Table 1 shows three common structure related problems of the 2008 Toyota Matrix.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Structure problems | |
| Underbody Shield problems | |
| Body problems |
2008 Toyota Matrix. Consumer states problem with design or manufacturer flaw. Consumer seeks repair cost while driving, there was a succession of loud noises followed by a huge bang. At the same time, the vehicle pulled to the right and rolled off the road into some bushes before coming to a stop. When the consumers wife exited the vehicle, she discovered a long piece of black plastic a foot wide lying behind the vehicle. Not knowing what it was, she placed it in the back of the vehicle and drove home. The consumer identified the large piece of plastic as the lining from the right front wheel well which had been torn completely away and was then run over by the vehicle. The consumer argued that the flimsy clip holding the lead edge of the liner to the body had failed, which allowed air to get under the liner which peeled all the way off after becoming entangled with the tire.
Was driving the 08 Matrix at highway speed on interstate 90/94 west of madison WI. Stopped at rest stop and hear loud, hollow noise from under vehicle. Made it to milwaukee and brought car to Toyota dealer. Was informed one of the straps holding gas tank to car failed due to corrosion, wear & tear and age of vehicle. Was told noise was due to gasoline tank, rock and heat shield clanging against car's frame/chasis underneath and out of sight. Was told if second strap had failed it could have created fireball under car. Was told strap failure is not uncommon (really?). Vehicle repaired for $129 out of pocket expenses. Not feeling too safe about vehicle at this point in time but cannot afford a new car to replace it.
Someone pulled out in front of me and I hit them with the front of my car. I was driving 40 miles an hour on a city street. It crashed in the front end, radiator, fenders and hood. The airbags did not deploy. I had been sent a recall notice and scheduled an appointment at a local Toyota dealer immediately. The crash happened two weeks before the appointment. This is a known problem with the manufacturer. Nhtsa recall no. 19v-627.