2008 Scion XD recalls and problems

The 2008 Scion XD has 5 safety recalls and 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Scion dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
67
Crashes / fires
8 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Scion XD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Scion XD recalls

Recall 14V-169: Seats

Reported Apr 9, 2014 · 472,388 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 22, 2005, through May 12, 2010, and 2008-2010 Scion xD vehicles manufactured April 4, 2007, through May 12, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the springs used for the seat rails on the driver's seat and the seat rails of the front passenger seat of three-door models may break.

Risk: If the spring breaks, the seat may not lock in position. In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat could move increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat rail, and replace it with a new one, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 12V-491: Visibility

Reported Oct 10, 2012 · 2,519,424 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

Recall 10V-035: Equipment

Reported Feb 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected · GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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. 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.

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.

Recall 09V-338: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 27, 2009 · 95,705 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 scion xd and my 2009-2010 corolla, and corolla matrix vehicles equipped with 1.8l engine and originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. When driving under certain unique conditions in extremely low ambient temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become blocked due to the freezing of condensation resulting from positive crankcase ventilation.

Risk: This could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will install a newly designed intake air connector which will relocate the brake system vacuum port. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on september 21, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2008 Scion XD problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes19
Suspension11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10
Vehicle Speed Control9
Electrical System7
Air Bags6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)6
Seats5
Steering3
Seat Belts3
Wheels3
Engine3

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 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 2008 Scion XD complaints

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

Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 18, 2026
This complaint is about other cars affecting me while I’m driving at night. Around 50% of oncoming traffic is using dangerously bright headlights. It is so bright that it’s physically painful to my eyes and leaves a blind spot in my field of vision that lasts for several minutes after each encounter. The head lights are so bright that when highbeams are switched off manually, there is barely a difference. They are so bright when they are NOT on high beams that the turn signals are very difficult or literally impossible to see. Some amount of vehicles are using automatic highbeams that do…
Suspension · reported Sep 26, 2023
The rear axel beam on the vehicle cracked on the drivers side. It separated at a weld and caused the entire wheel assemble to lean inward (extreme negative camber) and rub against the wheel well. Fortunately I was off the highway when the incident occurred and barely made it safely to my work place. If this had happened at a greater speed I fear for what may have happened to myself and others. It is UNKNOWN if this problem has been reproduced in other circumstances. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. It was inspected by an independent service provider (mechanic). It is…
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 86,000 miles · reported Sep 13, 2020
My warning lights on the dash are coming on and causing the car to lock up, jerk, and stall while in motion in slower speeds usually when at a street sign and going into a turn, a stop light also going into a turn on main hwys and worse of all in neighborhoods prior to my getting to the hospital. I'm not in good health and go for testing and treatment regularly. Plez help I know y'all are aware of this thing but it's not a recall yet. Plez fix my car. I'm on disability due to cancer.
Suspension · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 28, 2020
Noticed right rear tire was leaning inward. Found the rear axle assembly cracked. We then had it welded and checked the other side. Nothing was visible, but was informed that assembly could be rusting from inside out. Several weeks later, while traveling the highway, car started making noise and had a hot tire smell. Pulled over and left rear tire had leaned in and cut the tire all the way around. Left side had also cracked. We feel toyota should replace the entire rear of our car.
Seats · reported Sep 4, 2018
The contact owns a 2008 scion xd. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v169000 (Seats). The contact called an unknown dealer and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Other Scion XD years

Compare all Scion XD years · All Scion models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Scion XD have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2008 Scion XD: 14V-169 (seats), 12V-491 (visibility), 10V-035 (equipment), 10V-036 (equipment), 09V-338 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Scion XD?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (19 reports), followed by suspension (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 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.