MotorDeets

2004 Scion Xa: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Scion Xa: 1 recall, 14 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
14owner complaints
2mention a crash
30best combined mpg
2004 Scion Xa
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V776000 · 2018 · 16,992 vehicles

What's wrong: The air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system (SRS ECU) May experience an internal short, possibly causing the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or become deactivated.

Why it matters: If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners unintentionally deploy, it can increase the risk of a crash. If the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners are deactivated, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SRS ECU, and if necessary, replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2018.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Speed control / throttle Equipment recall #07E005000 · 2007 · 2,934 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Failure to release the throttle when the cruise control is turned off could result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling3
Other / unknown3
Tires3
Electrical2
Airbags2
Equipment1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Exterior lights1

What owners describe

The 2004 Scion Xa has 14 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 4 Xa model years for complaints (well below the 31 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 31,089 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (40 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.5 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive273430Regular
1.5 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive273430Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Scion Xa.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Scion Xa manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Scion Xa manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Scion Xa manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Scion Xa manual

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FAQ

Does the 2004 Scion Xa have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Scion Xa, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2004 Scion Xa problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (3), other / unknown (3), tires (3).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Scion Xa get?

EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Scion Xa repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Xa years

2004200520062007