2004-2006 Scion xA Front Door Glass: More Than Just Glass, Check Your Regulator
A complete guide to diagnosing, replacing, and buying a used front door glass for your 2004-2006 Scion xA, including common window regulator issues.
- This glass only fits the 2004-2006 Scion xA 4-door hatchback; left and right sides are different.
- Slow or stuck windows are a common xA problem caused by the regulator/motor, not the glass.
- When buying used glass, inspect carefully for scratches and damage to the mounting brackets.
- There is a major unrelated safety recall on the airbag system for these vehicles (NHTSA #18V776000).
Vehicle Fitment and Part Number Verification
This front door glass is specifically for the 2004-2006 Scion xA 4-door hatchback sold in the North American market. It will not fit the Scion xB, tC, or any other model. The front driver (left) and passenger (right) side glass panels are different and are not interchangeable.
Compatibility Warning: Some aftermarket part sellers incorrectly list this glass as fitting a 2007 Scion xA. The Scion xA was only produced for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years in the United States. Be sure you are purchasing a part specified for the 2004-2006 range.
OEM Part Numbers
Toyota issued updated part numbers for the front door glass. The newer part number fully replaces the older one and is the correct part to use. When buying a used part, it may have either number.
| Position | Newer Part Number | Older Part Number (Superseded) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Left (Driver Side) | 68120-52141 | 68120-52140 |
| Front Right (Passenger Side) | 68110-52141 | 68110-52140 |
Symptoms of Failure
While sudden breakage is the most obvious failure, other symptoms can indicate a problem with the glass or a related part like the window regulator.
- Shattered or Cracked Glass: This is the most common reason for replacement, typically caused by road debris, an accident, or theft.
- Deep Vertical Scratches: If you see deep scratches appearing on the glass, it's often a sign that the window regulator is failing or something is misaligned inside the door, causing the glass to drag.
- Slow or Intermittent Window Operation: If the window struggles to go up, goes up a few inches at a time, or gets stuck, the problem is likely a failing window motor or a binding regulator. While not a glass failure itself, this issue is very common on the Scion xA and can put stress on the glass and its mounting points.
Known Issues: Weak Window Regulators
A common complaint among 2004-2006 Scion xA owners is the failure of the power window motors and regulators. Owners report that a window, or sometimes all windows, will roll down fine but struggle to roll back up. The window may go up a few inches and then stop, requiring a waiting period before it will move another few inches. This is typically caused by a weak motor or a binding regulator mechanism. If you are replacing your door glass, it is an excellent time to inspect the regulator's track for debris and ensure it moves smoothly. If your window was operating slowly before the glass broke, consider replacing the window regulator and motor assembly at the same time.
Buying a Used Door Glass for Your Scion xA
A used OEM door glass is an excellent, cost-effective option. Because it's an original factory part, it guarantees a perfect fit. However, you must inspect the used part carefully before buying.
What to Check:
- Scratches and Pitting: Hold the glass up to a light source and inspect the entire surface for deep scratches. As mentioned, vertical scratches can be a sign the donor car had a bad window regulator. Minor scuffs are normal, but deep gouges will be visible once installed.
- Chips and Edge Damage: Carefully run your finger along all four edges of the glass. Pay close attention to the corners. Even a small chip or 'flea bite' on the edge can turn into a large crack over time due to the stress of closing the door.
- Mounting Brackets: Look at the points where the glass bolts to the window regulator. These are typically plastic or metal brackets bonded to the glass. Ensure these brackets are not cracked, broken, or separating from the glass itself. This is a critical inspection point.
- Factory Markings: Look for the small sandblasted or etched marking in one of the lower corners. This should indicate the glass is 'Tempered' and may include the Toyota or Scion logo, confirming it's an OEM part.
- Aftermarket Tint: Check for any aftermarket window tint film. It can often be removed, but poor removal can leave behind a sticky residue that is very difficult to clean off. A part with no aftermarket tint is always preferable.
Replacement Overview and Difficulty
Replacing the front door glass on a Scion xA is a manageable DIY project for those with basic tools and patience.
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, 10mm socket/wrench, plastic trim removal tool, safety gloves, and safety glasses.
The basic process involves:
- Removing the interior door panel by taking out screws in the door handle and armrest area and carefully prying the panel off with a trim tool.
- Peeling back the plastic vapor barrier to access the inside of the door.
- If replacing a shattered window, thoroughly vacuuming all glass fragments from the inside of the door and the door bottom.
- Temporarily reconnecting the window switch to lower the regulator to a point where you can access the two 10mm bolts that hold the glass.
- Carefully unbolting the old glass (or what's left of it) from the regulator and maneuvering the new glass into the door.
- Bolting the new glass to the regulator, testing its operation, and reassembling the door.
Pro Tip: Before you start, have some painter's tape on hand. You can use it to tape the new window in the 'up' position inside the door frame while you work on attaching it to the regulator, preventing it from falling.
Cost Comparison
Prices can vary based on your location and the supplier, but this provides a general idea of the cost for the part and labor.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Dealer) | $195 - $220 |
| New Aftermarket | $95 - $150 |
| Used OEM (Recycled) | $75 - $125 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the driver side and passenger side front door glass the same?
No, they are not. They are mirror images of each other and have unique shapes and part numbers. You must buy the glass for the specific side you are replacing.
My window goes up really slowly or gets stuck. Is the glass bad?
The glass itself is likely fine. This is a classic symptom of a failing window motor or a binding window regulator, which is a known weak point on the 2004-2006 Scion xA. You will need to inspect the regulator and motor inside the door panel.
Will this glass fit my Scion xB or tC?
No. This door glass is shaped specifically for the 2004-2006 Scion xA hatchback and will not fit any other Scion model or year.
Is it safe to drive with a broken or missing side window?
While you can technically drive the vehicle, it is not recommended for more than a short trip to a repair shop. A missing window exposes you and your vehicle's interior to weather and debris, makes the car a major target for theft, and can create loud wind noise that is distracting and potentially unsafe.
Are there any recalls on the 2004-2006 Scion xA I should know about?
Yes. While there are no recalls for the door glass, there is a very important safety recall for the airbag control module (NHTSA ID: 18V776000). This defect can cause the airbags to either not deploy in a crash or deploy unexpectedly. You can check if your vehicle is affected by entering your VIN on the NHTSA website.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68120-52141 (Front Left) 68120-52140 (Front Left, superseded) 68110-52141 (Front Right) 68110-52140 (Front Right, superseded)
Material: Tempered Safety Glass. Green tint is standard.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Scion xA: