general problems of the 2005 Toyota Matrix

Failure of retention system for front right inner fender/shield. There is only one retention point at front (on bumper). When fails, shield/inner fender behind front bumper drags on ground. Hole for retention pin has only about 1/4 inch of material to rear of hole - the plastic splits. Did not split in response to hitting anything - car was sitting in driveway when failed. When took to dealer (still under warranty), offered choice of cable tie repair (free) or replacement of entire inner fender assembly ($211). Chose cable tie, although dealer also left rope repair I had installed to hold until getting to dealer. Dealer indicated rope should stay - hardly a real repair. Left side failed previously - had to personally replace retention pieces. Dealer service rep indicated that they see a number of Matrix xr and xrs models with same problem, due to ground effects installed on those models. Seems to strongly imply a design defect.

The clutch was difficult to depress/to engage the starter. The consumer stated that there was a problem when trying to work the clutch because there was not enough room in the floor area ,and the wheel well made a hump in this area. Also, the vehicle was designed with a foot rest that the consumer had removed because it made it more difficult to drive. On several different occasions the vehicle stalled. Twice it put the consumer in dangerous situation although, there were no accidents. The first time was in August 2004. The second time was in September or October 2004. When the consumer took vehicle to a dealer they basically told him they could not find the stalling problem. When he contacted the manufacturer, they told him basically the same hing. The consumer stated he believed that the area problem was a design flaw.