Toyota Corolla matrix problems
The Toyota Matrix, officially named Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a compact hatchback manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and derived from the Corolla. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Matrix was the result of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, with the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which was assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California, United States.
The Matrix was positioned as a sporty hatchback counterpart of the North American Corolla and was counted as a variant of it in Toyota's sales figures.
Although identical mechanically, and nearly as much internally, the Matrix and Vibe had different sheetmetal and exterior trim designed by their respective brands. Both vehicles are narrow, tall station wagons styled in a quasi-SUV fashion (called a crossover utility vehicle or "CUV" by Toyota) and marketed to a fairly youthful market segment. This type of car is also commonly referred to as a sport wagon.
First sold in February 2002, the Matrix saw a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, and was redesigned completely in 2008 for the 2009 model year, following the tenth generation Corolla. Sales of the Matrix were discontinued in the United States in 2013 and in Canada in 2014.
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Toyota Corolla matrix model years
Common Toyota Corolla matrix problems
The Toyota Matrix, a compact wagon produced from 2003 to 2013, is known for its practicality and reliability. However, certain model years have been associated with specific problems, primarily related to the engine and transmission.
- 2004 Toyota Matrix: The 2004 Matrix has fewer complaints and recalls than the 2003 model, but still suffers from engine and transmission problems, especially in manual models.
- 2005 Toyota Matrix: The 2005 Matrix has 372 NHTSA complaints and six recalls. Owners have reported knocking noises from the transmission, erratic shifting, and whining noises from the floorboard, all symptoms of a problematic transmission system.
- 2006 Toyota Matrix: The 2006 Matrix has 285 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls. The most significant issue is the widely reported sudden acceleration, where the car suddenly accelerates while driving at slow speeds, and hitting the brakes does nothing. This problem has led to a major recall from Toyota.
- 2009 Toyota Matrix: The 2009 Matrix has the most overall complaints, but the 2003 model year is rated worse due to higher repair costs and more problems at lower mileage. The most-reported problem is excessive oil consumption.
In general, the Toyota Matrix is a reliable car, but certain model years have specific issues. Potential buyers should be aware of these problems and consider them when choosing a used Matrix. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the main problem with the Toyota Matrix?
One of its most severe issues is the engine problem. Many owners have noticed that the car consumed too much oil and heard ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine. Eventually, the Matrix engine just failed.
How many miles will a Toyota Matrix last?
Matrix owners have reported that they've driven 300,000 miles on their Matrix and the only maintenance it ever required were oil changes and tire rotation.
Is Matrix as reliable as Corolla?
According to carparts.com, the Toyota Matrix has good reliability ratings, such as a four out of five or a reliability score of 81 out of 100. This could be attributed to the fact that the Matrix is basically a Toyota Corolla, just with a larger trunk.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Matrix?
Worst Issues
- excessive oil consumption in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- engine failure in the 2003 Matrix.
- premature brake wear in the 2010 Matrix.
- engine noise with cold start in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- transmission stopped working in the 2003 Matrix.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Corolla matrix years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Corolla matrix cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Corolla matrix model years:
- Toyota Corolla matrix 2013
- Toyota Corolla matrix 2003
- Toyota Corolla matrix 2004
- Toyota Corolla matrix 2005
- Toyota Corolla matrix 2006
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Corolla matrix model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Corolla matrix years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Corolla matrix car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Corolla matrix , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Corolla matrix vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Corolla matrix . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Corolla matrix vehicles.
List of Toyota Corolla matrix complaints
Toyota Corolla matrix 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-05-05
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE8DC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ROUTE 22 TOYOTA SERVICE (1465 N BROAD ST, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205), WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Corolla matrix
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 45 recalls for different components of the Toyota Corolla matrix.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Corolla matrix 2009
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Toyota Corolla matrix 2010
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Toyota Corolla matrix 2005
- Report Received Date: 2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
- Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
- Model: Toyota Corolla matrix 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
- Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
- Model: Toyota Corolla matrix 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
- Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
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