NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Scion Xb.
24 mpg combined
9.8 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Scion xB has 6 recalls, the most serious being a Takata passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue spans multiple campaigns, some of which are geographically targeted at vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana, where moisture accelerates the degradation that causes the inflator to rupture. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why several separate campaigns exist covering overlapping model years. The real-world risk in every case is the same: a passenger-side airbag that deploys with too much force, turning the inflator housing into a source of metal shrapnel directed at whoever is seated in the front passenger seat.
The remaining recall covers the power window master switch on the driver's door. Moisture and debris can work their way into the switch contacts if the lubricant protecting them breaks down, leading to an internal short circuit. When that happens, the switch assembly can overheat and melt, which raises the risk of a fire starting inside the door panel. Owners may notice the window switch feeling warm to the touch or see discoloration around the switch before any melting occurs, though the problem can develop without obvious warning.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or entire air bag assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window master switch may have inconsistent grease lubrication on its sliding electrical contacts, potentially causing the switch to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the switch and apply lubricant if needed, or replace the circuit board if abnormalities are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.