2005 Scion Xa problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (10) · Vehicle Speed Control (4) · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Scion Xa model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
27 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (2)
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module 2018-11-01 · campaign 18V776000 · 16,992 vehicles
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Toyota Scion xA vehicles. The air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system (SRS ECU) may experience an internal short, possibly causing the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or become deactivated.
Risk: If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners unintentionally deploy, it can increase the risk of a crash. If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners are deactivated, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SRS ECU, and if necessary, replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0W.
Equipment:other:labels 2010-02-03 · campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
Defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Service bulletins (42)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2015-05-26 · S-SB-0015-14 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
sb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix procedures described in individual service bulletins. this bulletin details the techstream ecu flash reprogramming process and
Engine 2015-05-26 · S-SB-0015-14 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
sb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix procedures described in individual service bulletins. this bulletin details the techstream ecu flash reprogramming process and
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner 2015-05-13 · S-SB-0005-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ssb: the procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. refer to the applicable repair manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2015-05-13 · S-SB-0005-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ssb: the procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. refer to the applicable repair manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
Equipment 2015-04-10 · S-SB-0023-11 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ssb: when servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and th
Equipment:electrical 2015-04-10 · S-SB-0023-11 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ssb: when servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and th
Showing the 6 most recent of 42 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-03-30 · Air Bags“the air bag light has been trigger on and won't go off. nov 1, 2018 if the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners unintentionally deploy, it can increase the risk of a crash. if the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners are deactivated, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.…”
2019-08-16 · Engine · 100,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 scion xa. while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shook and the driver felt a vibration coming from the engine. in addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the contact drove to herrin-gear toyota (6100 interstate 55 north frontage rd, jackson, ms 39211, (601) 391-6346) where it was diagnosed that the camshaft …”
2019-04-16 · Air Bags“the airbag indicator light came on and will not go off…”
2018-11-02 · Air Bags · 166,000 mi“i am an older gal with no car...my daughter gave me her car so i could take my 95 year old mom around. one day the airbag light came on. i took it in and the man said it would be $700.00. i don't have any extra money. today i saw the takata airbag recall on television. i called toyota..they said mine was not on the list. just because it w…”
2018-06-20 · Vehicle Speed Control · 118,000 mi · 💥 crash“i was pulling into a parking space, going slowly. all of a sudden, the car accelerated. it jumped the curb, took out a trash can, passed between 2 steel poles (meant to protect the building), took out a tree, hit the building, finally stopping at another tree. i was trying to brake the whole time but the car would not stop. i remember the enti…”
2017-09-06 · Air Bags · 118,000 mi“the airbag light is on or lighted all the time…”
2017-08-28 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“last friday another car hit up and air bag never up…”
2016-07-26 · Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly · 120,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 scion xa. while driving approximately 60 mph, the entire sun roof exploded including the glass frame. the contact pulled over to the side of the road. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. …”
2016-04-07 · Air Bags · 100,000 mi“airbag indicator light has been on for a few years. vehicle has never been in an accident. was told dealership wouldn't cover to repair & that i must've been involved in an accident & that as long as the light is on that my airbags would not deploy if in a wreck. what a shame since i did pay extra for side curtain airbags when vehicle bought. can'…”
2015-09-17 · Air Bags · 117,920 mi“on september 9, 2015 after starting the car at a store - the airbag light (srs light) came on and stayed on . the owners manual said to contact toyota immediately or take the car in to a dealer. i called stevinson toyota/scion in aurora, co where the car was purchased 10 years ago. the first available service appointment was in two days on 9/11/15.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.