Most common 2013 Scion xB problems
Share of the 14 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 →
2013 Scion xB recalls (2)
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 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 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 2013 Scion xB owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Scion XB. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, requiring approximately 5 quarts of oil to be added every 1,000 miles. The low oil pressure warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not exhibiting excessive oil consumption. The contact received notification of a Warranty Enhancement Program: ZE7 (Excessive Engine Oil Consumption). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the warranty had expired in 2016. Additionally, based on online research, the contact associated the failure with low-tension piston rings. …
The contact owns a 2013 Scion XB. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Air bags
Hi, Air bag light started intermittently flashing in January. Toyota could not diagnose until it was on all the time. Charged me $89.95. Air bag light stays on all the time 04-25-21. Take it to Toyota and diagnose intermittent open in driver side front door harness in circuit to left front door air bag sensor. $272.88. Want an additional $739.78 to replace harness. This is same problem that has been recalled on Toyota Venza and Avalon to the best of my knowledge. Harness is too short and rubs on door frame, causing open circuit. I believe this is an overall Toyota/Scion problem.
Earlier today I was involved in a car accident on my 2013 Scion xB. My car's front bumper and hood are completely damage, along with the side fenders, the radiator is also broken and out of place, even the frame is a bit bent. The brakes too a bit longer than usual to kick-in and the person in front of me made a sudden stop 'causing a rear collision on the person in front of me (whom by the way took off before I even got out of the car). Airbags did not go off (at the time of the accident I was with my 1 year old), luckily my son and I are safe but I'm things could've gone either way, I don't feel confident that my family and I will be safe driving this car and I was wondering if you could look deeper into it (wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else).
Electrical system
Hi, Air bag light started intermittently flashing in January. Toyota could not diagnose until it was on all the time. Charged me $89.95. Air bag light stays on all the time 04-25-21. Take it to Toyota and diagnose intermittent open in driver side front door harness in circuit to left front door air bag sensor. $272.88. Want an additional $739.78 to replace harness. This is same problem that has been recalled on Toyota Venza and Avalon to the best of my knowledge. Harness is too short and rubs on door frame, causing open circuit. I believe this is an overall Toyota/Scion problem.
Clutch, 2013, wagon, xB, tanaka, humid, smoking, melting, smell, fluids. When I drove this lemon off the lot it had 17 miles. 2013 Scion, xB, clutch, wagon, 4 door, silver, limited edition?????? [redacted]
2013 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 2013 Scion xB a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 xB rates better than average: 80% fewer complaints than a typical year of the xB at the same age. It is one of the best xB years by this measure. 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 2013 Scion xB?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (4) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Scion xB have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 Scion xB, the most recent from January 9, 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 2013 Scion xB problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 56% 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.