YearToAvoid

2005 Scion XA Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

50/100

#2 most-complained of 3 XA years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Scion XA has 40 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #2 highest of 3 XA model years. The most reported problem area is airbags (14 complaints, 35% of the total). Complaints report 13 crashes and 12 injuries.

Complaints
40
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
13 / 0
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
30
27 city / 34.5 hwy

Top 2005 Scion XA problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags14 (35%)
  2. Engine7 (18%)
  3. Visibility & Wipers6 (15%)
  4. Brakes5 (13%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (13%)
  6. Electrical System4 (10%)
  7. Steering3 (8%)
  8. Fuel System2 (5%)
  9. Structure & Body2 (5%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (3%)
2005 Scion XA complaints: complaints filed per month7Apr 2005Oct 2005Aug 2009Dec 2012Apr 2015Jul 2016Nov 2018
50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2005 to Mar 2022; peak Feb 2010 (7).

2005 Scion XA recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V776000Nov 1, 2018Airbags16,992 vehicles

    Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

    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.

  2. NHTSA 10V036000Feb 3, 2010Other153,418 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    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.

2005 Scion XA fuel economy and fuel cost

City
27 MPG
Highway
34.5 MPG
Combined
30 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,150
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other XA years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict5040230
2006No verdict10071530
2007No verdict002—

All Scion XA years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Scion XA a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Scion XA ranks #2 of 3 among XA model years (Complaint Index 50/100). It has 40 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Scion XA?
The most reported problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), engine (7 complaints), and visibility & wipers (6 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 37,200 miles.
Does the 2005 Scion XA have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Scion XA, most recently reported 2018, covering airbags and other.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Scion XA?
EPA rates the 2005 Scion XA at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.