Steering Problems of Toyota Matrix - part 1

My friend was driving down southside when his car began to uncontrollably accelerate and he lost all his power assist features like power steering and brakes it caused him to be t boned by a SUV no airbags deployed and he almost died I just want this to be resolved I dont want this to happen to someone else.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

"electric power steering" while driving the steering does not center causing you to have to recorrect constantly. It seems like a saftey issue but Toyota swindled their way out of a recall.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

I experienced a near death episode last month while driving on the highway. I was going at the flow of traffic in marin county in the inner most lane in the early morning. Suddenly, my steering completely lost control and did not function. It would not stay in my lane and kept erratically moved and swerved into the next lane then back and forth before making multiple 360 spins before hitting the guard rail all the way across the highway. My car brakes wasn't responding when I braked during this horrendous trauma. Thank god nobody hit me during this crazy car went out of control. Recently, I decided to google to see if other 2006 Matrix had the same situation and was stunned to find that there are drivers with the same car models who experienced the same thing ! I was even more stunned to find out about the 2010 Matrix that were in class action suits. I am infuriated and disgusted at the manufacturer for not recallign the vehicles!! they only recalled the 2010 and beyond. What about the older models>??? I almost died in that accident. The company should be ashamed of themslves.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Sudden loss of power steering assist. I parked my Toyota Matrix which was running perfectly. I stay up to date on tuneups and oil changes and any other maintenance issues that arise. When I came back to my parked car I noticed a red exclamation light on which turns out to be the warning light for electric power steering. When I turned on my car I quickly realized that I had no power steering assist. I took the car to the mechanics and they could not figure out the issue. They replaced the fuse thinking it was a broken fuse, but nothing. They called Toyota and even Toyota had no idea what it was. As I did more research this seems to be a common issue with Toyota Matrix� based on some research I found that some the power steering malfunctions happen within four years of a healthy cars life. This leads me to believe that there should be a recall for the power steering as this is a very dangerous malfunction. I was fortunate enough that it happened while my car was parked but if it had occurred while driving (which ive seen it has) it couldve been extremely dangerous.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

I was driving about 70mph along the beeline highway outside of phoenix az and negotiating a gentle curve in the road. It was about 1:30pm on a clear day. I felt a strong lurch (thought I had been hit from behind although I knew there were no cars around me) almost immediately I attempted to straighten the wheel and found myself unable to turn the steering wheel. The car mounted the median road divider, came down, spun 360 degrees and gently drifted to the side of the road. I was not injured but the car was totaled. I looked on line after the accident and did find some accounts of this kind of frozen wheel scenario with the lurch that I felt but also at much lower speeds. As I understand you keep statistics on vehicle malfunctions I feel it important to report this unusual accident to your agency.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Difficult to steer. I have to keep hands gripped on wheel, especially when turning. I'm almost landing in the oncoming lane. If I it a bump in the road, the vehicle leers.

I was backing down my driveway when my car suddenly accelerated-the brakes and steering also went out-I crashed into a bank on one side of the road, then the car swung around and I ended up suspended over a ditch. I was finally able to switch gears and turn the car off.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Front of vehicle shook when I applied the brakes and came to a stop.

Clock, hvac switches blink on and off intermittently regardless of vehicle movement. Power locks work intermittently including when vehicle is put in gear. It almost seems like a electrical short but it comes and goes. This problem resembles the multitude of complaints regarding this make and model. There is also a vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds which also resembles a multitude of complaints regarding this make and model. I am surprised after reading the numerous electrical complaints that Toyota has not offered a remedy or recall.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on the electronic power steering indicator illuminated and the steering ability seized. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer. The diagnosis was that the steering shaft computer had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. Bp.

My daughter said the steering totally locked while being driven. Her & her boyfriend could not get the steering wheel to turn at all. They were not speeding because it was on wet roads. They both suffered mild concussions & my daughter has a severe neck sprain. After seeing the car, it went off the road & rolled 2 or 3 times it's totaled, I'm surprised they're not in icu! I did some research & almost 1000 Matrix's have had this happen!! I don't know why there isn't a recall. It seems Toyota isn't all that safe & doesn't care about it's customers at all.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. Immediately after the vehicle was started, the warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph and attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. The contact attempted to pull over and discovered that the steering wheel was difficult to turn after the engine and power steering fluid warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was powered off and back on, the warning indicators were no longer illuminated and the vehicle was able to be driven. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10v384000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The vehicle was taken to a dealer mechanic , who diagnosed that the power steering electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Lb.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph the ability to steer seized and lost control of the vehicle went over a road retainer landing in a ditch. The police department was not notified, the contact did not experienced any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Bp.

Car was parked. When I returned to the car, the power steering had ceased to function and warning lights were lit for the power steering, abs and brakes. I understand there is a technical service bulletin on the power steering unit for this vehicle for issues related to the power steering locking up. Luckily I was not driving the car at the time.

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$).

I went to change lanes to the left, and before I could spotted a car that had been in my blind spot. I veered back to the right to stay in my lane and all of a sudden it felt like something in the steering wheel clicked and the car suddenly jerked back to the left, the back to the right, and left again, swerving out of my control. I tried to cold on to the wheel and steady it straight but it jerked left harder and spun out of control, flying straight into the highway barrier. The car crashed into the barrier on the front bumper, bounced off slightly and I was able to maneuver the car the rest of the way off the road. Up until I crashed into the barrier I had absolutely no control over the steering at all.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

I was headed to work like I usually would m-f then out of no where the steering wheel had locked. This caused the car to loose control. The car all of a sudden was spinning around and eventually it flipped landing on its side. To top it off none of the air bags deployed! I was pulled out of the car my whole body aching, especially my arms. This was because I was holding on for dear life praying that I will come out of it alive. Luckily, no one was in the car but myself, but I know I do not need this to happen to me twice so I will no longer will purchase a Toyota.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to drift off to the right. The contact tried to straighten up the steering wheel but it locked up and caused her to crash into a ditch. The vehicle was destroyed and the driver and the driver side rear passenger sustained minor injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who declared the vehicle destroyed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected and the insurance company was going to send an agent to look at the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that would send an investigator to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

I was traveling on interstate when vehicle drifted from right lane to left lane, unable to control - this discontinued, appx 4 - 5 miles later the vehicle drifted from right lane to left lane & hit shoulder. When braked vehicle went into spin & ended up crossing left & right lanes, ending on interstate roadside @ tree line. Damage to front driver's side - I am sore on left side (shoulder, lower back & left knee - also have pain across stomach I guess from seatbelt engaging. This was terrifying, and I am also afraid to drive this vehicle again. Accident occurred on Thursday am, first chance to research Friday night, I was appalled to learn that while Toyota was aware of this issue never received first communication regarding possible danger. I could have been killed had there been traffic around me on the interstate, as was the case when the 1st drifing happened.

Traveling southbound on interstate 15 I changed lanes from the right hand lane into the right hand merge/exit lane to friar rd exit. I was on my way to church above mission valley. I was traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour, as I was changing lanes the steering wheel suddenly no longer controlled the wheels. I moved the steering wheel only enough for a lane change but the steering lost all connection with wheels. The front wheels appeared to have lost connection with the steering, the car lurched first left then right, I put my foot on the clutch to try to get it to slow down. I didn't hit the brakes while car was in uncontrolled movement. Then the car did at least one complete 360 spin, came out of the spin facing the curb at the shoulder, bounced over the curb. Apparently it may have gone air borne and sheared off a small tree. Went down the embankment on its wheels and ended up at the bottom still on its wheels.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The contact was driving 40 mph when the brakes were applied and the vehicle spun around four times. The contact stated that the ground was dry and there were no road hazards. The contact merged onto the shoulder for about twenty minutes and then drove home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 24,000. Updated 09/27/11 the consumer stated she applied the brake very lightly and the vehicle went out of control. It appeared either the brake locked or the accelerator locked. Updated 09/30/11.

2009 Matrix xrs certified vehicle purchased with 33,000 miles around 2010, currently 48,000 miles and has 5 yr, 100,000 mile extended warranty. This vehicle is difficult to drive on the highway. The vehicle wanders into the left or right lanes and driver must fight to keep the vehicle in a straight line. The local chantilly Toyota dealership denies the issue and any TSB. The steering on this vehicle is dangerous and warrants further review by ntsb if Toyota continues to stonewall its customers regarding safety issues. I will follow up with Toyota national.

While driving a 2010 Matrix, Tuesday oct. 19,2010, approx. 30mphs. The car made a clicking sound as if a cruise control had been set but this car doesn't have cruise control. The car then took off a very high speed like a jet plane at take off. I was unable to control the brakes or steering. The vehicle travel approx. A half of a mile before hitting an embankment and then jumping out of the ditch and back onto the highway where it landed and stopped. The car is suppose to be equipped with six air bags but none of them deployed upon impact.

I have a 2009 Toyota Matrix that has multiple issues including a steering issue that almost caused my family their life, now I am being told I need new brakes at 19,800 miles. The rear brakes are not adjusting at all which may be causing the steering issues. Car is having interment issues going into 1st and reverse, reported multiple times, Toyota says they cannot duplicate. Car is still under warranty. Also, one tire is wearing on one side which is a known issue. The steering issues has been reported along with the one tire wearing issue by over 500 people but Toyota will not recognize it. I am scared to take my car on the interstate due to the steering issue and this is a new car with low miles. My family is at risk of break failure, or worse due to the defects. When I called Toyota,m they said if I ride my breaks a lot, that could be the cause. I do no such thing. This car is only driven to work and back everyday and has been serviced on a regular basis only by Toyota dealer in rivergate. I have also reported defects in the gas gauge. When I fill the car up, it registers on empty for at least 2 hours before moving to f. It does not happen every time and since Toyota cannot see it, they said they cannot fix it.

Steering wheel pulls to the right/left. Purchased car used from Toyota dealer noticed the steering pull during test drive. Dealer aligned car, but still pulls to the right & left.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota corolla Matrix. The contact stated when holding the steering wheel steady, the vehicle would veer from left to right. The failure would occur when driving at any speed but was more extensive when driving at higher speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where he was advised that the manufacturer was aware of the failure and was looking into a remedy for his year, make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage is 525. The consumer stated the problem still exists and needs to be addressed by Toyota. Updated 10/26/jb updated 11/03/10 the consumer believed Toyota failed to use flashable rom's in order to change the steering. Updated 11/04/10.

When accelerating, the car veers sharply to the right. It's not an alignment issue but feels like the torque steering. I must have my hands firmly on the wheel to correct it. This happens at least twice weekly. According to my Toyota dealer there is no recall on this issue.

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.

My car wanders when I am driving it. There have been too many instances to narrow down the date when it happens. When I am driving my car seems to wander from its lane. At highway speeds and in town. If the wheel is held straight the car tends to wander to one side or the other, usually it seems to the passenger side. Sometimes when I am on a gradual curve I must make constant corrections just to stay in my lane. I have yet to bring this to Toyotas attention. I am bring my car to the dealer I bought it from 9 months ago and have them look at another problem with my brakes failing, so I will also have them inspect this problem as well.

At 12:30 p. M. I was heading north on OH-25 in bowling green, ohio. My car began shaking, but I was not overly concerned as we often have windy days. I turned right onto OH-582 and became slightly more concerned when the shaking in the cabin did not cease. I noticed that the car did not shake below about 45 mph but again attributed the shaking I experienced to my car fighting against winds. I turned left onto I-75 n and accelerated to merge with traffic. After merging safely into the right-hand lane, I continued accelerating until I reached 55-60 mph and merged into the left hand lane. Shortly, I reached 65 mph. When the shaking, which I had supposed to be due to strong winds, did not cease, I attempted to decelerate. I pressed lightly on the brakes to begin a slow deceleration, with the intention of merging into the right hand lane and putting on my hazard lights until I could come to a safe place to pull over. Instead, when I began to put light pressure on the brakes, the car veered unexpectedly to the left. Surprised, but not overly alarmed, I let off the brakes and attempted to correct the trajectory of the vehicle, which I did not judge to be a difficult maneuver. Instead of coming back into the middle of the lane as expected, the car overcorrected and spun perpendicular to the following traffic and the semi beside me in the right hand lane. The car then slid toward the semi, partially under the bed of the truck and as my car slowed, the front right end of the car made contact with the back left wheels of the truck. On impact, the force of impact pushed my car back out through the left-hand lane and into the grassy median where it came to a halt.

While driving to and from work I have experienced a problem with the steering of my 2009 Toyota Matrix. This generally happens when I am driving on the highway going over 40 mph. The car will suddenly veer and I have to compensate by steering in the opposite direction to bring it back onto the road. At first I thought it was the wind blowing my car to the side but even on calm days it has happened. I have had other people drive my car who have had it happen to them. It does not happen ever day but at least once or twice a week I experience the problem.

Ongoing steering problems on 2009 Matrix cause it to over steer when car hits bumps or when there is a wind of any kind. The faster the speed, the worse the problem. It is dangerous to drive in windy conditions. The car badly over steers and I am afraid it will roll in windy conditions.

When you're driving the car unexpectedly pulls to the left or the right then when trying to correct the steering over corrects thus jerking the car in which ever direction you are trying to correct. This action occurs every day. We have taken the vehicle to two different dealership service departments, at one we were told the front tires were swapped and at the other they said they could not duplicate the problem and we were told that there was nothing wrong with the steering and that without a recall there was nothing they could or would do to fix the problem.