2005 Scion xA
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 15 of 40 complaints (38%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 14 in 2004 to 40 in 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2005 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,100 | 2,100 | 2,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 30 | 30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 27 / 34 | 27 / 34–35 | 27 / 34–35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 296 | 296 | 296 | |
| Complaints filed | 14 | 40 | 71 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 13 | 13 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 12 | 8 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Scion xA have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Scion xA?
Airbags & Restraints: 15 of 40 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Scion xA get?
EPA rates it 30 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Scion xA?
EPA estimates $2,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 27 mpg | 35 mpg (high) | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 296 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 27 mpg | 34 mpg (low) | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 296 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 15 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 18V776000 · Nov 6, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V036000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL · Campaign 07E005000 · Jan 19, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN ROSTRA CRUISE CONTROLS, P/NOS. 00012-X0486-01, 00015-X0486-01, 00012-X0486-21, 00016-79910, 00016-79910-01, AND 250-1755, INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2006-2007 GULF STATES TOYOTA AND SOUTHEAST TOYOTA SCION VEHICLES AND ALSO SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT. THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ON/OFF SWITCH IS PRESSED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Consequence: FAILURE TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL FREE OF CHARGE. ROSTRA WILL NOTIFY PURCHASERS OF THE ATERMARKET CRUISE CONTROLS AND REPLACE THE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ROSTRA AT 910-291-2538.