Research

2003 Scion XBRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2003 Scion XB. Most complaints involve tires (1).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 2006
Owner complaints
1
Top: tires
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Exterior lightingReported Jul 17, 2006NHTSA 06E064000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Exterior lightingReported Jun 29, 2006NHTSA 06E060000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2008 – Aug 2008
  1. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each XB model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20031
2006253
2008339
2009140
201154
201245
201314
20149
20156
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Tires

1 report
“A COOPER LIFELINER TOURING TIRE WITH LESS THAN EIGHT THOUSAND MILES ON IT (PURCHASED APP. EIGHT MONTHS AGO) FAILED ON MY WIFE'S CAR. NO PUNCTURE, NO SIGN OF TREAD DAMAGE, BUT THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE BURST OPEN. THERE WAS NO IMPACT WITH ANY OBJECT OR CURB, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT AROUND 50 MILES PER HOUR. TIRE INFLATION AND ROAD CONDITION WERE OPTIMAL. NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. TIRE SIZE: 185/60 R15 DOT CODE: DOT UT 90 C53 2806. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2008TiresODI 10239204
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Scion XB as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2003 XB questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Scion XB have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2003 Scion XB problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026