Vehicle Shudder Problems of Toyota Matrix

Low noise from engine area, then heard a pop or thud. After this came a scratchy/grinding noise when car was in gear and coasting. The noise went away when clutch was depressed or car was taken out of gear to coast. I called a service repair to make an appointment the same day. The very next day the car locked up and was undriveable. Sounded like the engine had fallen out the bottom with horrible metal grinding noise. I had to have it towed ($150) and the service center said I would need a new transmission and clutch and that this is a common problem with Toyota Matrix and corolla. After reading online, it seems there is a problem with Toyota owners with low miles having bearing issues and that this problem has gone unaddressed. Even though I was going only 10 miles per hour, the car locks up. This issue will kill someone, someday. Cost of repair will be around $3,100+.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

When going up a hill in 4th gear car shifts down to 3rd gear to maintain speed & there is a loud noise that shakes the car (as if the engine's going to fall out). Happened about 20 times so far. Toyota dealer mechanics got car to repeat this 3 times (once hooked up to a computer). The mechanics & the service manager all feel that the transmission needs to be replaced. I have 100,000 mi. Extended warranty. The person from Toyota (not from the dealership) that has to approve putting in a new transmission refused saying it is an intermittent problem. He then said it was the way I use the gas pedal. Then why did it happen on the 3 roadtests when brought to dealer. The shift into 3rd (on a hill) is so violent that I'm afraid to keep up speed on the parkway when going up a hill. I pull into the slow lane & put on my flashing lights & stay at 50 mph or less. I feel that the car is unsafe to drive. I have 90,000 mi. On it. I have reported this incident to Toyota customer relations on the phone (they are based in California). They said they would look into it & get back to me in 3 days (tomorrow). I have bought 4 Toyotas in a row & got my sister-in-law & her son to each buy one. If this is how Toyota treats a loyal customer (all cars are serviced at Toyota) then I guess I & my family won't be buying one again. I paid a good deal of money for the extended warranty. A lot of good it's doing me. Thanks for listening.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Matrix 🔎.

I heard a scraping and grating noise as I exited the freeway that I thought was some trapped debris under the front end or in the wheel well. I pulled into a gas station to investigate, finding a loose plastic plate ( a recurring problem with the cheap plastic screws and fasteners used) I rigged something to hold it up and get home. After a few more blocks the sound intensified and the car began to shudder and shake and I heard a pop. I pulled over, got towed home, and the next morning had it towed to a shop. The mechanic informed me that my transmission was shot and would need to be replaced. The car only has 140,000 miles on it, and I do not drive it like some crazed maniac. An internet chat room has recorded lots of Matrix owners with the same transmission issues. . . I am going to need a new transmission and a new clutch.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Matrix 🔎.