Scion xB research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The xB is all about space: its tall, square body gives lots of headroom and a big, easy-to-load cargo area for a compact car. Every 2011-2015 xB uses a simple 158-hp 2.4L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, rated about 22/28 mpg. The 2011 refresh updated styling and the interior, and 2014 added a standard touchscreen. Check older engines for oil consumption.
Model years covered: 2011–2015. This file covers the 2011-2015 model years of the second-generation xB; 2008-2010 xBs share the same 2.4L powertrain but are outside the 2011-2026 window. The xB ended after the 2015 model year.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Very roomy cabin and headroom
- Large easy to load cargo area
- Simple proven toyota mechanicals
- Comfortable upright seating
- Toyota dealer service network
- Low purchase price
- Standard touchscreen 2014 2015
Things to know before you buy
- Modest fuel economy for its size
- 2.4 liter oil consumption check
- Only a 4 speed automatic
- Age related wear on older cars
- No modern driver assistance features
- No successor after 2015
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 2 (2008–2015)
The second-generation xB (2008-2015) grew larger than the original and switched to a 158-hp 2.4L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 2011 refresh brought new front and rear styling, a revised center gauge cluster and new seats; 2013 offered BeSpoke premium audio, 2014 made a 6.1-inch touchscreen standard with a 10 Series edition, and 2015 was the final year. This file covers its 2011-2015 years.
Buyer takeaway: Pick an xB for maximum space at a low price; a 2014-2015 is best equipped. Verify the oil level and consumption, cooling system and automatic transmission, and favor cars with service records.
Scion xB by model year
2015 Scion xB
The 2015 xB is the last one; it ended with no direct Toyota replacement. It keeps the 158-hp 2.4L four, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, standard 6.1-inch touchscreen and about 22/28 mpg, and is reported to add a standard backup camera (confirm on the car). As the newest xB, it suits buyers who want the most space for the money.
- Engines: 2.4 liter I4 158 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback wagon
What changed:
- Final US model year
- Standard backup camera reported verify by VIN
- Standard 6 1 inch touchscreen continues
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine oil consumption and level; Exhaust smoke or oil burning; Coolant leaks at water pump; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Suspension and tires; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and backup camera operation.
2014 Scion xB
For 2014 every xB got a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, and a limited 10 Series edition marked Scion's 10th anniversary. The 158-hp 2.4L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic carries over at about 22/28 mpg. A 2014-2015 xB is the better-equipped choice for buyers who want a simple, spacious wagon.
- Engines: 2.4 liter I4 158 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback wagon
What changed:
- Standard 6 1 inch touchscreen audio
- Limited 10 series anniversary edition
- Same 158 hp 2.4 liter powertrain
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine oil consumption and level; Exhaust smoke or oil burning; Coolant leaks at water pump; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Suspension and tires; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and bluetooth operation.
2013 Scion xB
The 2013 xB adds an available BeSpoke premium audio head unit with navigation and smartphone-app features, plus new colors; the 158-hp 2.4L four, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and roughly 22/28 mpg carry over. The tall, boxy body still gives the xB one of the roomiest cabins in its price range.
- Engines: 2.4 liter I4 158 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback wagon
What changed:
- Available bespoke premium audio with navigation
- New exterior color choices
- Same 158 hp 2.4 liter powertrain
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine oil consumption and level; Exhaust smoke or oil burning; Coolant leaks at water pump; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Suspension and tires; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
2012 Scion xB
The 2012 xB carries over the refreshed 2011 car: a roomy, upright five-seat wagon with a 158-hp 2.4L four, a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, and about 22/28 mpg. Fuel economy is modest for its size, but headroom and cargo space are excellent. Buy on condition and maintenance history, and check the oil level and consumption.
- Engines: 2.4 liter I4 158 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback wagon
What changed:
- Carryover from the 2011 refresh
- Same 2.4 liter and 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic
- Roomy boxy cabin unchanged
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine oil consumption and level; Exhaust smoke or oil burning; Coolant leaks at water pump; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Suspension and tires; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
2011 Scion xB
The 2011 xB is the refreshed version of the second-generation boxy wagon, with new bumpers, grille, headlights and taillights, a revised center-mounted gauge cluster and console, and new front seats. Power comes from a 158-hp, 162 lb-ft 2.4L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, rated about 22/28 mpg city/highway. Check the engine for oil consumption.
- Engines: 2.4 liter I4 158 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback wagon
What changed:
- New front and rear bumpers grille headlights and taillights
- Revised center gauge cluster and console
- New front seats and interior materials
- Same 158 hp 2.4 liter engine
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine oil consumption and level; Exhaust smoke or oil burning; Coolant leaks at water pump; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Suspension and tires; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- 2.4L Engine Oil Consumption (2011–2015)
The xB's 2.4L (2AZ-FE) four belongs to an engine family known for excessive oil consumption in some vehicles, often linked to piston-ring problems. Toyota ran a warranty enhancement program for certain 2AZ-FE vehicles that has since expired. Not every engine is affected, but low oil can cause serious damage.
What to do: Check the dipstick and ask the owner how often they add oil; a car that needs a quart every 1,000-1,500 miles deserves a closer look before purchase. - Water Pump and Cooling System Wear (2011–2015)
Water pumps on aging 2.4L engines can seep coolant. Look for dried residue near the pump, a falling coolant level or overheating. Any history of overheating deserves a careful check of the head gasket.
What to do: Check the coolant level and look for leaks; avoid cars with a history of overheating unless repaired properly. - Four-Speed Automatic Shift Quality (2011–2015)
Most xBs have a 4-speed automatic. It is a simple, proven design, but older, high-mileage units with neglected fluid can slip or shift harshly. The few gears also make the engine rev higher on the highway.
What to do: Test drive through all gears, including a highway run, before buying. - Age-Related Wear on a 10-Plus-Year-Old Car (2011–2015)
Every 2011-2015 xB is now more than ten years old. Suspension bushings and struts, air conditioning, tires, brake lines and rust in snow-belt states are the usual age items, and service records matter more than mileage.
What to do: Have an independent pre-purchase inspection, especially on a high-mileage or snow-belt car. - Fuel Economy Expectations (2011–2015)
Despite its compact footprint, the xB's 2.4L engine and boxy shape give EPA ratings of only about 22/28 mpg city/highway, similar to many midsize sedans and below most subcompacts.
What to do: Compare fuel costs with a Honda Fit or Kia Soul if mpg is a priority. - Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and xB Identification (2011–2015)
This file covers the 2011-2015 portion of the second-generation xB (2008-2015, 2.4L). The first-generation xB (2004-2006) was a smaller, lighter car with a 1.5L engine, and there was no 2007 xB. The xB ended after 2015 and was not continued as a Toyota in the U.S.
What to do: Confirm the exact model year and transmission by VIN before comparing prices or specs; any Toyota dealer can service the car and perform recall work.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. Toyota dealers perform recall work on Scion vehicles.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Kia Soul
- Nissan Cube
- Honda Element
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Matrix
- Mazda Mazda5
- Nissan Juke
- Scion xD
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does the 2011-2015 Scion xB have?
- Does the xB burn oil?
- What fuel economy does the xB get?
- What changed in the 2011 and 2014 xB?
- How is the second-generation xB different from the first?
- What should I inspect on a used xB?
- Who services a Scion now?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar boxy wagons should I consider?