Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 Scion XB. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the contact observed an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated that on several occasions while inspecting the engine oil, the contact became aware that the oil level was low, and oil was added to the vehicle. The oil warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Scion xB. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced severe oil consumption. The oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the vehicle was consuming a lot of oil. The contact spoke to north hollywood Toyota (4606 lankershim blvd, north hollywood, ca 91602) where they acknowledged that the failure was a known issue however, there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Scion XB. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light would illuminate approximately 1,000 miles prior to the next scheduled oil change. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light recently illuminated less than a month after the previous oil change; 2,500 miles prior to the next oil change. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that 4 quarts of oil was consumed prior to the next scheduled oil change and suggested that there was leak. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to Toyota Technical Service Bulletin Number: SB0024-11R2. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. …
Recall id 287614-my vehicle was involved in an accident on 1/10/2019 for failure to stop due to brakes. My car ran a red light and hit another vehicle in the intersection. Both cars were totaled and removed from the scene by a tow truck. I received a notification in the mail in April 2019 3 month after my accident regarding the recall id #287614, I have since contacted Toyota and the refused to compensate me for my loss. They have tried to relocate my car for inspection but the insurance company who has possession of my car after the accident, no longer has it. I have not fully recovered from this accidently finically and I was looking to have Toyota to help me compensate me for my loss. The money I did get from the insurance company went towards the remaining balance of my loan and I was not able to use it towards another vehicle. …
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Scion xB years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (42), 2009 (25), 2005 (10), 2012 (9) and 2006 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Scion xB engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (5 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (3).
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.