I'm 95% convinced to get an xB. The one thing holding me back is the fact that I can't find any crash test data on it. The xA has been tested, but not the B. It is like the government is overlooking it when it comes to the tests. Anyone know the explanation? Can anyone point me to someone who has done crash tests? Thanks.

 

This type of thread has been made many a time. They havent released the xB crash data is usually the most common answer.

 

I was at the same point that you are and finally wrote Scion directly to ask about it. I never got a reply.

Instead of an xB, I bought an off-lease Saab 9_3. Hopefully there's still an xB in my future, but I don't want to risk having my kids driving around in a car with undocumented crashworthiness...

The xB is almost in its third year of production. There are other newer models that have been tested... I don't understand why they've tested the xA but not the xB...the xA is a slightly newer car...makes me wonder if they're trying to hide something?!?

 

i dont understand it either

 

Here's the Japanese equivalent of the U.S. crash test:
http://www.nasva.go.jp/assess/englis...02e/as115.html
** CORRECTED LINK **

Also see the following threads:

Scion xB, standard safety features
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38496

Are Scions really safe!?
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...ash%2A+test%2A

RPM

 

I went to three dealers looking at them and i asked every one the basic questions and they all said it has a 5star... so it seems good and i haven't heard any horror stories.

 

Sent an email. Not sure what their response would be.

crash.test@nhtsa.dot.gov

 

Got a response from NHTSA (really quick response too):

Hello Consumer,

Unfortunately the Toyota Scion xB has not been tested. Presently we have no plans to test this vehicle for this fiscal year.

How does NHTSA choose vehicles to test? Why isn't my vehicle being tested? Every year the agency chooses those new vehicles which are predicted to have high sales volume, those which have been redesigned with structural changes, or those with improved safety equipment. This allows us to provide star rating results that best represent what is actually being purchased in the marketplace. These vehicles are purchased from dealerships from across the country, just as you the consumer would. The vehicles are not supplied directly to NHTSA by the manufacturer - a common misperception.

Since NHTSA selects vehicles for testing based primarily upon sales volume, not all vehicles can be tested. Those with smaller sales volume may not have been selected. Even though a vehicle may not have been tested under the New Car Assessment Program, all vehicles sold in the U.S. are certified by the manufacturer as complying with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.

If NHTSA didn't test my vehicle, how do I know if it's safe?
All vehicles sold in the United States must comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards ( CFR Title 49: Chapter V, Part 571 ( http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/w...cfr571_02.html ). These standards cover a broad range of safety concerns, from windshield wipers and brakes to crashworthiness and fuel integrity. To test compliance with these standards, NHTSA conducts a 30 mph frontal impact test and a 33.5 mph side impact test.

Note: NHTSA's NCAP crash tests, 35 mph for frontal crash tests and 38.5 mph for side-impact crash tests, are performed at 5 mph more than the corresponding FMVSS compliance test speeds. Higher speeds create more crash "energy" or power and inflict potentially more damage on the vehicle and its occupants.

Aren't there other agencies or organizations that crash test vehicles?

Yes, there are other organizations throughout the world who also crash test vehicles. NHTSA, in addition to its frontal and side-impact crash tests, is the only organization in the world that currently rates vehicles on rollover resistance. Vehicle crash test ratings can also be found at the following addresses:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ratings.htm

European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP):
http://www.euroncap.com

Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP):
http://www.aaa.asn.au/ancap.htm

New Car Assessment Japan:
http://www.nasva.go.jp/english

Note: Each organization's test results are generally for vehicles sold in its respective country or region. Vehicle specifications, and therefore crash results, may vary between countries. As such, comparing the test results for a similarly named vehicle model from different countries should be done with care, as there can be differences in the testing protocols and rating systems as well as the vehicle model itself.

Thank you for your continued interest in our program.

NCAP
www.safercar.gov
1-888-DASH-2-DOT