Toyota Matrix owners have reported 29 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (29 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
We purchased this car in March 2007 and changed the tires in 2009 at about 30,000 miles. And now we have to change the tires again in 2011 at about 55,000 miles due to abnormal tire wear. It is outrageous that the tires (at warranty of 80,000 miles) have to be changed at less than 30,000 miles. This may be due to problematic configuration or build of the car.
At this mileage, my car started making a loud grinding noise in the transmission. It turns out the main bearing is shot. This despite all scheduled maintenance being meticulously performed, full transmission fluid, and the clutch still being fine. There is no way the transmission should have failed at this mileage, and getting a replacement is very difficult and expensive because working ones are so rare! apparently there is a very high failure rate on the 5-speed manual transmissions due to them being under-engineered. I want Toyota to do something about this.
I am greatly concerned about the fact that how Toyota is handling manufacturing defects could lead to the injuries or deaths of its customers. We received information from Toyota saying that the onboard computer for the car was defective and needed to be replaced. However, the company did nothing for months despite repeated phone calls. Toyota representatives on the phone initially provided no help in getting the problem resolved. We finally got permission to bring the car to a dealer for repair, which also had the engine light on (there can be many reasons for this, but they should be easily identified. I had to wait several hours because the initial replacement was also defective (I believe the date was 6/8/11). As I drove away from the dealership, which was now closed, the engine light came back on. We had to bring back the car, and were told that the 02 sensor was defective. I have read on the internet (although I don't know the accuracy of this) that Toyota has been putting defective O2 sensors in cars that don't last as long as they should (ours only has 42k). We then had to pay an independent mechanic with a much higher customer service rating than Toyota dealers have to find out what is actually wrong with the car. The problem was confused by the fact that the onboard computer was not consistent or accurate. For days the engine light was on, for days it was off. These mechanics said that the Toyota dealer made an error and did not clear the computer's history so any future problem could be easily identified. So they cleared the history and we had to bring the car back in a few days. They then replaced the apparently defective O2 sensor. We hope this is over but don't have great confidence. There have been many problems reported with the Matrix. Edmunds. Com reports that "a periodic problem with this vehicle is failure of the powertrain control. ".
The odometer on my 2005 Toyota Matrix will not advance past 299,999 miles. I have checked on line and have discovered that this is a known issue with the Matrix. I contacted Toyota and was referred to my dealer. I worked with the general manager who said that he had recently seen a prius with the same issue. The general manager told me that Toyota is aware of this issue and that whoever designed/engineered the odometer arbitrary decided to stop the odometer reading at 299,999. This is a significant issue for the following reasons: 1. I am unable to determine the normal service intervals for the vehicle. This includes: a. Intervals for oil changes b. Other services such as other fluid changes, etc can not be tracked or determined when they are due. C. Intervals for tire rotation. I. My tires have a warranty that is pro-rated on mileage. That warranty is no longer of use to me in that I can not provide the correct mileage. Ii. The dealer that I purchased the tires from offers free rotation but I can no longer access that service in that the mileage does not advance past the 299,999 mark. 2. My state requires that the mileage be stated when a car is sold. I can no longer give that information accurately. 3. According to the general manager of my dealer, if I were to trade in this Matrix, I would have the trade in value decreased because I could not provide an accurate odometer reading. 4. If the vehicle is damaged in an accident, law enforcement and my insurance company can not determine the correct mileage. It is obvious that my car is the only one with this issue, as stated above. There should be no reason for this odometer to stop at 299,999. This is purely a design/engineering decision, not a worn out part. I request that your agency investigate this issue.
My car died while I was driving on a Saturday. I called the dealership and told them, they confirmed it was due to the recall on the ecm [1zz-fe], yet I had to pay to have the car towed in. They said they would run test to confirm that was the problem then fix it. 3 hours later they called and said that changing the computer part that was recalled could fix the problem, but they didn't have any - I asked for a loner car since it was not my fault I would be without a car, they said they were not responsible for that. They would do an emergency order and the part would be in on Tuesday - they would call me in the morning. On Tuesday they didn't call I had to call, I had to call multiple times to reach anyone, and they didn't have the part, it was back-ordered and could be up to a few weeks. I again pushed for a loner car, they said they would see if they could authorize it and call me in the morning. In the morning they had somehow managed to find a part, put it in, I was then told that the fuel system needed to be replaced. My car was in perfect condition before this, there is no way the fuel system miraculously went bad at the exact same time that the recalled part went out - it had to be caused by the computer failure. Besides that I was told that the computer part was the only thing wrong with my car. Then they tried to overcharge my by $600 for the fuel system, all the while still not giving me a loner car. In summary my car died on my in the middle of the road, I had to pay for my towing, miss hours of work, be careless for 6 days and pay for a new fuel system all thanks to the recalled part. I should not have to pay for the parts that were damaged by the recall problems.
2010 Toyota Matrix. S10 appropriate letter from regarding Toyota problems the consumer stated he requested on several occasions to have the brake override installed in his vehicle, but Toyota declined his request.
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.
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.
My husband and I were on interstate 495 of the washington beltway sitting in a 3 mile backup where 5 lanes were merging into one. My foot was firmly on the brake leaving plenty of room from the car in front of me. All of a sudden I realized that the car was inching forward and the brake would not stop the acceleration. My husband realized what was happening and looked down and knew that my foot was firmly on the brake. All of a sudden, it just stopped as fast as it started. We came within inches of hitting the car in front of us. As I sat in that mess of a traffic jam and saw the amount of cell phones being used, it hit me. Did all these phones start that car to move? this Matrix 2009 only has 22,700 miles on it but I will be taking it to the Toyota dealership and Toyota will be receiving a letter from me with the details. The recall work on the accelerator was done 2 months ago. I have also made a complaint to the dealership that the car seems to do something between 20 and 40 miles per hour when you are decelerating. I can't tell exactly what it is doing because it seems to jerk. The dealership put it on the computer and said nothing was wrong. It may be unrelated to the other problem but it is one more thing that I have noticed about this car. As a note, my husband and I have had Toyotas forever and currently have a 2004 corolla and traded in the 2006 corolla for this Matrix. We have never had any trouble whatsoever with our Toyotas until now.
We've lost 7 hubcaps from our Matrix. They've flown off while driving, with potential to cause an accident.
2009 Matrix consumer has questions regarding sudden acceleration recall. . So far the consumer has not experienced any problems. However, she was under the impression that she would receive a recall notice regarding unwanted acceleration. From what she has read, it appeared that the gas pedal may not be the only, or even the problem for the reported unwanted acceleration, but also an electronic throttle control system problem. The consumer wanted to know can the electronic throttle control system be checked and tested and even upon replacement, how can she be reassured that the electronic control system is properly working?.
I have a Toyota Matrix 2003. On February 19, 2010 I was driving north on highway 101 in California. I was driving at about 35 mph my distance from the car in front of me was about 1/2 a block. Suddenly the traffic slowed down and I immediately started slowing down, but the car would not stop and it felt like it was accelerating instead. I crash into the car in front of me with several damages to my car, total loss of the car in front of me and with body injuries to myself. This is not the first time it happened on a Toyota Matrix in 2006 I had another accident that put me out of work and with permanent disability problems. Both incidents due to similar circumstances. I will like to do farther investigation on this issue.
On several occasions I notice my accelerar /gas pedal sticking. Also at times hard to press the accelerator also. At 1 times I almost had an accident had I not been able to put the car in nuetral and stop,almost getting hit doing it. I didn't realise what it until I read about this recall and was never contacted to this day about it from Toyota or its dealer.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly in traffic. Multiple calls to service department have not solved problem. Vehicle has stalled on the interstate as well as in busy intersections. Serious accident is immanent.
I was sold a defective 2009 Toyota Matrix. My son was driving the vehicle merging into traffic. His lane was ending and there wasn't an opening for him to merge. He wasn't able to stop the car and ended up running into a telephone pole which fell on the vehicle and it was totaled. He said that he didn't understand why he couldn't stop and couldn't explain what happened. The police officer was upset at my son because he said there must have been a reason he crashed into the pole and since no one could figure it out the police officers only conclusion was to assume that my son was sleepy. In March of this year I received a call from the local Toyota dealer stating that our 2009 Matrix is being recalled for the defective accelerator pedal and that I should bring it in to be repaired. I explained to them it was too late the vehicle has been totaled in an accident. I was originally informed that Toyota would do an investigation. Then after several weeks they told me that there is nothing they can do because the vehicle is not available for an investigation and also because no one else has reported problems with the Matrix. The fact is I was sold a defective car and my family and I were in danger every time the vehicle was driven. The steering wheel was also defective. The airbag was coming out of the steering wheel and the whole steering wheel. It was replaced before the accident.
On April l9, 2008 with 2788 miles on my new car the front tire went soft and when taken to dunn tire they told me the tire was defective. I was naturally upset with so few miles but put a new one on which cost me $l61. A few weeks ago, my car was pulling to the right and the mechanic at monro muffler told me I had a "bad tire" and would have to replace both front tires ($408) I could not afford it and called goodyear who told me they would check it out and perhaps replace the tires. After two weeks I called again as nothing was done and I feel I am driving on unsafe tires as now it pulls to the left. My contention is that defective goodyear tires were on my car when purchased. They are eaglers-a sport tires. I do not know if goodyear will offer to replace them or not but feel there is a safety issue involved here and I should not be responsible for replacing 3 tires on a car that at the time of the last tirre check had l5,701 miles on it. I know goodyear recalled some of their tires but not sure if the ones on my car are included. Think not.
I have a 2009 Toyota Matrix and it continues to have issues. Toyota has never sent notification of recalls and this car has a few. When I bring it up to the dealer they act as if I have no idea what I am talking about. My tires need replacement at 20,000 miles and the brakes grind when stopping even after they were replaced at the dealers expense after they told me there was nothing wrong with them twice! I had to go back to the dealer 3 times as the parts people sent the wrong parts twice!! the tire warning light is constantly coming on even though I have had it to the dealership 3 times and they tell me nothing is wrong. I am told that the change in temperature makes the light come on. I am to the point I am going to replace the tires and be done with it. The last thing I need is a tire blow out on the interstate. The engine gets sluggish and bogs down while on the interstate and the interior features keep having to be slammed back into place because they come out of place. I was told by a salesman at a car show that it happens with the Matrixs and they don't know why. Each trip to the dealership I am treated as a woman who knows nothing about cars. My father is a mechanic and I know my way around a car. Cobb county Toyota in kennesaw, georgia is the worst dealership. I am going to try another dealership or just head to an independent. I saved for 2 years to buy it and now I feel very upset that Toyota cares so little about the customer. I understand there are a few more recalls out on the 2009 Matrix, yet I haven't been notified of them by Toyota. When I brought up the new recalls to the dealer he looked shocked and tried to tell me that wasn't true. Why are new Toyota buyers getting free service when our cars are the problem. I'm going back to Honda! Toyota use to be great. The president of the company should be ashamed and commit seppuku or at least provide current owners free service too.
After last oil change, oil was gel-like, engine made tapping noise. . . Took to dealer with a list of other problems, ac not cold, heater not blowing hot, window jumping when rolling down, and tires making funny noise. Was told engine noise was normal, fixed ac again, 3rd time, heater had loose part tighten, window part ordered, tire had flat spot, last time was water in wheel. Crash did not damage engine, or windows, or tires.
The plastic covering on the drivers side front interior door opening lever has split. This has caused development of a sharp edge which caused me to cut my finger when opening the door.
The car was operated by mother who was in a parking lot about to finalize a full parking of it. All of a sudden, her words were "it shot off like a bullet" and she did not know what was happening. It felt like it was going 100 mph and she did everything under her control not to hit another vehicle or 3 pedestrians. The pedestrians saw what was happening and ran, one was hit, not seriously. Police and rescue were called. The johnston, rhode island police department impounded the car. The car will be inspected probably on June 26 by the ri department of motor vehicles enforcement division. They will determine whether the car is "fit" to drive or "unfit" to drive. It was a scary situation. The car is brand new. I am the owner of it, I bought it in December 2005, it had not yet been delivered to the dealers lot. I picked it up a week after initiating my purchase. It's a 2006 Toyota Matrix, all wheel drive.
While driving my car, it will start to miss out and then stall. Upon restarting, the engine light comes on. I took it to the dealer where they replaced the computer. That helped for about 6 months and then problem recurred. I took it back to the dealer and we then replaced the ignitors. Once that was complete the car ran fine for 2 months. Now it is happening again, and is very dangerous. It happened to me today for instance while I was in the middle of an interstection making a a turn. When the car stalls, I have limited steering. This also happens to me while I'm on the interstate. Clearly there is a severe problem with this car that goes beyond the computer and ignitors. It is very dangerous to drive, but I have no choice since it is the only car that I have.
The engine doesn't have enough compression to hold the car when parked in gear even on low inclines. It will slowly roll away on low inclines and rolls faster the steeper it is. Toyota say this is normal and the manuel says to use the e-brake. I do of course use the e-brake if it is steeply parked. But since e-brakes freeze in cold conditions, I have a real safety concern here. I have parked many other standard cars in the same locations the Matrix rolls away in and they don't move. At my dealer the maintenance manager agreed it was a problem on the test drive, as did his technician until it was found all Toyota Matrix did the same thing. Now Toyota canada is involved and all say there isn't a problem now. Toyota need to warn people prior to a test drive when something as basic as parking is different from other standards.
Consumer states the instrument panel has "red lights" and can not be seen in the sunlight. The consumer cannot view the odometer and other settings. The consumer also stated that the panel is recessed, making it even more difficult to view while driving. Mr the consumer stated that after they had taken possession of the vehicle, while driving on the highway in the bright sunlight, from the driver's seat, the numbers, dials, and the indicators on the instrument panel could not be seen. (and were blank as if the vehicle was in park) the consumer had taken the vehicle to the service manager and was told that the vehicle was operating properly, and that the entire vehicle would have to be re-engineered. Safety hazards exists on all 2003 Toyota Matrix.
This model is equipped with automatic headlights that dim the dash lights when they come on. Unfortunately, the design of the light sensor is defective, in that it is located so close to the a pillar that the lights flick on and off all day long. This car has gauges, meaning that they must be back lit in order to be visible, and when the headlights come on in the middle of the day (as they do quite often) the gauges are obscured, and it is impossible to tell what speed you are going, for instance. Despite two visits to the Toyota dealer to address this, I have been told the lights are functioning as they are supposed to. The lights flick on and off all day long, even at noon, depending on whether I am driving towards the sun or away from it, or whether it is to my left or right. Dt.
On a sunny trip from san diego to san francisco and another sunny trip from san diego to phoenix the dash board dials were unreadable. I found that when I could read them I was going 90 miles an hour which is not my usual highway speed. At night the lights to light up the gear shift do not light up until you have driven 10 to 20 feet, hopefully in the right direction. Dt.
The air conditioning started to blow hot air, then the engine started stalling and the engine check sign came on. Toyota said it was a stone that got into the radiator and provoked a leaking. No signs of damage in the front bumper. How can a stone get there and how do they make such fragile cars? I had to pay for the damages although it is a brand new car.
Consumer has a complaint about the instrument panel in bright sunlight is blank.
The instrument panel is designed to appear "blacked out" when the vehicle is not running. This is accomplished trhough the use a dark plastic cover. When the vehicle is started the instruments become visable via back lighting. On a sunny day the lighting is just adequate to read the instruments. A major safety issue occurs when the light sensor (located next to the a-piller ) turns the lights on in sunny daylight conditions. I have observed this up to three hours after sunrise and three hours before sunset when the sun is to my left, left rear, left front, or back. When this undefeatable automated system turns on the lights it dims the instrument panel lighting to the nighttime setting, rendering the instruments illegable. This creates a situation which distracts the drivers attention for an inordinate amount of time, creating a potentially lethal situation should it occur upon entering a school zone or other pedestrian area that dictates a reduction in speed.