Owners have filed 47 complaints
about the 2004 Scion XB with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Scion XB. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Scion XB
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
817.0%
5 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,500 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
714.9%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Body & Structure
612.8%
Median failure at 73,606 miles
Electrical System
612.8%
Median failure at 65,455 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
48.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 130,593 mi
Seat Belts
36.4%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,000 mi
Brakes
36.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,000 mi
Equipment & Accessories
24.3%
Doors, Latches & Locks
24.3%
Median failure at 130,425 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
24.3%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
12.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
12.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Wheels
12.1%
Engine & Cooling
12.1%
Median failure at 132,533 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
413.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1034.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
620.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
517.2%
150,000+ miles
26.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2004peak 4Jan 2025
Recalls on the 2004 Scion XB
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E005000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
CERTAIN ROSTRA CRUISE CONTROLS, P/NOS. 00012-X0486-01, 00015-X0486-01, 00012-X0486-21, 00016-79910, 00016-79910-01, AND 250-1755, INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2006-2007 GULF STATES TOYOTA AND SOUTHEAST TOYOTA SCION VEHICLES AND ALSO SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT. THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ON/OFF SWITCH IS PRESSED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Risk: FAILURE TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
06E023000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Luis Río Colorado, COCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle belongs to a sex trafficker involving minors
NHTSA complaint #11636809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Luis Río Colorado, COCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The vehicle belongs to a sex trafficker involving minors
NHTSA complaint #11636809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFalls Village, CTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 SCION XB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. HE TRIED THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT STOP OR EVEN SLOW THE CAR DOWN. HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE ACCELERATION WAS TURNING THE IGNITION OFF. THIS MORNING WHEN THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR STARTED THE CAR, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN RACING, AND HE QUICKLY SHUT IF OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10515993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesNewport News, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HEAD ON COLLISION AT 35 MPG - NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10331192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitman, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
NUMEROUS TIMES MY 2004 TOYOTA SCIONXB REQUIRED ME TO SOMETIMES PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT DUE TO THE ENGINE RACING. WHEN I TOLD TOYOTA SERVICE ABOUT IT, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. JUNE 1, 2005 APPROACHING A KIDS PLAYGROUND AREA AT 30MPH, I PUT ON BRAKES AS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE BRAKE DID NOT HOLD, I HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD OF ME , I BRAKED AGAIN AND HIT THE CAR AGAIN. NO DAMAGE TO THE OTHER CAR BUT I WAS CITED FOR A MAJOR ACCIDENT, 1ST ONE IN 50 YRS OF DRIVING INCLUDING 15 AS A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER. I ALWAYS BELIEVED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT WITH THE BRAKES AND WITH THE CURRENT TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEMS I BELIEVE THE SCION XB SHOULDN'T BE IGNORED. I NEVER FELT SAFE AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND GOT RID OF IT.
NHTSA complaint #10319445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
MOTHER SUFFERED FROM COSTOCHONDRITIS AS A RESULT OF THE EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR IN 2004 TOYOTA SCION XB NOT LOCKING WHEN VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THIS CAUSED HER CHEST TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL, INJURING THE RIBS AND CARTILAGE ON THE FRONT OF THE CHEST.
NHTSA complaint #10313984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Luis Río Colorado, COCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle belongs to a sex trafficker involving minors
NHTSA complaint #11636809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Luis Río Colorado, COCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The vehicle belongs to a sex trafficker involving minors
NHTSA complaint #11636809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesOverton, NV
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AM WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUMPY COUNTY ROAD. NO ERROR CODE. UNABLE TO RESET. VEHICLE MILEAGE RIGHT AT 150K.
NHTSA complaint #11193962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SCION XB. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (LARRY MILLER TOYOTA, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 505-545-8699) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11047435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesClaremont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND OUR INTENTION IS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK AND CAUSE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS TO BE LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR. CANNOT MANUALLY UNLOCK THE CAR FROM THE INSIDE, BUT RATHER, HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOW, REACH OUTSIDE THROUGH THE WINDOW AND INSERT KEY IN THE OUTSIDE DOOR LOCK, AND THEN CAUSE UNLOCK FROM THE KEY OUTSIDE. PUT ASIDE THE FACT THAT IF WE DROPPED THE KEY OUTSIDE WHILE REACHING THROUGH THE WINDOW FROM THE INSIDE, WE WOULD BE WROUGHT WITH MORE PROBLEM - THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS THAT WE CANNOT ESCAPE THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DUE TO THE DOOR LOCK PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11006447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Milford, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, WILL NOT GO OFF. HAVE TO TAKE IT TO REPAIR SHOP SO IT CAN BE FIXED FOR A TIME. SO IT WILL PASS INSPECTION WITH LIGHT OFF. SOON AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MANY YEARS. CAR WAS IN MOTION, STARTING CAR, DRIVING CAR, FORWARD AND BACKING UP. LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. MECHINIAC CANT FIND WHAT IS WRONG. DRIVING CAR ON STREET OR HIGHWAY, UP HILL OR ON FLAT STREET.
NHTSA complaint #10950464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesWellesley, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SCION XB. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VSC, ABS, AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT
NHTSA complaint #10933859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,213 milesOakdale, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE OPENING REAR HATCH THE HANDLE PULLED OFF. NO UNDUE PRESSURE WAS USED, IT LITERALLY JUST PULLED OFF INTO MY HAND AS I ATTEMPTED TO SIMPLY OPEN THE DOOR. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR YEAR & MODEL SCION , THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SCION/TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PART WITHOUT A SUBSTANTIAL CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10764633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,455 milesMarina, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAVE INCREASINGLY BECOME A PROBLEM. FIRST, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING AND NOW HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THEN THE SAME HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR, WHICH HAS TO BE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED MANUALLY. FINALLY, THE DRIVER'S DOOR HAS ON THREE OCCASIONS, LOCKED ME IN, FORCING ME TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE MY KEY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I'VE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN W/ ANY OF THE OTHER VEHICLES I'VE OWNED.
NHTSA complaint #10700650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesWaterbury, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SCION XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH HANDLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE HATCHBACK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #10661600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,850 milesStafford, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SCION XB. WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH, THE GARNISH LATCHING ATTACHMENT FRACTURED AND CREATED SHARP PLASTIC EDGES. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE REAR HATCH DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,850.
NHTSA complaint #10597660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFalls Village, CTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 SCION XB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. HE TRIED THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT STOP OR EVEN SLOW THE CAR DOWN. HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE ACCELERATION WAS TURNING THE IGNITION OFF. THIS MORNING WHEN THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR STARTED THE CAR, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN RACING, AND HE QUICKLY SHUT IF OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10515993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMarina, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
LIFTGATE HANDLE / LIGHT FIXTURE HOUSING BROKE AND SEPARATED FROM THE LIFTGATE, HANGING BY THE WIRE; I HAD TO TAPE IT IN PLACE IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE PART DANGLING AND KNOCKING AGAINST THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE / OBSCURING THE LICENSE PLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10502010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesWildwood Crest, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE REAR DOOR LATCH HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND AFTER TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO. I REPLACED THE PART AT THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF ALMOST $300. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN IN NOV. 2012. IT IS A HIGH STRESS PART THAT IS HELD ON BY 2 VERY SMALL CHEAP PLASTIC BRACKETS.
NHTSA complaint #10486253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesWildwood Crest, NJ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE REAR DOOR LATCH HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND AFTER TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO. I REPLACED THE PART AT THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF ALMOST $300. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN IN NOV. 2012. IT IS A HIGH STRESS PART THAT IS HELD ON BY 2 VERY SMALL CHEAP PLASTIC BRACKETS.
NHTSA complaint #10486253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
REAR HATCH HANDLE ON 2004 SCION XB CONTINUES TO BREAK OFF. HAD IT REPLACED JUNE 5 2009 AND IT BROKE OFF AGAIN MARCH 2012. THE ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10459821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
EQUIPMENT
REAR HATCH HANDLE ON 2004 SCION XB CONTINUES TO BREAK OFF. HAD IT REPLACED JUNE 5 2009 AND IT BROKE OFF AGAIN MARCH 2012. THE ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10459821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
China, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IT HAD RAINED EARLIER IN THE DAY, BUT BY THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THE RAIN HAD BEEN OVER FOR A FEW HOURS. I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH, AND I REACHED A HILL IN THE ROAD, AND I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE MY MOMENTUM. I THEN EASED OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DIDN'T EASE UP WITH ME. INSTEAD, IT KEPT GOING DOWN. I TRIED THE BRAKES. THEY WERE LOCKED UP. AFTER SEEING ALL THE HORROR STORIES OF TOYOTA'S FLOOR MATS, I IMMEDIATELY RIPPED MY FLOOR MAT OUT FROM UNDER MY FEET AND THREW IT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP THE HILL. I TRIED THE BRAKES AGAIN. NOTHING. THEN I REACHED DOWN, AND TRIED TO PULL THE GAS PEDAL UP. I PULLED AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT THE PEDAL STAYED STUCK. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY FEET TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS NOT ACCIDENTALLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BUT I WAS NOT. BY THIS POINT IN TIME, MY CAR HAD INCREASED ITS SPEED FROM THE 35 MPH TO 65 MPH. AS I CRESTED THE TOP OF THE HILL AND RAN THROUGH A STOP LIGHT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES WITH ALL MY STRENGTH. IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH FROM THE 65 MPH IT HAD BEEN AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. I, THEN, SLIPPED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND CONTINUED PRESSING ON THE BRAKES, WHICH WERE STILL FIGHTING ME. THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AS IF I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY PRESSED DOWN ON THE GAS. BY THE TIME I WAS 20 FT AWAY FROM ANOTHER INTERSECTION AND A RED LIGHT IN MY DIRECTION AND A GREEN LIGHT FOR THE CROSS-FLOWING TRAFFIC, I MANAGED TO GET MY CAR DOWN TO 10 MPH. I HAD NO TIME. I COULD EITHER FORCE IT INTO PARK OR GO SWIFTLY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN THE INTERSECTION. SO I PUT IT IN PARK, BUT EVEN IN PARK THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF I STILL HAD MY FOOT PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE ONLY THING THAT GOT THE ENGINE TO STOP REVVING WAS TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT EVEN THEN THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO GO FOR ANOTHER 10 TO 15 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10450412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
China, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
IT HAD RAINED EARLIER IN THE DAY, BUT BY THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THE RAIN HAD BEEN OVER FOR A FEW HOURS. I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH, AND I REACHED A HILL IN THE ROAD, AND I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE MY MOMENTUM. I THEN EASED OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DIDN'T EASE UP WITH ME. INSTEAD, IT KEPT GOING DOWN. I TRIED THE BRAKES. THEY WERE LOCKED UP. AFTER SEEING ALL THE HORROR STORIES OF TOYOTA'S FLOOR MATS, I IMMEDIATELY RIPPED MY FLOOR MAT OUT FROM UNDER MY FEET AND THREW IT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP THE HILL. I TRIED THE BRAKES AGAIN. NOTHING. THEN I REACHED DOWN, AND TRIED TO PULL THE GAS PEDAL UP. I PULLED AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT THE PEDAL STAYED STUCK. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY FEET TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS NOT ACCIDENTALLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BUT I WAS NOT. BY THIS POINT IN TIME, MY CAR HAD INCREASED ITS SPEED FROM THE 35 MPH TO 65 MPH. AS I CRESTED THE TOP OF THE HILL AND RAN THROUGH A STOP LIGHT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES WITH ALL MY STRENGTH. IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH FROM THE 65 MPH IT HAD BEEN AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. I, THEN, SLIPPED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND CONTINUED PRESSING ON THE BRAKES, WHICH WERE STILL FIGHTING ME. THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AS IF I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY PRESSED DOWN ON THE GAS. BY THE TIME I WAS 20 FT AWAY FROM ANOTHER INTERSECTION AND A RED LIGHT IN MY DIRECTION AND A GREEN LIGHT FOR THE CROSS-FLOWING TRAFFIC, I MANAGED TO GET MY CAR DOWN TO 10 MPH. I HAD NO TIME. I COULD EITHER FORCE IT INTO PARK OR GO SWIFTLY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN THE INTERSECTION. SO I PUT IT IN PARK, BUT EVEN IN PARK THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF I STILL HAD MY FOOT PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE ONLY THING THAT GOT THE ENGINE TO STOP REVVING WAS TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT EVEN THEN THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO GO FOR ANOTHER 10 TO 15 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10450412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
WHEELS
WHEELS: PREMATURE TIRE WEAR (PRIOR TO TIRE MILEAGE WARRANTY) ALONG WITH UNEXPLAINABLE WARPING OF THE RIMS. TIRE BLOW OUT AND/OR HANDLING/STEERING ISSUES CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY HAZARDS, THEREBY PUTTING AN OWNER INTO A PHYSICAL DAMAGE SITUATION, AS WELL AS BY STANDERS. WIPERS: REAR WIPER FLUID DOES NOT SPRAY, STRAIGHT STREAM DOWN THE CENTER OF REAR WINDOW; WIPER BLADE DOESN'T CONTACT 'STRAIGHT' REAR WINDOW THEREBY DECREASING VISIBILITY WHICH IN TURNS INITIATES AND INTENSIFIES SAFETY/ACCIDENT HAZARDS, NOT TO MENTION DEFEATS THE NEED/USEFULNESS OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. FRONT WINDSHIELD: THE 'STRAIGHT' UP AND DOWN FORM CAUSES IT TO BE A CATCH ALL RATHER THAN AN AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR, ALLOWING THE WINDSHIELD TO BECOME A PHYSICAL HAZARD, WHEN AN OBJECT HITS IT WITH PENETRATING FORCE. THE SECONDARY ISSUE IS NUMEROUS WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS, WHICH MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT COVER THEREBY CAUSING RECURRING, AND TREMENDOUS, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON AN OWNER. REAR TAILGATE HATCH: BREAKS AND HANGS BY WIRING HARNESS ALONE, MAKING THE TAILGATE/REAR HATCH VIRTUALLY INACCESSIBLE AND UNUSABLE. THIS THEN BECOMES A NUISANCE FACTOR AS WELL AS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN AN OWNER WOULD NEED TO ACCESS AND REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE. SINCE LICENSE PLATE ILLUMINATION IS REQUIRED BY LAW, A BROKEN HATCH HANDLE CLEARLY PUTS AN OWNER IN VIOLATION OF THIS LAW, THEREBY CAUSING LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND EXCESS COST FACTORS WHEN HE OR SHE RECEIVES A TICKET FOR A NON-OPERATIONS TAG LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10447519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
WHEELS: PREMATURE TIRE WEAR (PRIOR TO TIRE MILEAGE WARRANTY) ALONG WITH UNEXPLAINABLE WARPING OF THE RIMS. TIRE BLOW OUT AND/OR HANDLING/STEERING ISSUES CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY HAZARDS, THEREBY PUTTING AN OWNER INTO A PHYSICAL DAMAGE SITUATION, AS WELL AS BY STANDERS. WIPERS: REAR WIPER FLUID DOES NOT SPRAY, STRAIGHT STREAM DOWN THE CENTER OF REAR WINDOW; WIPER BLADE DOESN'T CONTACT 'STRAIGHT' REAR WINDOW THEREBY DECREASING VISIBILITY WHICH IN TURNS INITIATES AND INTENSIFIES SAFETY/ACCIDENT HAZARDS, NOT TO MENTION DEFEATS THE NEED/USEFULNESS OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. FRONT WINDSHIELD: THE 'STRAIGHT' UP AND DOWN FORM CAUSES IT TO BE A CATCH ALL RATHER THAN AN AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR, ALLOWING THE WINDSHIELD TO BECOME A PHYSICAL HAZARD, WHEN AN OBJECT HITS IT WITH PENETRATING FORCE. THE SECONDARY ISSUE IS NUMEROUS WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS, WHICH MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT COVER THEREBY CAUSING RECURRING, AND TREMENDOUS, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON AN OWNER. REAR TAILGATE HATCH: BREAKS AND HANGS BY WIRING HARNESS ALONE, MAKING THE TAILGATE/REAR HATCH VIRTUALLY INACCESSIBLE AND UNUSABLE. THIS THEN BECOMES A NUISANCE FACTOR AS WELL AS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN AN OWNER WOULD NEED TO ACCESS AND REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE. SINCE LICENSE PLATE ILLUMINATION IS REQUIRED BY LAW, A BROKEN HATCH HANDLE CLEARLY PUTS AN OWNER IN VIOLATION OF THIS LAW, THEREBY CAUSING LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND EXCESS COST FACTORS WHEN HE OR SHE RECEIVES A TICKET FOR A NON-OPERATIONS TAG LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10447519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
VISIBILITY
WHEELS: PREMATURE TIRE WEAR (PRIOR TO TIRE MILEAGE WARRANTY) ALONG WITH UNEXPLAINABLE WARPING OF THE RIMS. TIRE BLOW OUT AND/OR HANDLING/STEERING ISSUES CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY HAZARDS, THEREBY PUTTING AN OWNER INTO A PHYSICAL DAMAGE SITUATION, AS WELL AS BY STANDERS. WIPERS: REAR WIPER FLUID DOES NOT SPRAY, STRAIGHT STREAM DOWN THE CENTER OF REAR WINDOW; WIPER BLADE DOESN'T CONTACT 'STRAIGHT' REAR WINDOW THEREBY DECREASING VISIBILITY WHICH IN TURNS INITIATES AND INTENSIFIES SAFETY/ACCIDENT HAZARDS, NOT TO MENTION DEFEATS THE NEED/USEFULNESS OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. FRONT WINDSHIELD: THE 'STRAIGHT' UP AND DOWN FORM CAUSES IT TO BE A CATCH ALL RATHER THAN AN AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR, ALLOWING THE WINDSHIELD TO BECOME A PHYSICAL HAZARD, WHEN AN OBJECT HITS IT WITH PENETRATING FORCE. THE SECONDARY ISSUE IS NUMEROUS WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS, WHICH MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT COVER THEREBY CAUSING RECURRING, AND TREMENDOUS, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON AN OWNER. REAR TAILGATE HATCH: BREAKS AND HANGS BY WIRING HARNESS ALONE, MAKING THE TAILGATE/REAR HATCH VIRTUALLY INACCESSIBLE AND UNUSABLE. THIS THEN BECOMES A NUISANCE FACTOR AS WELL AS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN AN OWNER WOULD NEED TO ACCESS AND REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE. SINCE LICENSE PLATE ILLUMINATION IS REQUIRED BY LAW, A BROKEN HATCH HANDLE CLEARLY PUTS AN OWNER IN VIOLATION OF THIS LAW, THEREBY CAUSING LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND EXCESS COST FACTORS WHEN HE OR SHE RECEIVES A TICKET FOR A NON-OPERATIONS TAG LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10447519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesWoburn, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 2004 TOYOTA SCION XB USED FROM LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS THE SALES MEN TALK ME INTO GETTING THE EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY FOR $1400.00 SO I DID. A YEAR LATER I GO TO GET MY ANNUAL INSPECTION STICKER THE CAR WOULDN'T PASS I BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER THEY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDED A JUNCTION BLOCK, INSTRUMENT PANEL PART # 82732-52040, BUT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SO MUCH FOR BUMPER TO BUMPER,$92.00 TO DIAGNOSE AND $566.00 TO REPAIR ,OK REPAIRS GET DONE NOW IS TIME TO GET MY INSPECTION STICKER AGAIN AND GUESS WHAT SAME PROBLEM CALL THE DEALER THEY WANT ANOTHER $92.00 TO DIAGNOSE AND IF ITS THE SAME PART AGAIN THEY WANT ANOTHER $566.00 TO REPAIR I FEEL THIS IS UNJUSTIFIED.THE REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN MY STATE DEEM THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE AND WILL NOT ISSUE A STICKER BECAUSE THEIR COMPUTER CAN NOT COMUNICATE OR READ THE INFORMATION FROM MY VEHICLES ECM. I PERSONALY DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. MEAN WHILE I'M MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE ! P.S I DO HAVE THE OLD PART.THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10379493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,593 milesElizabeth City, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I PURCHASED A 2004 SCION XB FOR MY DAUGHTER IN JUNE 2009. SHE CAME HOME FROM WORK LAST NIGHT (JULY 17, 2010) AND WHEN SHE STOPPED HER SCION IN THE DRIVEWAY, WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE (JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN PARK), THE CAR ACCELERATED. SHE INSTINCTLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK IT, THE CAR WAS STILL IDLED UP WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10343855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,533 milesIndianapolis, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING POSTED SPEED ON INTERSTATE 71 SOUTHBOUND FROM CLEVELAND TOWARDS COLUMBUS OHIO, MY CAR DOWNSHIFTED BY ITSELF AND KEPT SLOWING DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO GET ON THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR HAD STALLED. I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR. IT WOULD CRANK NORMALLY BUT WOULD NOT START. I CHECKED ALL THE FLUIDS, THEY WERE AT OPERATING LEVELS. I PERFORMED A VISUAL CHECK UNDER THE CAR AND HOOD FOR FLUID LEAKS. THERE WERE NONE. I CALLED A NEARBY (40 MILES) TOYOTA DEALER WHO DISPATCHED A TOW TRUCK TO PICK US UP AND BRING THE CAR TO THEIR REPAIR CENTER IN DELAWARE OHIO. THIS OCCURRED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, AND AS OF THIS WRITING ALL THEY AT BYERS TOYOTA, SUSPECT IS A POSSIBLE ECM FAILURE. THEY ARE STILL TROUBLESHOOTING. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE THE CAR START AND RUN SUCCESSFULLY.
NHTSA complaint #10341759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.