The 2006 Scion xB with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine is generally reliable, but suffers from a catastrophic piston ring/oil consumption defect that can destroy the engine if ignored, plus typical CVT-era Toyota transmission cooler failures and some quirky electrical gremlins.
Catastrophic Piston Ring Failure / Oil Consumption
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Loss of power and rough idle as rings deteriorate, Eventually throws rod or seizes if oil level drops unnoticed
Fix: This is the 1NZ-FE's Achilles heel—piston rings wear prematurely, lose tension, and allow oil burning. Proper fix is engine rebuild with updated rings and pistons (12-16 labor hours) or used/reman engine swap (10-14 hours). Band-aid approach is frequent top-offs and hope, but that risks sudden failure.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping or spraying from cooler lines near radiator, Burnt transmission smell, Slipping or delayed shifts if fluid level drops, Pink or red fluid pooling under front of vehicle
Fix: The crimped steel cooler lines rust and crack at the fittings. If coolant mixes with ATF via radiator cooler failure, the transmission is toast. Replace cooler lines preventively (2-3 hours) and flush if contamination suspected. Full transmission replacement if coolant cross-contamination occurs (8-12 hours).
Estimated cost: $300-800 for lines; $2,500-4,000 for transmission replacement if contaminated
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or banging on acceleration or deceleration, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in park, Vibration through shifter and center console, Difficulty shifting into gear
Fix: The rear transmission mount (also supports engine) tears and collapses, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Common on all first-gen xBs. Replace all engine/trans mounts as a set for best results (2.5-4 hours).
Estimated cost: $350-650
Headlight and Exterior Lighting Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Headlights flickering or cutting out intermittently, Moisture buildup inside headlight assemblies, Tail lights or turn signals not working on one side, Bulbs burning out frequently
Fix: Multiple NHTSA recalls addressed wiring harness shorts and bulb socket corrosion. Check for open recalls first. Common fix is cleaning grounds behind headlight assemblies (0.5 hours) or replacing corroded bulb sockets (1-2 hours). Headlight assemblies themselves develop cracks and leak (2 hours to replace pair).
Estimated cost: $150-600
Cruise Control Spiral Cable / Clock Spring Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Cruise control won't engage or randomly disengages, Airbag light illuminated, Horn not working or intermittent, Steering wheel controls unresponsive
Fix: The spiral cable (clock spring) behind the steering wheel wears out, breaking circuits for cruise, airbag, and horn. Requires steering wheel removal and cable replacement (2-3 hours). Part of Toyota's recall scope in some cases—check VIN.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Evaporative Emissions System Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0442, P0446, or P0455 codes (EVAP leak), Fuel smell near fuel filler or under vehicle, Difficulty fueling (pump clicks off repeatedly), Failed emissions test
Fix: Charcoal canister, vent valve, or hoses crack from heat and age. Most common is the vent valve on top of the canister. Smoke test to locate leak (0.5 hours), then replace failed component. Canister itself is pricey if saturated from overfilling (2-3 hours).
Estimated cost: $200-700
Owner tips
Check oil level every fill-up—the 1NZ-FE oil consumption issue can sneak up fast and kill the engine in under 500 miles if rings are worn
Replace transmission cooler lines preventively around 100k miles and inspect radiator cooler for internal leaks during coolant changes
Use Toyota WS transmission fluid only—aftermarket ATF causes shifting problems
Verify all NHTSA recalls completed (especially lighting and cruise control) before purchase
Buy one if oil consumption is minimal and transmission shifts cleanly—avoid any xB burning more than a quart between oil changes or you're inheriting a $4,000 engine job.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2006 Scion xB
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V036000
2010-02-03
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 09V223000
2009-06-15
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 09E025000
2009-05-11
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
2009-04-07
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 07V048000
2007-02-12
CERTAIN ROSTRA PRECISION CONTROLS' SPEED CONTROLS MAY HAVE A FAULTY MODULE. THESE CONTROLS WERE INSTALLED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DEALERS OR AT THEIR VEHICLE PROCESSING CENTER ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL "ON/OFF" SWITCH IS PRESSED ONCE TO TURN THE UNIT OFF, THE THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE. WHEN THE "ON/OFF" SWITCH IS PRESSED A SECOND TIME, THE THROTTLE WILL RETURN TO IDLE.
Consequence: A CRASH COULD BE CAUSE IN THE EVENT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO RETURN TO IDLE ON THE FIRST DEPRESSION OF THE "ON/OFF" SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL · 07V030000
2007-02-01
CERTAIN ROSTRA PRECISION CONTROLS' SPEED CONTROLS MAY HAVE A FAULTY MODULE. THESE CONTROLS WERE INSTALLED BY GULF STATES TOYOTA (GST) DEALERS OR AT THEIR VEHICLE PROCESSING CENTER ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL "ON/OFF" SWITCH IS PRESSED ONCE TO TURN THE UNIT OFF, THE THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE. WHEN THE "ON/OFF" SWITCH IS PRESSED A SECOND TIME, THE THROTTLE WILL RETURN TO IDLE.
Consequence: A CRASH COULD BE CAUSE IN THE EVENT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO RETURN TO IDLE ON THE FIRST DEPRESSION OF THE "ON/OFF" SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GST AT 1-800-444-1074.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL · 07E005000
2007-01-18
CERTAIN ROSTRA CRUISE CONTROLS, P/NOS. 00012-X0486-01, 00015-X0486-01, 00012-X0486-21, 00016-79910, 00016-79910-01, AND 250-1755, INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2006-2007 GULF STATES TOYOTA AND SOUTHEAST TOYOTA SCION VEHICLES AND ALSO SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT. THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ON/OFF SWITCH IS PRESSED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Consequence: FAILURE TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL FREE OF CHARGE. ROSTRA WILL NOTIFY PURCHASERS OF THE ATERMARKET CRUISE CONTROLS AND REPLACE THE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ROSTRA AT 910-291-2538.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E064000
2006-07-17
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.
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E060000
2006-06-29
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."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 06E023000
2006-03-13
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.