Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | −92% | 1 | Airbag | Good |
| 2011 | 10 | −87% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2010 | 45 | −48% | 4 | Airbag | Good |
| 2009 | 192 | 2.3× | 3 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2008 | 38 | −59% | 2 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2007 | 96 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 170 | 1.5× | 3 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2005 | 213 | 1.5× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2004 | 138 | typical | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2003 | 268 | 2.4× | 1 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Matrix year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Toyota Matrix problems
Latest Toyota Matrix recalls
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and…
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of…
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive May have been improperly manufactured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Toyota Matrix should you avoid?
2003, 2009, 2005 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Matrix years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Toyota Matrix?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Matrix years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Toyota Matrix problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (406), transmission & drivetrain (172) and speed control & acceleration (145). Airbag complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Toyota Matrix had?
7 recalls across 2003–2012. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Toyota Matrix recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.