Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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]
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Scion xB. After starting the engine, smoke was present coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure occurred due to a faulty computer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
While parking smoke or steam started coming from under the hood and me thinking the car was over heating pulled the hood release and before I could open the hood flames shoot from the right fender. I run into home depot and yell to call the fire department and ask if anyone has a fire extinguisher and a young man came running out with a good size extinguisher and put out the rapid growing flames. The fire department reported that the fire was started by a short circuit in the right fender.
Vehicle had no dashboard light indicators. While traveling on highway, started to sound like a motorcycle and decelerate. Pulled over and started to smoke from the hood, exited vehicle and smoke turned to flames. Fire deescalated by Fire Dept. and vehicle is a total loss. All maintenance was UpToDate and just passed vehicle inspection for driving test a week prior. Fire cause completely unknown at this time per fire report Area of Fire Origin: 83-Engine area, running gear, wheel area
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Scion xB. The contact stated the instrument panel would not illuminate. The dealer advised he was unfamiliar with the failure and was unable to offer a remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 1,100. Updated 06/21/10 the consumer stated the back ground of the gauges on the instrument panel were black and the pointers and numbers were red. In dull light and at night, with the panel lights on, everything was visible. However, as day light became brighter, the ability to read the instrument panel became difficult. The consumer stated the problem is not electrical, however this is the closest component we have to describe the instrument panel. I also chose structure as a component as well, as it May just be a design issue. Updated 06/24/10.
I was shocked by electrical component on a rainy day on the driver side the electric component In the door panel were exposed to rain as all buttons to control lock and windows from driver side have sunk down a couple inches. This happened almost right away after I purchased pre-owned from Honda dealership in Corona. I took my Scion to Toyota of Ontario who said faulty electrical components had been replaced prior to my purchase and wasn't covered as a free replacement/repair item. I had to get recalled airbags replaced though and as a courtesy door panel was tightened up no exposed wires but it wasn't replacing melted parts either from direct sun exposure as the windshield is like a magnifying glass, amplifying the heat of the sun exponentially. The "courtesy fix" didn't last even 2months and being on disability and on a fixed income that expense hadn't been on the top of my list. …
Intermittent panel lights come on including battery,slip indicator,vsc,ABS and sometimes lose speedometer while driving. Has been going on for about a year. Have replaced battery and alternator. Dealership and several car repair places don't know what is going on. Also, one time at night while driving, the headlights would dim intermittently. The car mechanics say that my car is tracking good. I have 175,441 miles on my Scion. Sometimes everything is fine for days, then lights will blink or stay on for an extended amount of time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Scion xB years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (34), 2006 (12), 2005 (11), 2009 (9) and 2004 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Scion xB electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Scion xB model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Scion xB electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (4 mentions), followed by the ignition › switch (1).
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.