Owners filed 40 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
03720037,200 milesMedian miles at failure
27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2005 Scion XA problems
13 of the 40 complaints (33%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
11
3
0
5
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
3
2
0
1
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
2
0
0
0
Tires
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
2
0
0
0
Electrical System
2
2
0
1
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
2
1
0
1
Wheels › Rim
1
0
0
0
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
1
0
0
0
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior
1
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module18V776000
Filed Nov 1, 201816,992 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC
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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Jan 18, 20072,934 vehiclesRostra Precision Controls, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL FREE OF CHARGE. ROSTRA WILL NOTIFY PURCHASERS OF THE ATERMARKET CRUISE CONTROLS AND REPLACE THE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ROSTRA AT 910-291-2538.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 2022CA
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.
Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2019100,000 milesMS
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 POSITION SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 16, 2019TN
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF
Air Bags
Filed Nov 2, 2018166,000 milesCA
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 WASN'T ON THE RECALL LIST....WHO IS TO SAY THIS AIRBAG ON THIS SCION IS NOT TAKATAS FAULT TOO. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME.....IF THERE ARE AIRBAG PROBLEMS ON ALL THESE TOYOTA'S.......WHY WOULD NOT MINE BE INCLUDED...I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND WITH IT LIKE THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE AN EXTRA $700.00 TO FIX IT. CAN'T THERE BE SOMETHING DONE TO HELP ME OUT........THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME...... I WAS JUST DRIVING AROUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. YES...USE THIS EMAIL ADDRESS TO ALERT ME OF ANY RECALLS.FRON THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION...THANK YOU....(I HAD TO PUT THIS HERE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT LET ME CHECK YES. BELOW)
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 20, 2018118,000 milesOR
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 ENTIRE INCIDENT. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAD HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES PREVIOUSLY BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR AT THE TOW LOT, MY SON AND I COULD SEE THAT THE FRAME WAS BENT SO I GAVE IT TO THE TOW LOT FOR THE COST OF TOW FEES. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED BEYOND ACHES AND PAINS. I KEPT THINKING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THEN I DECIDED TO CHECK PAST PERFORMANCE AND FOUND THAT THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE A GOOD RECORD. WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT THIS CRAPPY CAR.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2017118,000 milesNV
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON OR LIGHTED ALL THE TIME
Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Aug 28, 2017PA
LAST FRIDAY ANOTHER CAR HIT UP AND AIR BAG NEVER UP
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jul 26, 2016120,000 milesMO
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.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2016100,000 milesTX
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'T REMEMBER IF CAR WAS MOVING WHEN LIGHT CAME ON. LOVE THIS CAR. HAS 230K + MILES BUT AFTER READING OTHER COMMENTS ON SAME ISSUE I WILL BE CONSIDERING SOMETHING OTHER THAN TOYOTA FOR NEXT VEHICLE
Air Bags
Filed Sep 17, 2015117,920 milesCO
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. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM MIGHT BE IF I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY BUT THIS DID NOT ALLEVIATE MY CONCERNS SO I DID NOT DRIVE UNLESS NECESSARY. AT THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $185 TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT EVEN THOUGH I INSISTED THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR OUT TOYOTA REPLACED A SPIRAL CABLE AND CHARGED ME $585 TOTAL. I AGAIN INSISTED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND COVERED BY TOYOTA, BUT AGAIN WAS DENIED. WHEN I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR THIS ISSUE I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON AND RECURRING PROBLEM FOR SCIONS (ESPECIALLY THE SPIRAL CABLE). LATER I CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY TO PLEAD THE CASE FOR MAKING THIS A SAFETY/WARRANTY ITEM I WAS TOLD BASICALLY - TOUGH LUCK - THE CAR HAD MORE THAN 50, 000 MILES AND OLDER THAN 5 YEARS. I BELIEVE TOYOTA IS WRONG ON THIS AND BECAUSE OF THE HUGE PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS ON THEIR CARS THEY SHOULD CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY. AS A SIDE NOTE - WHILE DRIVING WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON - MY W
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 24, 2015189,000 milesGA
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, VEHICLE SPEED WAS 45 MPH. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. SWERVED TO MISS HITTING A DEER, SPUN OUT AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT. POINT OF IMPACT WAS DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND NOTHING, NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 29, 201514,020 milesAZ
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL CABLE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN THAT HAD "FAILED". THIS IS THE PART THAT CONTROLS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I ASKED IF THE COMPANY (TOYOTA) WOULD ASSIST WITH THE REPLACEMENT, AND WAS TOLD "NO. SOME JUST FAIL. THAT'S PART OF OWNING A CAR." THE PART IS ON ORDER, AND THE REPAIR IS GOING TO COST $530 - $300 FOR THE PART, $100 LABOR AND $130 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. ALL THIS FOR A PART THAT "_FAILED_" THIS HAPPENED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND I WAS _NOT_ IN AN ACCIDENT OF ANY SORT, NOR DID I CONTRIBUTE TO ITS FAILURE. THIS PART _FAILED_- WONDERING IF THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND WHAT ASSISTANCE TOYOTA WILL GIVE ME. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 2014NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering
Filed Jul 3, 2014110,000 milesFM
WE HAVE CHANGED THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE WHEEL SHAFT BEARINGS 5 TIMES. THE BEARINGS LAST ABOUT 5000 MILES THEN HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 20, 2013CA
THE POWER WINDOWS ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY BREAK DOWN EASILY. CANNOT USE THE WINDOWS BECAUSE THEY DON'T WORK. THE COST TO REPLACE EACH WINDOW MOTOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND NOT AFFORDABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 14, 201289,200 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CONTINUE TO HIT THE SWITCH IN ORDER TO GET THE WINDOW TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,200.
Tires
Filed Jul 29, 2010FL
IN JUNE WHILE GETTING OFF THE EXIT TO GO HOME I WAS GOING AT 25 MHP ANF THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE AND I TOTALLY LOST CONTROL HITTING THE EXIT SIGN. I GOT THE CAR REPAIRED AND 2 MONTHS LATER ON THE INTERSTATE I WAS DOING 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE. STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, WHEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLOW OUT AND CAUSE THE LOST OF CONTROL, SPIN 3 TIMES AND CRASHING INTO THE GUIDE RAIL. THE AIRBAGS NEVER OPEN AND THE FRONT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR WERE DESTROYED. *TR
Service Brakes, ElectricCrash
Filed Jun 16, 201045,000 milesNY
MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT INVOLVING HER 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. SHE APPLIED BRAKES AS SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK. SHE TRIED AGAIN AND THE CAR KEPT GOING. SHE THEN TRIED TO "PUMP" THE BRAKE TO NO AVAIL. THE RESULT WAS THAT SHE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER TOTALING HER CAR. IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKES NOT WORKING, THE DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT "LOCK". *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 23, 2010100 milesFL
I OWN A 2005 SCION XA MODEL AND WHEN DRIVING ON DIRT ROADS THAT ARE DRY OR WET FROM RAIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS WHEN STOPPING. AS APPLYING THE BRAKES COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND SPEED OF 20MPH, THE BRAKE ANTILOCK , I THINK? MAKES A RELEASE NOISE AND THE PEDAL IN THE MAX HOLE POSITION THE CAR KEEPS MOVING AND INTO THE INTERSECTION I AM STOPPING AT. THE BRAKES RETURN TO NORMAL WHILE COMING ON TO THE ASPHALT ROAD I AM CROSSING. I'VE LEARNED TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN COMING TO STOP ON DIRT ROAD AND HAVE FOUND I CAN NOT APPROACH THE STOP SIGNS AT SPEEDS OVER 10MPH FOR THE LAST 50 FEET TO STOP POSITION. IT DOES THIS ON DRY DIRT ROADS AND WET DIRT ROADS SOMETIMES ON ASPHALT. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 22, 2010CO
GAS PEDAL PROBLEM. MY GAS PEDAL HAS STUCK MULTIPLE TIMES. I DO NOT HAVE THE FREE MOVING FLOOR MATS. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE EARLY 2005. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS SHORTLY THEREAFTER. IT STICKS ONLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED (UP TO 65 MPH) ON HIGHWAY. NEVER AT LOWER SPEED IN TOWN. IT HAS PROBABLY STUCK UP TO TEN DIFFERENT TIMES. OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN PASSING ANOTHER CAR. NO CRASHES, YET. I HAVE MANAGED TO GET IT UNSTUCK EACH TIME, HOWEVER IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY. NOTHING DONE TO FIX IT. SCION SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. *TR
Service Brakes, AirCrash
Filed Feb 17, 201065 milesNJ
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING A 2005 SCION XA DOWN A PRIVATE DIRT ROAD WHEN A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF HER - SHE SWERVED TO MISS THE DEER AND HIT BRAKES. AT THE TIME SHE SAID THAT THE CAR DIDN'T BRAKE BUT SEEMED TO SPEED UP. THE CAR ROLLED. *TR
Fuel System, GasolineCrash
Filed Feb 14, 201030,000 milesFL
IN JUNE 2009 I WAS COASTING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA ACCELERATED, DROVE OVER A PARKING BUMPER, PLOWED INTO A SMALL TREE AND DROVE INTO A BRICK WALL. THE BRAKES FAILED AND WERE TOTALLY USELESS. I HAD MY CAR TOWED, TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS, LIKE MY OWN, WITH THE SCION. THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT I MUST HAVE HIT THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKES. THEY ASSURED ME THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM BUT UNLESS IT HAPPENS WHILE THEY WERE WORKING ON IT, THEY COULD DO NOTHING. I WROTE TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES IN TORRANCE, CA IN SEPTEMBER 2009 DESCRIBING MY CONCERNS AND NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE. SINCE THIS INCIDENT, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE THE ENGINE HAS RACED ON ITS OWN. ALSO, VERY OFTEN WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT SEEMS TO FEEL LIKE IT IS "STICKING" AND/OR NOT GETTING THE MESSAGE THAT IT IS TIME TO GET INTO GEAR AND GO FORWARD. *TR
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Feb 11, 2010CO
DRIVER AIRBAG RELEASED GAS AND SMOKE. I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO BUMPS, DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. GAS AND SMOKE WAS SO BAD THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET OUT OF THE CAR FOR AIR. DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH AIRBAG. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 4, 20101,199 milesCA
I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME BRAKE ISSUE WITH MY 2005 SCION (TOYOTA) XA AT LEAST TWICE, AS REPORTED ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING ABOUT THE TOYOTA PRIUS. I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT @ SUNRISE BLVD AND FOLSOM BLVD. AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I WAS GOING OVER A COUPLE OF SETS OF TRAIN TRACKS. THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE I WAS PROPELLED FORWARD WHEN I HIT THE TRACKS INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN. IT LASTED ONLY A SECOND BUT SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME! I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WROTE IT OFF LIKE IT WAS JUST MY IMAGINATION OR SOMETHING TILL I SAW THE NEWS. NOW MY WIFE IS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I WARNED HER TO MAKE SURE SHE APPLIES THE BRAKES BEFORE ANY TRAIN TRACKS, AND TOLD HER I WOULD REPORT IT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT HER SAFETY. DOES THIS VEHICLE HAVE THE SAME BRAKING SYSTEM OR FLAW? PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ADVISE. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 12, 200968,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGGRESSIVELY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN. THE PEDESTRIAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $2,500. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/16/09
Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Jun 17, 200935,000 milesFL
ON JUNE 15, 2009 I WAS PARKING MY 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA IN MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED AND THE ENGINE RACED AND TOOK OFF OVER THE BUMPER INTO THE WALL. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR BECAUSE THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES THEY JUST WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. LUCKILY I WAS NOT HURT BUT MY CAR IS A MESS. WHEN I EXPLAINED THE INCIDENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED AND WOULD CHECK OUT THE CAR AFTER THE BODY WORK IS DONE AND THE CAR BECOMES DRIVABLE AGAIN. THANKFULLY I DIDN'T INVOLVE ANY OTHER VEHICLES AND MY GRANDCHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME. AFTER READING OF ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH A TOYOTA TC, THAT INCIDENT FAR WORSE THAN MINE, I FELT I NEEDED TO LET THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT THIS IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN THAT NOT AND JUST NOT SOMEONE MISTAKING THE GAS PEDAL FOR THE BRAKES. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jun 9, 200937,200 milesVA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THE HOUSING AROUND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER IN THE ENGINE FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS EMISSIONS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,200.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 24, 200942,500 milesFL
TL*-THE CONTACT OWN A 2005 TOYOTA SCION XA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN HER FRONT WHEEL WENT OFF THE ROAD AND AS SHE STEERED HER VEHICLE BACK ON TO THE ROAD SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER FOUR TO SIX TIMES AND HER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD HEAD INJURIES AND WHIP LASH. THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS WEARING HER THE SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELT WAS NEVER SERVICED. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,500 UPDATED 05/15/09 *BF UPDATED 05/18/09.*JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Dec 25, 2005NJ
THE TOYOTA COROLLA SPORT 2005 HAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER. THERE IS A PROLONGED CRANKING PROBLEM AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO TAKE MY CAR BACK AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED ABOUT 6 TIMES AND WHEN I WENT INTO ARBITRATION, I LOST. I HAVE BEEN A TOYOTA CUSTOMER FOR 10 YEARS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE COMPANY AND I WILL NEVER BUY FROM TOYOTA AGAIN BECAUSE THEY DO NOT VALUE VALUED CUSTOMERS. *NM
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 22, 20053,000 milesAZ
AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A HEAD-ON COLLISION. MY CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH WHEN STRUCK BY A 1/2 TON PICKUP TRUCK COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I SUSTAINED A SEVERE NECK STRAIN(WHIP LASH). *JB
Seats › Mid/Rear AssemblyCrash3 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2005OH
WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN MY TOYOTA PRIUS. THE ACCIDENT ACTUALLY INVOLVED 2 COLLISIONS. THE FIRST COLLISION WAS INTO A SEMI. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE CAR SPUN AROUND AND CAUSED A SECOND COLLISION AS WE HIT THE GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. MY GRANDDAUGHTER (10 YRS OLD) WAS SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER. EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS BUCKLED UP, SHE WAS THROWN TO THE FLOOR SERIOUSLY INJURING HERSELF. THE LOCKING MECHANISM WHICH IS SUPPOSE TO HOLD THE BACK OF THE REAR SEAT IN ITS UPRIGHT POSITION (WHERE SHE WAS SITTING AS A PASSENGER) BROKE FROM THE IMPACT. CONSEQUENTLY, AS THE BACK OF THE SEAT CAME DOWN ON HER BACK AT SUCH A CRUCIAL TIME DURING THE STRONG IMPACT, THE CHILD WAS THROWN FORWARD, ARMS UP, AND SHE WAS PUSHED DOWN AND OUT OF THE SEAT BELT AND ONTO THE FLOOR. FORTUNATELY, SHE SURVIVED. ALTHOUGH, IT IS NOT CERTAIN AS YET WHETHER SHE WILL REQUIRE SURGERY TO HER ORBITAL BONE AND PLASTIC SURGERY DUE TO A LACERATION ON HER FACE. *JB
Tires
Filed Oct 4, 200524,732 milesRI
PREMATURE TIRE WEAR - FAILED ROAD INSPECTION ALL FOUR RUNFLAT TIRES AT 24,000 MILES COULDN'T BRING UP VEHICLE FOR A TOYOTA SIENNA 2005 ALL WHEEL DRIVE WITH DUNLOP RUNFLAT TIRES. ALL 4 TIRES NOT USABLE AT 24,000 MILES DUNLOP P225/60R17 DSST RUNFLAT TIRES. *JB
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Sep 26, 20057,800 milesMN
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA AVALON. ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR. WENT FOR A PRETTY FAST RIDE, KICKED IT A COUPLE OF TIMES, AND THEN IT DID A NOSE DIVE. AFTER THE CONTACT GOT VEHICLE STARTED IT STOPPED, IT WAS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE WAS 7,800 . NO CRASHES WERE REPORTED . NO POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED. *AK
Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 6, 20056,500 milesNY
ON AUGUST 20, 2005 I WAS PARKING MY SCION TC 2005 IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR TOOK OFF AS IF IT WERE POSSESSED. I TRIED TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITH MY STEERING WHEEL, AND AVOIDED HITTING MY HOUSE AND MY BASKETBALL POLL. SLAMMING THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, AND EVENTUALLY THE CAR HIT A TREE IN MY BACKYARD. I SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES, INCLUDING CHEST CONTUSION, AND MULTIPLE FRACTURES IN MY LEFT HAND. MY DAUGHTER CALLED 911, THE POLICE ARRIVED AND I WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. SINCE THEN I HAD TWO SURGERIES DONE, OF WHICH THE OUTCOME IS PENDING. SINCE I AM AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN I AM UNABLE TO WORK. I HAVE NOTIFIED TOYOTA SCION PERSONNEL AND THEY WILL INSPECT THE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN TO A YARD, SINCE THE CAR IS TOTALED. A SIMILAR EPISODE HAD HAPPENED WITH THE SAME CAR INVOLVING MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING. THE CAR SUDDENLY TOOK OFF ON THE BQE, AND HIT THE MEDIAN. AT THE TIME, I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN. I RECOMMEND ALL SCION TC'S TO BE CHECKED OUT FOR SIMILAR DEFECTS; SO THAT INJURIES TO OTHERS AND DEATH CAN BE AVOIDED. *NM
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Sep 1, 2005299 milesTN
COMPLAINT-2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER: UNSAFE OPERATION THIS VEHICLE HAS A "FLY BY WIRE" COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT IS CAUSING HAZARDOUS UNEXPECTED ENGINE STUMBLING, ENGINE HESITATION AND ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE CANNOT ALWAYS BE EASED INTO TRAFFIC AND ON ONE OCCASION WHEN MERGING INTO INTERSTATE TRAFFIC THE ENGINE RACED AND DOWN SHIFTED SO VIOLENTLY THAT THE PASSENGERS THOUGHT WE HAD BEEN HIT FROM THE REAR. AN INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL(AT 70 MPH). THE ENGINE RACED,DOWN SHIFTED AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD BEFORE IT COULD BE CONTROLLED. ALSO, WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE, WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, I MOVED INTO THE PASSING LANE: THE ENGINE RACED, DOWNSHIFTED AND REFUSED TO ACCELERATE. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED HAD THE DRIVER FOLLOWING NOT BEEN ALERT. ENGINE SPEED CAN VARY AND SHIFTING CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. WHEN ENTERING A GARAGE OR PARKING SPACE THE DRIVER MUST KEEP FIRM PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SINCE THE VEHICLE MAY DECIDE TO CHANGE ENGINE SPEED AND MOVE FORWARD. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER CAN TAKE CONTROL OF THE TRANSMISSION, THROTTLE AND BRAKING UNDER COMPUTER ANTICIPATED ROLLOVER CONDITIONS. IMAGINE THE DRIVER'S HORROR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT TO FIND THAT HE IS NO LONGER IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE MET WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER REPRESENTATIVES, TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR(THREE TIMES ON RECORD), TAKEN TEST DRIVES WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA TECH AND THE TOYOTA DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER AND WRITTEN E-MAILS TO THE TOY
Tires › SidewallCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 200511,700 milesPA
ON A ROAD DOING 50 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE. STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, WHEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLOW OUT AND CAUSE THE LOST OF CONTROL, CRASHING INTO THE GUIDE RAIL. THE CAR IS NOW IN THE BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *JB
Wheels › Rim
Filed Aug 1, 2005IL
ENKEI WHEEL RIM BENT AND TIRE AND WHEEL NEED TO BE REPLACED. CAR NOT IN ACCIDENT AND I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE VALVE BEFORE AND THE DEALER FIXED IT. I ALSO HAD A DEFECTIVE TIRE REPLACED A FEW MONTHS EARLIER. I THINK THIS WAS DEFECTIVE TOO, BUT NOW I HAVE TO PAY 465. TO FIX. *NM
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed May 31, 2005300 milesSC
DT: CONSUMER STATES: HEAD REST IS TOO BIG AND THE BACK WINDSHIELD IS TOO SMALL. WHEN CHANGING LANES OR LOOKING TO BACK OUT THE LITTLE SPOT IN THE MIDDLE ONE CAN SEE THROUGH. ITS REALLY A PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. *AK
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior
Filed May 17, 2005NY
INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR INTRUDES ON MY LINE OF SIGHT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, BLOCKING VIEW OF CARS AND PEDESTRIANS APPROACHING AT THAT ANGLE OF SIGHT.
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 25, 2005CA
DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN MAKES VERY LOUD, LOW-PITCH NOISES INSIDE THE CAB THAT ARE SOMEWHAT PAINFUL TO THE EARS AND HEAD. SOMETIMES IT'S WHEN THEY ARE ALL FULLY OPEN OR AT DIFFERENT LEVELS WITH DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OPEN OFF THE FOUR. IT'S VERY HARD TO HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN COMFORTABLY AND NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. *AK
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Nov 1, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.