Electrical System Problems of Toyota Matrix - part 2

Air bag (srs) started going on and off intermittently, then clock went on and off intermittently. Now clock rarely comes on. The ignition must be turned on and off several times to get the air bag light to go off. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota carmax dealer in laurel, MD. The rep said there was probably something under the seat, and found an empty water bottle. When the car was turned on, the light was gone, and he pronounced the car fixed. Two days later it came on again and has continued to come on and off randomly. The item under the seat story is bogus and only works because the ignition is turned on and off, not because items are under the seat. This is an obvious safety issue that needs to be fixed by Toyota. I am now reading many many other people have the same problem and Toyota will not recognize the issue.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

My srs light came on. It was diagnosed as a code b1181 for spiral cable assembly. A recall is in place or 1. 7 million vehicles in the us, but doesn't cover the 2004 Matrix (does cover the pontiac vibe though). Contacted Toyota customer service and filed a complaint, but they currently won't cover replacement as my model year isn't included in the recall and is out of warranty. I believe my car to be unsafe due to manufacturer's fault and believe repair should be covered by Toyota. Please help.

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The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v013000 (electrical system) and 14v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the key fell out of the ignition. The contact placed the key back into the ignition and turned off the vehicle. The problem recurred numerous times. The dealer was contacted and communicated to the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactured was notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

I received a letter from Toyota, 19001 south western avenue, torrance, CA on a vehicle recall for my 2004 Toyota Matrix regarding a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety. Toyota stated that the "electronic control module (ecm) for the supplemental restraint system (srs) . . . Could have been manufactured with integrated circuits that are susceptible to internal short circuiting. . . If internal short circuiting occurs, the front airbag(s) and/or seat belt pretensioners could inadvertently deploy. Any airbag that inadvertently deploys can, under some circumstances, increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a crash. " on January 4, 2014, I called phillips Toyota located at 8629 u. S. Highway 441, leesburg, FL 34788, at tel. 352-728-2030 to schedule the installation of ". . . A sub-wire harness (filter) to minimize electrical noise from the other vehicle electrical components at no charge to me. " I talked to a person by the name of "dan. " he told me that he would order the part and call me after it comes into the dealership. It is now February 19, 2014, and I still have not received a call from phillips Toyota to schedule an appointment. This is a full 46 days and/or about 1 and 1/2 months since I called the dealership. I am very concerned about the "risk of injury and the possibility of a crash. " the letter stated that should the air bag(s) deploy or the seat belt pretensioners, then there is an increase in the "risk of injury and the possibility of a crash. " the recall letter from Toyota stated that I could file a complaint if I feel the authorized dealership has failed or is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time. Under the circumstances, I feel that the dealership has failed and that six (6) weeks is an unreasonable amount of time.

As I was leaving the highway via the exit, I stopped at the end of ramp leading to secondary highway. The vehicle's engine then unexpectedly accelerated while my foot was on the brake. The brakes seemed to barely keep it from propelling. I immediately put the car in neutral and the rpms returned to normal.

The Matrix began having various electrical problems, including engine warning lights turning off and on, airbag warnings, clock and headlights/brakelights turning off and on. We have brought it in to several mechanics for checks and various repairs, to no avail. Most recently, a dealer shop diagnosed that the ecm is likely failing, and in looking at the records from another dealer shop noticed that the ecm was on back order in 2011 to install a new one after a recall, but that a new one was never installed. However, my service records show that the first dealer shop told me (fraudulently?) that it was in fact installed. The car may not be safe to drive, but I have not been successful to this point in getting it repaired. The second shop informed me that the first dealer shop is responsible.

I already turned in an incident but did not get an e-mail or any reply back so am doing it again to make sure. My air bag light has been going on intermittently for 1. 5 years. I was told by Toyota that it would cost $180 to diagnose the problem and was never told that when my air bag light was on that my air bag would not go off. I recently found this out so had it checked out. Turns out it is a faulty clock. Toyota has the clock as an integral part of their air bags. I can't believe that they put my family at risk because of a clock. It cost me $560 to fix as well. There was never any assistance on Toyota's part to assist me, lower the cost. My clock by the way works perfectly fine and it took them 1. 5 hours to diagnose the problem.

Clock has been fading in & out mostly out since purchased.

Power steering malfunction occurred and warning light (on the dashboard) was on. Steering wheel became very hard to turn. Luckily this happened on the parking lot, and not on my way back home (trip on the highway) which for sure would resulted in car accident with serious consequences. I have contact Toyota however at this point they are not concerned in this matter as safety issue and will not cover any expenses for such repair (power steering electrical unit/ relay was replaced_parts~ 900$ and labor ~500$).

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Sudden accelleration, brakes, battery, fuel injectors, shutting down suddenly, electrical.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

I do not know the exact date or mileage because I just discovered this site but my dealer would know. My airbag sensor light randomly comes on and stays on for several days to a week. I had dealer look at it and they said there was no problem. . . . Just a faulty light or something and nothing needed to be fixed. Also, clock now works off and on. I am concerned because after reading information at other sites, the information says that the airbags will not work if the sensor light is on. I have also read that the airbag sensor light and the clock are connected. I do not want to spend over $400 to replace a clock but it's a whole other story if my airbags will not work without a functioning clock that doesn't mess up the airbag sensor. I don't even know who to ask since the dealer doesn't seems to realize this either.

2004 Toyota Matrix. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fire. The consumer received a letter from Toyota stating it was impossible determine the cause of the fire, and therefore, they were unable to assist any further. Updated 07/15/13.

Recently my air bag light started coming on intermittently. After searching Toyota/matrix forums, I have found the 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix has had numerous complaints regarding the air bag system. It is common for the clock to stop working, which cases the air bags to stop functioning properly. This also seems to be a common problem with the 2003-2008 corolla. I don't mind that my clock doesn't work; however, it is a safety issue if it is the cause of the air bag malfunction and Toyota should rectify the problem.

Our driver side srs airbag warning light has been intermittantly on for over a year. Sometimes it doesn't go out when the car is started and stays on while driving; other times it goes out like normal a few seconds after the car is started, but spontaneously comes on and stays on later while driving. Once it's on, I have to pull over and turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, and then restart the car to get it to turn off. This is not always successful. The Toyota dealer was no help at all - couldn't find anything wrong, and said that I'd need to bring the car back when the light was actually on. Since the problem is inconsistant, I haven't been able to do that. I'm very afraid that someone in my family may be injured should we get in a collision, because I understand that if the light is on, the airbag is inoperable.

About a year and a half ago the airbag warning light started to come on and off intermittently. I checked with the dealer and was offered to pay for a diagnostic. I decided to do research first and found a whole lot of other owners have this issue. Some have taken the car in for services including complete replacement of the airbag system and clock (which happens to have faulty circuit that can result in the warning light coming on and off intermittently. ) some have paid over $1k in service fees. I contacted Toyota about it. They are not looking to own up to this quality defect. It's not a wear and tear (vehicle age) issue. The culprit appears to be a component that cracks off the pcb on the clock. Someone has reported having re-soldered this component to eliminate the intermittent airbag light issue. When will Toyota recall?.

2004 Toyota Matrix xr - failure of ecm (engine control module). 2005 - 2009 have been recalled for failure of this part. Toyota will not recognize need to cover failure in this model year.

Please see below. Dealership failed to install recalled part. Now I have a non-operating car. I feel this was done on purpose to save parts as it is now obvious that my part failed. 2010 ecm recall [incident: 130805-000418] I reviewed my paperwork and noticed that the ecm was ordered and never installed. The dealership fo whatever reason decided not to install it on 5/21/11 and now it has failed. The techs comments are" no action required/inspected ok". Why would they order a part and not install. I feel I am owed this part and the install as I thought it was done and from comments on the dealer invoice it was not. Even if it was replaced it only lasted 2 years and a few months what gives? look at invoice tocs738578 moss bros. Moreno valley, CA I feel ripped off for a hard to get recalled part.

Clock is intermittent and air bag warning comes on frequently . . Heater control lights are also intermittent . . Have asked dealership to fix these items and they have not . . Gave up after the third attempt.

2008 Toyota Matrix. Consumer writes in regards to Toyota computer safety recall. The consumer stated the dealer had not replaced the ecm, but claimed it was replaced.

Odometer failure due to Toyota building and installing a defective piece of equipment.

I am requesting that dot NHTSA investigate the electronic acceleration system and/or the ecm causing sudden unintended acceleration of my 2007 Toyota Matrix. On 9/18/2010 my son was driving my 2007 Toyota Matrix. He was pulling into a parking space in front of a store & was almost completely stopped when, even though he had his foot off the accelerator & on the brake, the car began to accelerate on it's own. He then pushed harder on the brake & turned the wheel & the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle ended up crashing into the glass window of the store, to the right of the parking spot, coming to a stop with the front end inside the store. There was approximately 4 feet of sidewalk between the front of the parking space and the building and about a 2 inch raise in surface height. My wife later informed me that she had an unintended acceleration problem that same day while driving the same vehicle. She turned onto a street & was traveling at approximately 25 mph & approaching a slower moving vehicle in front of her. She then took her foot off the accelerator to coast. The vehicle continued to accelerate with her foot off the accelerator and without the accelerator pedal moving. It accelerated to about 50 mph when she then had to apply the brake & tap the accelerator several times to get the vehicle slowed to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead of her. I have contacted Toyota & they are sending an engineering analysis company to inspect the vehicle. I was contacted by the company on 9/27/2010 to find out where the vehicle is & set up the investigation. The Matrix is currently at the progressive collision center in clearwater FL. No work has been done to the vehicle, awaiting Toyota inspection. Could you please investigate this incident.

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Driving though town, when vehicle stalled at intersection. Pulled over and vehicle started and drove, then stalled again. . . Had no prior problems with 2004 Toyota Matrix until now. Vehicle starts and runs normal then stalls intermittently. . Vehicle is Toyota certified. . .

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Driver-side air bag warning indicator is intermittent sometimes on , sometimes off. This seemed to start after the 3-yr warranty expired. Back then, I mentioned it to a dealer while in for a separate recall repair and the dealer suggested maybe I had stuff under or on the passenger side chair which could trigger the indicator. I never paid for them to check the car. Indicator goes on/off regardless of passenger/objects on the seat. Both front seats do not have stuff beneath them. More recently, clock illumination fades in and out, mostly out. This seemed to start no more than 3 yrs ago. Car has still has original airbags and clock. I'm afraid that my air bags won't deploy during an accident. I'm angry that my car wasn't included in the recent recalls.

Abs, brake, & service engine lights came on. Took it to midas, they replaced speed sensors. When I got car back it shifted gears (automatic) funny & hesitated significantly shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Immediately returned car to midas. They re-diagnosed & suggested I take it to Toyota dealer (john elway's crown Toyota). They said it was speedometer cluster & replaced it which did not resolve my problem so declined to pay & asked them to put back my old speedometer cluster. They didn't & didn't charge me for the new one. Had car towed back to midas. They disconnected speed sensors & told me it was drivable. Got on freeway next day & car wouldn't shift from 3rd to 4th gear, engine revved to 6000 rpms, got off freeway & called midas corporate to complain. They said they would have franchise owner call me. He called but did not identify himself as the person I originated dealt with at midas shop, I know this because I called the number they called from & it was the midas shop. Went to midas, today (8/27/10), they asked me to bring car in tomorrow & they would put back old speed sensors & see what happens. They think it's the car's computer but in the meantime I'm out a thousand dollars.

Sudden acceleration in 2008 Matrix automatic: first known failure. Car brought new in September 2007; odometer: 6000 miles. While driving approximately 35 mph on even straight smooth roadway, there was a sudden acceleration to greater than 70 mph. When brakes were applied, they depressed to floor without any effect. Car continued to accelerate rapidly. Shifted to neutral without success. Car slowed after being placed in reverse. Coasted to a stop. Placed gear in 2 and drove slowly home - approximately 1/2 mile. Floor mats were not near either pedal and were kept stationary by hooks designed to keep mats from shifting. Called Toyota service department: told that floor mats were the problem; talked to service managers who stated that the sequence of events described were impossible, no problems were known to exist for Matrix and greater than 99% of sudden acceleration problems were due to driver error. After a discussion, the car was evaluated by the service department. The following was reported: floor mats held in proper place no objects on floor normal brake pedal operation normal accelerator pedal operation health check - powertrain, chassis, electrical, network systems - ok computer codes - no abnormalities found normal throttle body inspection tires with normal wear & function problem was not duplicated on test drive. Was told that the car is functioning normally in all areas and has no problems. Implied that my experience was a misperception or misrepresentation. Assessment: there was a significant malfunction in the Matrix which could have led to critical injuries or loss of life. Only due to the traffic flow at precisely that moment, no one was injured. The Toyota service departments denied that the problem exists. Recommendation: sudden unexpected acceleration should be investigated until an answer /solution is found. The findings should be shared with the public. The cost for repairs should be paid by Toyota.

2006 Toyota Matrix: engine stalled and check engine plus oil light came on while approaching highway onramp. Pulled off. Checked for loose wires. Tried to start engine, engine started and was able to drive 100 miles home without a problem except that the check engine light stayed on. Next morning, engine started but accelerator would not respond. Engine simply idled. Turned it off, called tow. Tow truck driver was able to start engine and reverse out driveway. Engine stalled again but luckily in the street. Towed to mechanic. Dtc code po607. Mechanic said failed ecm and only Toyota can fix due to reprogramming parameters. Towed to dealer. Dealer confirmed failed ecm. Over $900 to fix.

During normal driving conditions dry weather flat road, car began to miss, run rough and shut down while on the road. I was able to still get vehicle to side of the road without incident. I believe a less experienced driver may have not had the same results. This sounds strangely related to the current ecm recall. They did not change my ecm, but replaced my camshaft timing gear to the tune of $440. 00. Do I have another pending problem? or maybe they did additional testing and replacing? I have no record of this. . . . If someone would like to investigate this. I have the part. . Also. . I was able to finally get it restarted with check engine light on and it was running very poorly. Had to keep rpms up to keep from stalling.

My car was running fine and died in the middle of the road and the engine light came on. Light when off later in day. Next day - died on busy highway - restarted and would going go about 5 miles per hour. Next day trying to get to the shop died and took several times to get started and then 5 miles per hour again. They know there is something wrong with this part -- they should have to fix no matter the mileage. . . . It is noted in a bulletin.

My 2007 Toyota Matrix stalled in a major intersection I was almost rearended by a truck, in fairport n. Y it starts and stalls,starts and stalls I bought this car new, and it never started right I brought it in several times they said it was fine,hoselton Toyota and when I was here on 4-15-10, there were 2 other Toyotas being pushed in the garage,not enough people are coming forward,please help us. . [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Letter from senator on behalf of constituent. Re difficulties with her 2005 Toyota Matrix. The consumer stated the brakes were defective due to the rotor getting caught in the brake pad. The problem continued after the second brake repair. The brakes made an audible squeaking noise when depressed. There was a loud noise every time the vehicle was started and the gears were engaged. The abs did not work on an irregular surface. A defective rear axle caused damage to the tires. The lights would go out by themselves when it was dark.

After reaching 94,000 miles mark like what some other Toyota Matrix owners experienced, there was a harsh in the transmission when you shift to reverse and the check engine light is on.

2006 Toyota Matrix stalls, check engine light comes on. The car had to be towed into the dealership, where, after resting over night, ran fine and the check engine light turned off. However, I requested that the dealership run the diagnotics, which showed an error code p0607 in the system which means the ecm is defective. I had the ecm replaced at a cost of $867. 57, plus $95. 00 for the tow. Now I learn that a TSB was issued on this problem for this vehicle back in 2007, and although my Matrix was in the dealership for maintenance and service dozens of times, at no time was the defective ecm replaced, nor was I told of the problem. This car is primarily driven by my wife, a social worker for a child welfare agency in the chicago area. She is often in very unsafe neighborhoods, and was in such a neighborhood the morning before the car stalled -- luckily for us -- only a mile from our house. Toyota says that the part was under warranty pursuant to federal law until 80k miles. My Matrix has 85k. Toyota refuses to cover the cost of the repair unless it issues a recall on the vehicle. But under the present TSB, of which I was only made aware through an internet search after having the stalling problem, Toyota has no intention of covering the cost of repairing this known and admitted defect. If this is not resolved by a recall, others will have stalling vehicles on a highway and get severely injured or killed, or in a bad neighborhood and get mugged or raped, or on the way to the hospital and suffer health complications from delayed medical care, etc. , etc. Please take immediate steps to force a proper resolution of this problem. By the way, when I called Toyota (800-331-4331), I was told that there are several other tsbs on my Matrix, but that the representative cannot tell me what they are until I am having the problem covered by the TSB. That is unconscionable. Look what that did for the similar approach with the floor mat and acceleration problem.

Toyota Matrix xr 2008:bought new. One driver car. Twenty-two months of driving with 11,000 miles on it. Took to dealer on March 12, 2010 because leaking transmission fluid. Diagnosed as faulty harmonic equalizer on front axle which caused scaring on axle and inside transmission installed new axle and transmission. Ten minutes after picking up car after first problem corrected: car lost power while I was driving. Nearly killed by semi-truck but avoided accident. Diagnosed as faulty computer. Dealer installing new computer now. Updated 03/29/10 updated 05/05/10.

Bought 2009 Toyota Matrix s new. I commute approximately 45 miles one way to work on freeway, normally with cruise control on. I have experienced several occasions of acceleration "surge"(relatively minor increases in acceleration without touching accelerator). My wife also experienced unintended acceleration while taking our son to school under normal street speed. I would also experience several situations of difficult vehicle control on freeway due to steering issues. I thought at the time it was just wind pushing against the car until I read other drivers experiencing the same thing.