2005 Scion XA recalls and problems

The 2005 Scion XA has 2 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Scion dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
40
Crashes / fires
13 / 0
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Scion XA vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Scion XA recalls

Recall 18V-776: Air Bags

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 16,992 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-036: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags14
Visibility5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Electrical System4
Tires3
Steering3
Seats2
Service Brakes, Air2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Wheels1
Power Train1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Wheels › Rim — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Scion XA complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Mar 30, 2022
The air bag light has been trigger on and won't go off. Nov 1, 2018 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.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 118,000 miles · reported Jun 20, 2018
I was pulling into a parking space, going slowly. All of a sudden, the car accelerated. It jumped the curb, took out a trash can, passed between 2 steel poles (Meant to protect the building), took out a tree, hit the building, finally stopping at another tree. I was trying to brake the whole time but the car would not stop. I remember the entire incident. This unintended acceleration had happened 3-4 times previously but I was able to stop. After inspecting the car at the tow lot, my son and I could see that the frame was bent so I gave it to the tow lot for the cost of tow fees. Fortunately I…
Visibility · at 120,000 miles · reported Jul 26, 2016
The contact owns a 2005 scion xa. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the entire sun roof exploded including the glass frame. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Air Bags · at 100,000 miles · reported Apr 7, 2016
Airbag indicator light has been on for a few years. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Was told dealership wouldn't cover to repair & that I must've been involved in an accident & that as long as the light is on that my airbags would not deploy if in a wreck. What a shame since I did pay extra for side curtain airbags when vehicle bought. Can't remember if car was moving when light came on. Love this car. Has 230k + miles but after reading other comments on same issue I will be considering something other than toyota for next vehicle
Air Bags · at 117,920 miles · reported Sep 17, 2015
On september 9, 2015 after starting the car at a store - the airbag light (Srs light) came on and stayed on . The owners manual said to contact toyota immediately or take the car in to a dealer. I called stevinson toyota/scion in aurora, co where the car was purchased 10 years ago. The first available service appointment was in two days on 9/11/15. The service representative said that the only problem might be if I got into an accident and the air bag might not deploy but this did not alleviate my concerns so I did not drive unless necessary. At the dealer they told me that I would have to pay…

Other Scion XA years

Compare all Scion XA years · All Scion models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Scion XA have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Scion XA: 18V-776 (air bags), 10V-036 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Scion XA?

Owners report air bags problems most often (14 reports), followed by visibility (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,200 miles.

Are Scion recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Scion dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.