Recall 18V776 affects 16,992 2004-2006 Scion Xa vehicles for an SRS ECU short. Repair is free at any franchised Scion dealer.
Scion is recalling 16,992 2004-2006 Xa vehicles because an internal short in the SRS air bag control module can make air bags or seat belt pretensioners deploy unintentionally or deactivate. That raises crash and injury risk; Scion dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control module in the 2004-2006 Scion Xa is the electronic controller for the supplemental restraint system. Scion also calls this part the SRS ECU. It reads crash and system signals, then commands the air bags when deployment is needed. It also watches the air bag system for faults and turns on the SRS warning light when it detects a problem.
On recalled vehicles, the module contains small control chips built for this system that have a weakness for internal shorting. Electrical noise from other vehicle components can pass through the module, create abnormal current flow, and raise heat inside the circuit. That can damage the control module. Once damaged, the module can either deactivate the air bags or trigger an unintended deployment.
The warning sign identified for this recall is the SRS warning light for the air bags. If that light turns on, the air bag system has detected a fault and the vehicle needs recall service.
Who's affected?
Each model year points to the same air bag system component.
| 2004 Scion Xa | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2005 Scion Xa | air bag system |
| 2006 Scion Xa | air bag system |
| Units affected | 16,992 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended air bag or seat belt pretensioner deployment increases crash risk. If the system is deactivated, occupants have less protection in a crash. Treat an SRS warning light as a reason to schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Scion dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2006 Scion Xa is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Scion dealer to schedule the free SRS ECU inspection and air bag control module replacement that fixes the short risk behind unintended air bag deployment or deactivation.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V776 when you call.
- Call Scion customer service at 1-888-270-9371 if the dealer needs help locating the recall.
- Drive with caution until the repair is complete, because the air bags or seat belt pretensioners can deploy without intent or be deactivated.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Scion technician inspects the SRS ECU for the internal short condition covered by recall 18V776. The technician replaces the air bag control module if the inspection shows it needs replacement. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Toyota's general reimbursement plan on file covers eligible documented out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the service desk when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 24, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V776?
Recall 18V776 covers 16,992 2004-2006 Scion Xa vehicles with an SRS ECU defect. An internal short can unintentionally deploy the air bags or seat belt pretensioners, or deactivate them. Dealers will inspect the SRS ECU and replace the air bag control module for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2004-2006 Scion Xa is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V776. If it is, contact a franchised Scion dealer to schedule the SRS ECU inspection. Reference recall number 18V776 and Scion recall number J0W when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V776, the dealer will inspect the SRS ECU and replace the air bag control module free of charge if the inspection shows replacement is needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended air bag or seat belt pretensioner deployment, or deactivation of those systems. Unintended deployment can increase crash risk. Deactivation can increase injury risk in a crash because the restraint system will not protect occupants as designed.
What if I bought my Scion Xa used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the recall to follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Scion Xa is included, then reference recall 18V776 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V776000 |
|---|---|
| Scion customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V776 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V776000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →