Accelerator Stuck problems of the 2003 Toyota Matrix

Three problems related to accelerator stuck have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Matrix. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Accelerator Stuck problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2013

Accelerator pedal sticking, hard to press.

2 Accelerator Stuck problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2003

I took the Matrix in twice shortly after I bought it because the car would unexpectedly lunge forward while at a complete stop. I also complained that the brakes felt "loose" and did not "catch" as they should. I was advised both times by the service manager that they could not duplicate the problem and that nothing abnormal was found with car. While I was beginning to look into "lemon laws", in September of last year I was at a stop light with the brake pedal fully engaged. Due to my previous experiences with the car lunging forward, I would keep several feet between me and the car in front of me to avoid an accident. This time the car not only lunged forward, but it was like the accelerator stuck-I had my foot on the brake but could not stop the car after it lunged forward and I hit a car that was in front of me at the light. My car did not stop until I was almost parallel with the other car on the passenger side! I have had the case looked at by Toyota, and their legal department has advised that nothing is wrong with the car-their only explanation is that the vehicle operates to "normal" specifications. They have advised that the car will lunge forward while the air conditioner is as when the ac compressor cycles, it increases the engine rpm and the vehicle will move forward. My air conditioner was not on at the time of this accident, however.

3 Accelerator Stuck problem

Failure Date: 11/28/2002

2003 Toyota corolla Matrix. Consumer states numerous accidents due to the accelerator sticking. The consumer stated due to the accidents, the axle and transmission were damaged. The consumer stated the first accident, she tried to reduce her speed on a curve, but was unable to do so and consequently hit another vehicle. The second accident, she was driving down a residential street and again she was unable to stop the vehicle when she approached a curve. The vehicle continued to accelerate, she hit a curb and the vehicle flipped over. Updated 04/16/10.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 2003 Toyota Matrix



Safety Ratings of Matrix Cars
Fuel Economy of Matrix Vehicles
Matrix Service Bulletins
Matrix Safety Recalls
Matrix Defect Investigations