NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

3.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,200 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Scion xB engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Scion xB Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 272015

xB

  • 94,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 1st thing I noticed after starting my car after work was the heater was blowing cold air, even after 4 miles on the road (2 lane road - 40 mpg). About 4 miles further on (freeway - 60+ mph), I noticed a thin grey cloud behind me, but the evening mists were evident, so I wasn't sure at first if it was coming from my car. I checked the temperature gauge which showed flat cold - unusual! I checked my rearview mirror again, maybe 200 yds later, and there was a paler grey cloud following me. I checked the instrument panel again and there were no warning lights showing. About 200-500 yards farther, the vsc light came on, the traction control light came on and another light that is not shown in the owner's manual started blinking: The symbol was a car with a recycle arrow inside the body. I took it to mean that the controls were acknowledging the heater wasn't working (the symbol is the same as "air intake selector" on the heater/air conditioner controls). I felt that I still had good control over the steering; it was a clear evening and the road was dry, so I felt I could get home safely (2 miles). The car was running quite rough when I got home and there was what seemed to be steam coming from the front quadrant on the passenger side. The dealer says the water pump failed, causing the engine to overheat, so now the engine needs to be replaced ($6800). Why did the warning lights and temperature gauge not let me know the engine was overheating"???? or why did the water pump suddenly fail?? no warning lights to indicate failure of a critical part!!!!!?"!. (car has been regularly maintained, all recommended service performed by certified mechanics). No sign that the water pump was leaking prior to this incident.

- Ukiah, CA, USA

problem #4

Feb 012012

xB

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion Xb. The contact stated that the oil warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that there was a defect in the motor. As a result, the engine would have to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #3

Mar 292012

xB

  • miles
This vehicle had a lot of issues, first the front passenger seat belt fail 12/26/09 Toyota fixed/replaced now 4/3/12 discovered oil is burning to the point the oil light came on. Checked oil no oil show on oil dipstick then went to autozone bought the oil and topped it off 4/3/12. Before this both rear wheel bearings fail worn out. Replaced both sides cost almost $900 just parts alone. I've never own a new car before that has so much issues like this one. This vehicle is poorly made and Toyota should do something about this. Is this mean I will have to topped off my vehicle every other week or change my rear bearing and hubs every 50-70 miles or sooner" this is ridiculous and this is not Toyota it used to known for. I own Honda/Acura and Nissan never have this problem before. Not even once and have the vehicle more than 5-7 years already. Now my rear door/trunk don't want to open like there is time delay or some type. Why aren't Toyota warn people of the know issues or fixed it before they sell it"

- Rosemead, CA, USA

problem #2

Dec 082011

xB 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Scion Xb. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was advised that the pistons in the engine were not retaining oil as it should. The dealer made repairs to the piston assembly. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered to pay for the part and the contact would have to cover the labor costs. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 02/03/12 updated 02/10/12

- Temple City, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 212008

xB

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Scion Xb. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle "puttered" as if it would stall. The vehicle would not move when the accelerator pedal was depressed and nearly caused a crash. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The issue occurred a total of five times and the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions. On the first visit, the dealer replaced the engine harness. On the second visit, they moved the coils around and then replaced the coils during the third visit. None of the repairs remedied the failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 11,000 and failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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