Differential Unit Problems of Toyota Matrix

I just found out that the rear suspension cross-member (part # 51206-12190) in my 2004 Toyota Matrix is about to fail due to rust. While doing something else my mechanic happened to notice the issue. He showed me the problem and said it would be dangerous to drive the car. The car has low mileage for being 16 years old (about 8k a year). This car was built in canada and sold in new york state so it should have been designed to take many years of wet/winter road conditions. If my car had 16k miles per year it would only be 8 years old. Should a part that holds the differential up (not let it drop to the road) go bad in even 20 years on the road? I only found out about this problem by chance. Otherwise I could have been driving down the road and possibly had a fatal accident due to the rear parts of the drive train dropping to the road. The car looks fine otherwise. So how many other people who own the same car that is the same age, or newer or a bit older, have no idea that this problem exists? if even one owner of this car has an accident caused by this problem and is hurt or killed that would be very bad! and that person could have been me - because there has been no recall issued intended to check for this potential failure. I have spoken with Toyota about this issue and they told me I am on my own, that they couldn't/wouldn't help me. The two people I talked with never said that they would do anything to be sure other Toyota Matrix owners were informed about this possible rust issue.

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Bearings in the differential/transmission are making noise. It is a 5-speed manual transmission. This is way too early for transmission failure. Estimated cost of repairs is $2,500.

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The differential and both rear wheel bearing failed at 99,823, the axial boots failed earlier at 92,55 miles. Total cost was $4,240. Car was driven into repair shop making loud noises.

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My rear differential in my 2006 Toyota Matrix xr 4wd was making a whining noise that increased in volume as speed increased. I took it to the dealership and was informed that it was the rear diff. And would cost $2300 to replace. Car has 68k. Powertrain warr. Is 5 yrs. Or 60k. Dealer quoted me price of $2388 to fix?? I said it should not have gone out as I have done every maintenance on this car. They then offered me a measly 10% as a whiner/consolation fee. I then called the "customer center" of Toyota and was eventually told that they would up the "offer" to $600, and that was their final offer. They then called me the next day and told me that it was actually the transmission coupling assy, and that it would cost another $400. Toyota said they would cover the difference of $400 since it was misdiagnosed. I said they should cover all of it since it was clearly defective. They refused. Then I found a Toyota technical service bulletin on the internet describing the exact problem, dated August 23, 2007. So they knew about the problem, and did not notify me. I know this must have happened over a long time, and I could have brought the car in to be inspected, well within its warranty, but Toyota did nothing. I think Toyota is not standing behind their product. $2417 later, Toyota would not acknowledge that this was a defective part, and forced me to pay for it. I shudder to think what might have happened had this part seized up on me at 65 mph in traffic, or on one of our icy mountain roads in the winter.

Noticed and increasing grinding noise coming from the transmission. Had the transmission fluid changed also having the mechanic look for metal shaving with none found. Took to transmission specialist who confirmed the "differential" was going to fail soon and advised to not drive the car until repaired.

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Toyota differential failed at 100k. According to the mechanic, the problems must have been existent for a significant amount of time.

I purchased a new 2006 Toyota Matrix xr awd on Feb. 2006. I'm going through a 'what seems to be' a common problem with all Matrix's "an ab-normal tire wear problem". The wear/chopping started at around 10k. . . It currently has 17k. . . I've rotated the tires 3 times already!!! the dealer is telling me it's a rear differential problem. . . They're replacing it under warranty. . . Not sure if this will fix the problem??? the tires are all choppy and worn now (at only 17 miles) . . . They must be replaced under warranty!!.