2005 Scion Xa: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Scion Xa: 2 recalls, 40 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #10V036000 · 2010 · 153,418 vehicles
What's wrong: 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Why it matters: A driver May overload a vehicle which May increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V776000 · 2018 · 16,992 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Speed control / throttle Equipment recall #07E005000 · 2007 · 2,934 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Failure to release the throttle when the cruise control is turned off could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (14): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6), warning light on (4).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2005 Scion Xa has 40 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 4 Xa model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 31). Complaints peaked in 2005 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 37,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (14 complaints, 1 recalls), 2006 (71 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Scion Xa.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Scion Xa have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Scion Xa, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Scion Xa problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (14), visibility (wipers, glass) (5), speed control / throttle (5).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Scion Xa get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Scion Xa repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.