YearToAvoid

2005 Scion XB Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

70/100

#4 most-complained of 11 XB years

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

The 2005 Scion XB has 92 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 70 out of 100 — #4 highest of 11 XB model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is structure & body (29 complaints, 32% of the total). Complaints report 15 crashes, 1 fire, and 13 injuries.

Complaints
92
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
15 / 1
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
28.5
27 city / 31.5 hwy

Top 2005 Scion XB problems

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

  1. Structure & Body29 (32%)
  2. Engine20 (22%)
  3. Visibility & Wipers16 (17%)
  4. Airbags15 (16%)
  5. Electrical System13 (14%)
  6. Brakes9 (10%)
  7. Seat Belts5 (5%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
  9. Fuel System3 (3%)
  10. Other3 (3%)
2005 Scion XB complaints: complaints filed per quarter102005 Q22007 Q12009 Q12010 Q32012 Q12013 Q42015 Q32018 Q3
117 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2005 Q2 to 2024 Q4; peak 2010 Q1 (10).

2005 Scion XB recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Other271,417 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

    Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

    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. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

2005 Scion XB fuel economy and fuel cost

City
27 MPG
Highway
31.5 MPG
Combined
28.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,275
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 XB years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Caution7092128.5
2006Avoid80253528
2007No verdict1033—

All Scion XB years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Scion XB a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Scion XB ranks #4 of 11 among XB model years (Complaint Index 70/100, verdict: Caution). It has 92 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Scion XB?
The most reported problem areas are structure & body (29 complaints), engine (20 complaints), and visibility & wipers (16 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 59,000 miles.
Does the 2005 Scion XB have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 Scion XB, most recently reported 2010, covering other.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Scion XB?
EPA rates the 2005 Scion XB at 28.5 MPG combined (27 city / 31.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,275. 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.