Rear Suspension Problems of Toyota Matrix

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.

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Purchased certified pre owned - (leased) 2006 Matrix 27940 miles 7/26/08 - on 11/12/08 32955 miles after oil change dealer wrote : "tires are wearing funny - aligned at n/c did not rotate rht rear cupping - 3/25/09 oil change 38632 - dealer wrote - rotate tires if needed - last time in had tire wear issue needs tires has 1 good tire on car on lf. Apparently this is a problem with Toyota - haven't contacted dealer yet but will after reading complaints. I don't know if the after market shim fix will void my extended warranty or not. . . . . .

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

New 2005 Toyota Matrix chewed up the factory (continental conti-touring) tires in short order (caused "cupping"). Dealer said there was nothing they could do - it was my problem and not a problem with Matrix and we'd have to buy new tires. Complained several times after that but was blown off each time. My research now shows that this is a known problem on this model, that Toyota even has a shim and adjustment kit available but continues to deny it to customers and refuses to issue a recall.

Excessive tire wear due to design flaw/workmanship of the manufacturer. The rear end alignment is not adjustable, and was way off from the factory. Had top replace the tires at 15k miles due to cupping caused by camber/toe in way out of spec. Toyota said that tire alignment was well within design specs. Drove for 15k miles on second set, was told by tire specialist that 2nd set of tires (not same as original) was also cupping, and that the problem was definitely in the alignment of the rear end. Had to threaten Toyota with a lawsuit before they admitted there was a problem. They added shims to car (I had to pay for parts), but flat out refused to re-imburse for ruined tires.