The most-reported xB run is JTLKE50E881 (2008 builds) with 30 complaints, 5.9× the typical run. Air bags problems make up 36% of reports; 2008 is the worst model year at 11.2 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for xB model years 2004–2015.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Scion xB has 177 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 16% of every xB complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JTLKE50E881•••••• | 2008 | 1 | — | |
| JTLKE50E281•••••• | 2008 | 5 | 1 | |
| JTLKE50E781•••••• | 2008 | 3 | — | |
| JTLKE50E381•••••• | 2008 | 1 | — | |
| JTLKE50E081•••••• | 2008 | 1 | 1 | |
| JTLKE50E581•••••• | 2008 | 1 | 1 | |
| JTLKE50E181•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| JTLKE50E481•••••• | 2008 | 3 | 1 | |
| JTLKE50EX81•••••• | 2008 | 1 | 1 | |
| JTLKT324964•••••• | 2006 | 2 | — | |
| JTLKE50E681•••••• | 2008 | 3 | 1 | |
| JTLKE50E981•••••• | 2008 | 3 | 1 |
Each of the other 165 xB runs has 18 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Scion xB the gap between build years is 8×: a 2008 car draws 11.2 complaints per run, a 2014 one 1.4.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 7 | 5 | — | |
| 2013 | 13 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 43 | 18 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 52 | 13 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 49 | 12 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 126 | 16 | 11 | |
| 2008 | 292 | 26 | 27 | |
| 2006 | 208 | 26 | 17 | |
| 2005 | 70 | 39 | 13 | |
| 2004 | 31 | 19 | 6 |
Heaviest year here is 2008 at 11.2 complaints per run; lightest is 2014 at 1.4.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 36% of everything Scion xB owners report: Air Bags, 320 of 898 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 44 | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | 2 | |
| Engine | 5 | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 23 | 1 | |
| Structure | 10 | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 12 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 21 | — | |
| Steering | 5 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 22 recall campaigns on the Scion xB; the 6 below cover build years 2005 to 2015. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 18E091000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2008–2015 |
| 19V005000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2010–2015 |
| 19V741000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2008–2012 |
| 10V036000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2006–2010 |
| 10V035000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2005–2010 |
| 16V340000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2008–2011 |
How serious were they
Of the 898 reports on the Scion xB, 9.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Scion xB | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 898 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 88 (9.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 18 (2%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 67 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 69% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Scion xB share of that is 898 complaints over 177 runs, 0.08% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Scion xB VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 898 NHTSA complaints from 177 xB runs and 22 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which xB production run has the most complaints?
JTLKE50E881, a 2008 build, with 30 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical xB run has 5.1.
Which xB years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2008 is heaviest at 11.2 complaints per run and 2014 lightest at 1.4.
How many xB complaints involve a crash?
9.8% of 898 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 18 involved a fire.
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