Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2013 Scion XB with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 7
Against the median year of the Scion XB. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
63.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% 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 2013 Scion XB
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
421.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,000 mi
Electrical System
421.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 87,938 mi
Engine & Cooling
421.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 41,500 mi
Other & Unspecified
210.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 82,502 mi
Brakes
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,500 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
15.3%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 876 mi
Lights
15.3%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Body & Structure
15.3%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
323.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
215.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
215.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.7%
150,000+ miles
215.4%
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.
Apr 2014peak 4Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Scion XB
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2013 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019008376,282 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201852439 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with the accessory Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Brake Kit, the stainless steel braided front brake hoses could fatigue over time, causing them to leak. A sudden brake fluid leak could result in longer braking distances, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will the remove the TRD Brake Kit and replace it with a standard equipment brake kit for that vehicle model.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Perth Amboy, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On April 22, 2022 the car burst into flames while parked in a supermarket parking lot at 1000 US Route 1, Edison, New Jersey. Fortunately I was not in it at the time but the car was a total loss. There were no warnings ahead of time.
NHTSA complaint #11478134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
ENGINE
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,500 milesSalem, MACrash
AIR BAGS
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).
NHTSA complaint #10627300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,500 milesSalem, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #10627300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 41,500 milesLos Angeles, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Scion XB. The contact stated while her daughter was driving or idling, the driver noticed an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 41,500.
NHTSA complaint #11741808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFlorence, AZ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11641161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Fork, CA
ENGINE
This is a known issue with the 2013 Scion xB and several other models that use the same 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine. A number of Scion owners have reported excessive oil consumption, where the vehicle burns off or consumes engine oil faster than it should. This causes low oil levels which may lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in time. The problem is most noticeable on vehicles with high mileage or older models, as oil consumption can increase over time. In some cases, the excessive oil consumption could be a result of an oil leak, but more commonly, it's due to an engine problem. Possible reasons could include worn piston rings, faulty PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve, damaged valve seals or oil sludge build-up. The excess oil is burnt off during combustion, leading to low oil levels. Scion (and Toyota, Scion’s parent company) has acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty on some models to cover the repair of the oil consumption problem. The repairs generally involve the replacement of the pistons and piston rings. But due to my vehicle being over the mileage limit Toyota refuses to fix it
NHTSA complaint #11559534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarpon Spring, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car is using a quarter of oil additional every 3000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11524217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perth Amboy, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On April 22, 2022 the car burst into flames while parked in a supermarket parking lot at 1000 US Route 1, Edison, New Jersey. Fortunately I was not in it at the time but the car was a total loss. There were no warnings ahead of time.
NHTSA complaint #11478134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elburn, IL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11418123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elburn, IL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11418123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesElburn, IL
AIR BAGS
DRIVERS DOOR AIR BAG HARNESS HAS AN OPEN CODE. PART # 82152-12L23. SAME PROBLEM THST TOYOTA HAS WITH RECALLED VENZA. TOYOTA WANTS OVER $1,000 TO FIX. AIR BAG LIGHT ON ALL OF THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11415634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesElburn, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVERS DOOR AIR BAG HARNESS HAS AN OPEN CODE. PART # 82152-12L23. SAME PROBLEM THST TOYOTA HAS WITH RECALLED VENZA. TOYOTA WANTS OVER $1,000 TO FIX. AIR BAG LIGHT ON ALL OF THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11415634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasanton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT!! I JUST WANTED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS SCION AND VIN DOESN'T APPLY TO THIS MODEL. CAN THIS RECALL (18E091) NOTICE BE TAKEN OFF PLEASE?
NHTSA complaint #11397707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
ENGINE
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 876 milesMission Viejo, CACrashFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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?????? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11164937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,502 milesPalm Beach Gardens, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL MY WINDSHIELD, THE FRONT WINDOW, CRACKED ON ITS OWN THE FIRST TIME I EVER DROVE THE CAR WHERE IT WAS LIGHTLY SNOWING. IT MADE A HUGE BANG AND A CRACK IN A SHAPE OF J HAPPENED AND HALF AN HOUR LATER AGAIN A HUGE SOUND LIKE BANG AND A LINE RIGHT ACROSS THE MIDDLE APPEARED.
NHTSA complaint #11150657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBakersfield, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALLS STATIONARY....
NHTSA complaint #11020134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,500 milesSalem, MACrash
AIR BAGS
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).
NHTSA complaint #10627300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,500 milesSalem, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #10627300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesPoughkeepsie, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND LUBRICATED THE LOCK. THE REMEDY FOR THE TRUCK FAILED TO REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BAR BEHIND THE BUMPER ASSEMBLY WAS CROOKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,800.
NHTSA complaint #10577326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesPoughkeepsie, NY
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SCION XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND LUBRICATED THE LOCK. THE REMEDY FOR THE TRUCK FAILED TO REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BAR BEHIND THE BUMPER ASSEMBLY WAS CROOKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,800.
NHTSA complaint #10577326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.