NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,143 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.

2009 Scion xB electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2009 Scion xB:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2009 Scion xB Owner Comments

problem #9

Oct 142021

xB

  • miles

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

I was shocked by electrical component on a rainy day on the driver side the electric component In the door panel were exposed to rain as all buttons to control lock and windows from driver side have sunk down a couple inches. This happened almost right away after I purchased pre-owned from Honda dealership in Corona. I took my Scion to Toyota of Ontario who said faulty electrical components had been replaced prior to my purchase and wasn't covered as a free replacement/repair item. I had to get recalled airbags replaced though and as a courtesy door panel was tightened up no exposed wires but it wasn't replacing melted parts either from direct sun exposure as the windshield is like a magnifying glass, amplifying the heat of the sun exponentially. The "courtesy fix" didn't last even 2months and being on disability and on a fixed income that expense hadn't been on the top of my list. It's more than cosmetic and more than merely a nuisance, I was actually shocked. Not as badly as the time I was shocked by jumper cables when my battery died, which caused me to have a seizure and I am not epileptic. I believe it was not due to defect, but rather my lack of experience. Still the lock and windows are electric and should be available to operate by driver. To unlock the rear door when picking up kids from school, I must turn the ignition off or remove my seatbelt put car in park, engage the E Brake and reach way over and all the way back. It's annoying and what, God forbid I am involved in a terrible accident I cannot unlock car door or escape a flash flood by rolling down my window. These things worry me most. Even more than being electrocuted again the next time it rains.

- Eastvale, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 102019

xB

  • 174,000 miles
Intermittent panel lights come on including battery, slip indicator, vsc, ABS and sometimes lose speedometer while driving. Has been going on for about a year. Have replaced battery and alternator. Dealership and several car repair places don't know what is going on. Also, one time at night while driving, the headlights would dim intermittently. The car mechanics say that my car is tracking good. I have 175,441 miles on my Scion. Sometimes everything is fine for days, then lights will blink or stay on for an extended amount of time.

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #7

Sep 172015

xB

  • miles
Description the power window master switch may have been manufactured with insufficient lubricant grease and under certain conditions the switch may develop a short circuit that can cause the switch assembly to overheat and melt. A melting switch can produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire. Remedy Toyota sent out a notice in September of 2015 but still does not have a remedy for this issue.

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

problem #6

Mar 172009

xB

  • miles

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

1. defective air bag inflators manufactured my takata were installed when the vehicle was manufactured. Nothing has happened yet, however, the stability of the the air bags is unpredictable and puts passengers at risk until it is corrected. The inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to humidity and high temperature. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. 2. a power window master switch may melt. The electrical contacts are not protected by necessary lubricant which could lead to a short circuit and an increase the risk of fire.

- Keaau, HI, USA

problem #5

Nov 122013

xB 4-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
To much consumption of oil.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 092014

xB

  • 65,251 miles
Master window switch caught on fire, and unit and plastic was melted. Had to replace, only to find out this part was recalled for the same model number and year as mine, but my VIN did not match up. You may need to investigate further. Same issues the recall described, and may be more like me out there. NHTSA campaign id number: 12V491000 NHTSA action number: PE12002 component: Visibility:power window devices and controls.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #3

Mar 192014

xB 4-cyl

  • 46,000 miles

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

Our security system has started going off at random while we are driving down the hi way at 65 mph or when we are making a turn, the 4ways start flashing and the horn starts blowing, this is scary and can cause other cars to slow or stop behind us.

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #2

Feb 152009

xB

  • 10 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Scion Xb. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact noticed that the warning chime for the seat belt would not sound if the seat belts were unbuckled; he stated that it was not loud enough. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who told him that the vehicle was designed that way. The manufacturer had not been notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage was approximately 13,500.

- Butler, PA, USA

problem #1

Jul 172009

xB

  • 22 miles
I purchased a new 2009 Scion Xb on 17 July 2009. I immediately noticed the "warning buzzer" associated with key in ignition, seat belt warning, lights on, and door ajar was inaudible. I returned the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the "buzzer" was very quiet and there was nothing that could be done. The mechanic could not even find it. On 27 July 2009, I called Scion customer service and they informed me that the "warning buzzer" was indeed quiet and there was nothing they could do about it. I consider the 'warning buzzer" to be an important part of the safe operation of the vehicle and Scion's response was unwarranted.

- Waldport, OR, USA

Not what you are looking for?