vehicle approximately every 4-5 weeks. I've taken it to the the Toyota dealership and was advised that the only way to fix the issue is by getting a new engine. Also, every time I break, there is a grinding sound even if with new break pads, and the steering column shakes. The tires sensors have malfunctioned because even after having the tires professionally replaced or filled, the light never goes off. Lastly, the vehicle door sensors are also not working properly.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Scion xB. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact suffered a minor ear injury that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by the contact's insurance company. The contact called an auto finance company, but they did not assist. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 153,000. The VIN was unknown.
2011 Scion xB engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Scion xB a good car?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 xB rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the xB at the same age. 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 2011 Scion xB?
The air bags — 41 complaints, 76% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Scion xB have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2011 Scion xB, the most recent from October 17, 2019 (inflator module). 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 2011 Scion xB problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 24% 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.