Research · Subcompact Cars
2012 Scion XDRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2012 Scion XD. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and air bags (2). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Scion XD as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2012 – Mar 2020
- Electrical system2
- Air bags2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
2 reports
“MY BATTERY WENT DEAD WHILE I WAS AT WORK AS I HAD LEFT THE LIGHTS ON. WHEN IT WAS TIME TO GO HOME, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB. THERE WAS ONE PLACE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MANUALLY AND IT WAS THE DRIVER DOOR. I UNLOCKED THAT AND REACHED OVER TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOOR. I REACHED BACK TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS FROM THE INSIDE AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT. I FIND THIS A HUGE SCARY SAFETY PROBLEM. WHAT IF I WOULD HAVE HAD CHILDREN IN SAFETY SEATS IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED.”
Air bags
2 reports2 crashes1 fire
“I WAS THE DRIVER AND ONLY PASSENGER OF MY 2012 SCION XB WHEN I WAS TBONED IN THE DRIVER DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS HIT HARD ENOUGH THAT THE CAR LOOKS ALMOST BENT IN HALF AND IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. EVEN THOUGH I WAS HIT SO HARD, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL. THE DOOR WAS CRUSHED IN ON ME AND I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, BROKEN COLLAR BONE, FRACTURED EYE SOCKED, CHEEK AND JAW. ALSO LACERATED CHEEK AND EYE LID. I ALSO NOW HAVE A DAMAGED LEFT EYE WITH BLURRED VISION AND PAIN AND NERVE DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE WHICH IS NOW NUMB. THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND PREVENTED MY INJURIES. I AM AFRAID THAT SOME OF MY INJURIES ARE PERMANENT. WHEN I WAS HIT I WAS IN MOTION TURNING LEFT ON A CITY STREET.”
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION XD. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE POLICE AND INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS PREGNANT AND SUSTAINED CHEMICAL INHALATION FROM THE EXPLOSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE POLICE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK EXPLODED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| xD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Scion XD as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2012 XD questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Scion XD have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Scion XD problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), air bags (2), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Scion XD get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Scion XD at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026