DecodedCars2012 Scion xD
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 154.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,624 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2012 subcompact car (21.7 MPG).
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Scion xD is a subcompact car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 155 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,624 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), 34% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 xD — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 xD →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Hatchback | 154.7 in | 68.1 in | 59.4 in | 96.9 in | 58.7 / 58.7 in | 2,624 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +34% | $2,300 | 306 |
| xD | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +34% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Scion xD.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Scion xD (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Fiesta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Hyundai Accent | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 MINI Countryman | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 MINI Clubman | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius c | 50 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Scion xD.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Scion xD is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Scion xD buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Air Bags — 1 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,027 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 2012 Scion xD. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other xD years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →