Makes›Scion›xB›2006

2006 Scion xB

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Scion xB
Pictured: 2008 Scion xB. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Station Wagons
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 26 city / 31 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2006 small station wagon (22.5 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Scion xB is a small station wagon offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2006 small station wagon average of 22.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.

What changed for 2006

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 xB — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 xB →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
xB1.5L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 31 / 28+24%$2,400317
xB1.5L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 30 / 28+24%$2,400317
22.5 MPG2006 Small Station Wagons average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Scion xB under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 small station wagons

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Scion xB (this car)28 MPGNot rated2
2006 Pontiac Vibe29 MPGNot rated5
2006 Toyota Matrix29 MPGNot rated3
2006 Saab 9-222 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (2)

Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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. 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 · 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Scion xB is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

33Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Vehicle Speed Control7
Unknown Or Other4
Structure › Body4
Engine3
Visibility/Wiper3
Air Bags3
Electrical System3
Steering3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/05: 215/08: 215/09: 115/10: 115/11: 116/01: 116/06: 116/08: 217/01: 117/02: 117/05: 117/08: 117/11: 118/05: 118/06: 118/10: 118/12: 319/04: 119/07: 119/08: 123/01: 123/12: 125/08: 126/05: 215/0515/1016/0617/0217/1118/1019/0723/12max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Scion xB buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Vehicle Speed Control — 7 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Scion xB. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other xB years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2015 xB24168.1 inNot rated26
2014 xB24168.1 inNot rated29
2013 xB24167.3 inNot rated212
2012 xB24167.3 inNot rated343
2011 xB24167.3 inNot rated549
2010 xB24–Not rated738
2009 xB24–Not rated8107
2008 xB24–Not rated6179
2005 xB29–Not rated116

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →