The Lemon Index
201020122nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 17,017 in the U.S. in 2011 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 5 complaints in its first 3 years.
Better years to buy
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2011 Honda Fit 222011 Nissan Versa 332011 Hyundai Accent 23
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V741000 (airbags), 19V005000 (airbags) and 18E091000 (brakes) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Scion sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Some 2007 2010 model year tc and 2008 2015 model year xb vehicles equipped with the 2az-fe…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Scion's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 5 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 5.8M views · 2008–2015 Scion xB
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical206K views
Fusible Link, 2010 Scion xB, Remove Replace, Main Alternator Fuse, Disassemble Fuse Relay Box, BlockBryce Drennan · 76K views · 9 videos - Transmission & shifter125K views
How to Check the Automatic Transmission Oil Level on a 2009 Scion XBElecktro fe2 · 43K views · 4 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils87K views
2009 SCION XB SPARK PLUG CHANGE/MAINTENANCEHigh Island DIY · 35K views · 4 videos - Brakes & ABS68K views
2008-2015 Scion XB Rear Brakes Pads and Rotor Replacement DIYValley Mobile Automotive · 29K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Gauges, lights & wiring68K views
How to replace head light bulb on scion xB 2008 and moreRB The Mechanic · 22K views · 5 videos - Death wobble & steering65K views
2008 SCION XB: HOW TO REPLACE the POWER STEERING ECMAmanita Recording · 52K views · 2 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door64K views
How to Replace Cabin Air Filter 2009 Scion xB | AQ1102Filterheads · 51K views · 3 videos - Starter, alternator & belts41K views
Scion xB idler and tensioner pulley removal tips (2nd gen) 2008-2015swish · 13K views · 5 videos
Before you buy, watch
Scion XB 2nd gen 2008 to 2015 common problems, defects, issues, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 65K views
Overview of the 2012 Scion XB, Reliability, & Recalls.Witchauto · 22K views
Top 5 Problems Scion xB Hatchback 2008-2015 2nd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 14K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2011 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Scion told dealers about
Scion sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2007 2010 model year tc and 2008 2015 model year xb vehicles equipped with the 2az-fe…
- There has been some concern with 3 piece piston ring installations for 2az-fe engines
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Airbags · recall issued 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- Airbags · recall issued 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Brakes · recall issued 2018
Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
Show all 6 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Visibility · recall issued 2015
During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
- Equipment · recall issued 2013
These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight ad.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Scion xB year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 6 Scion xB years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2011 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/scion-xb/?y=2011" title="Scion xB reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/scion-xb/2011/">Lemon Index</a> (2011 Scion xB reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2011 Scion xB reliable?
We can't score it: only 17,017 were sold in the U.S. in 2011 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2011 Scion xB problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (40%), brakes (20%) and body structure (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Scion xB have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Scion xB get?
24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2011 Scion xB have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Scion xB cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Scion xB have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Scion xB year is better than the 2011?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works