DecodedCars2005 Scion xA
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2005 subcompact car (20.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Scion xA is a subcompact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 44% better than the 2005 subcompact car average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xA | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +44% | $2,250 | 296 |
| xA | 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +44% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Scion xA under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Scion xA (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Scion tC | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Hyundai Tiburon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Celica | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V776000 · 16,992 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Toyota Scion xA vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0W.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2005 Scion xA is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Scion xA buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 118,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Scion xA. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other xA years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 xA | 30 | – | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →