Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2008 Scion XB
The 2008 Scion xB has a mixed reputation, with 339 owner complaints and 9 NHTSA recall campaigns. Significant issues center on airbag recalls and visibility problems. While there are numerous complaints regarding various systems, the data is not vastly extensive, making it advisable to conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2008 Scion XB has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 339 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V741000 Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E091000 Brake Hose may Rupture Causing Loss of Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V006000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V340000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V491000 Power Window Master Switch may Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V035000 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V036000 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V223000 INCORRECT GVWR LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V451000 FMVSS 113/PRIMARY HOOD LATCH SYSTEM NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 132 complaints
- Visibility 45 complaints
- Steering 37 complaints
- Engine 35 complaints
- Electrical System 34 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 20 complaints
Of the 339 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 339 complaints, owners report 24 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator recalls
How to check: Verify recall repair completion for airbags
Power window issues
How to check: Test all power windows for function
Steering complaints
How to check: Check for unusual steering noises or stiffness
Engine complaints
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal noises from engine
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for smooth operation and idle
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness
Red flag: Spongy or weak brake response
- 04
Straight road
What to check: Ensure steering is precise and straight
Red flag: Car drifts or pulls to a side
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Listen for wind noise or vibrations
Red flag: Excessive wind noise or shakes
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check for ease of steering
Red flag: Hard to steer or noisy
- 07
Turning corners
What to check: Check for suspension noise or feel
Red flag: Clunking or bouncing feel
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been fixed?
- Any known electrical issues?
- What recent maintenance was done?
- Are service records available?
- Any history of accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmation
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle title
- Accident history report
- Service records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2008 Scion XB at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2008 Scion XB? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.